Motorcycle adventures with Ride ADV
Watagans National Park
Overview
Join Ride ADV on an unforgettable motorcycle adventure through Watagans National Park, near Newcastle. Whether you’re a pro or beginner, there’s a ride perfect for you.
- When
- Contact Ride ADV for tour schedule.
- Where
- Watagans National Park in North Coast
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Grade
- Easy. Suitable for adults 17 years and older. Tour can be adapted to suit all experience levels.
- Price
- Contact Ride ADV for pricing.
- Meeting point
- Meeting place provided after booking
- Bookings
- Bookings required. Book online or email or call Ride ADV on 0499 089 715.
Experience the thrill of riding through some of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes on a motorcycle tour with Ride ADV. You’ll explore well-planned routes that include remote and iconic tracks.
Whether you’re a seasoned ADV rider or just starting out, RideADV provides the support to make every trip an epic experience. Safety comes first, with each ride backed by robust support, including sweep riders, roving support vehicles and medically trained staff equipped with satellite phones.
With flexible accommodation options and luggage transport, you’ll be able to focus solely on riding.
Ride ADV is a licenced commercial tour operator with a Parks Eco Pass.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/motorcycle-adventures-ride-adv/local-alerts
Operated by
Park info
- in Watagans National Park in the North Coast region
Watagans National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather, roads closures or high fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Motorcycle adventures with Ride ADV.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Contact Ride ADV for directions.
Parking
Contact Ride ADV for parking information.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Not wheelchair-accessible
Learn more
Motorcycle adventures with Ride ADV is in Watagans National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Blossoming rainforest
The area is rich in plant life, producing moist forests and a wealth of plant species. Mountain blue gums and blackbutt trees shelter the smaller brush cherry, climbing vines and tree ferns. Across late winter and into early spring, colourful orange-coloured banksias, brilliant purple happy wanderers, and the many hues of yellow wattle trees all flower in bright abundance.
- Circuit walking track Circuit walking track is a short walk near Newcastle. Plunging into rainforest, following the creek as it passes a dramatic moss-covered rock wall, this is a great place to visit.
- Great North walk - Watagans National Park The section of Great North walk in Watagans National Park features great scenic lookouts and wonderful birdwatching. It is best suited to experienced bushwalkers.
- Monkey Face lookout Monkey Face lookout provides excellent scenic views over the Martinsville Valley, with space for a picnic.
- The Narrow Place lookout For scenic views of Hunter Valley, you can't go past The Narrow Place lookout in Watagans National Park. Visit this historic lookout, near Cessnock, to go sightseeing or birdwatching.
Breathtaking views
From Monkey Face lookout, there are spectacular views down over Martinsville Valley, and 6km along Georges Road to the north, Narrow Place lookout provides a 180-degree panorama toward Cessnock, Hunter Valley and beyond the Barrington Ranges. There are so many ways to enjoy the scenery, whether by horse riding, 4WD touring in the wetter months, mountain bike riding or pulling into a shaded picnic area to cool down after a walk.
- Boarding House Dam picnic area A popular picnic spot with daytrippers in summer, Boarding House Dam picnic area offers all the amenities, as well as local history, paddling, and hiking opportunities.
Building a nation
Log chutes and old saw mill sites used during past forestry operations still stand among the plants as a testament to the region's rich settlement history. By the 1820s, a fertile timber industry had established itself, providing cedar and hardwood from the area to the building and growing coal mining industries. Increased timber production provided employment and wealth to the region, and you can still see relics from these operations throughout the park.
- Boarding House Dam picnic area A popular picnic spot with daytrippers in summer, Boarding House Dam picnic area offers all the amenities, as well as local history, paddling, and hiking opportunities.
- Turners walking track Steep and challenging, Turners walking track in Watagans National Park, near Cessnock, boasts rainforest views, historic heritage and superb birdwatching.
Fascinating Aboriginal landscapes
The park is of great importance to the Awabakal and Darkinjung People, and rare insights into art and engraving techniques have been found at over 40 recorded locations in the Watagan Range and surrounding lands. Given that there are only six known Aboriginal engraving sites in the wider Sydney region, this one is particularly noteworthy for its display of more than 100 abstract motifs carved into walls throughout the park.