Rainforest walk to Riverside Park
Hunter Wetlands National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Rainforest walk to Riverside Park.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
2km one-way
Time
1hr 45min - 2hrs 15min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Flat
Steps
No steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles: The first 240m of the walk is along a metal boardwalk. After this the track becomes a dirt track until you reach Milham Road, which is bitumen.
Other barriers
Gates: There's a locked gate where the walk meets Milham Road. There is pedestrian access around this gate.
Other barriers: Part of the walk goes along a road as it heads to Riverside Park. Please be mindful of vehicles as you walk.
Accessible options
The first 240m of this walk is along an accessible metal boardwalk. The boardwalk doesn't have handrails.
The track becomes a dirt path beyond the wetlands. It's mostly flat, but uneven, grassy and narrow in sections and it may be muddy or submerged after rain. Assistance may be required for people with reduced mobility.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Rainforest walk to Riverside Park is in the Ash Island precinct of Hunter Wetlands National Park. To get there from Newcastle:
- Head north along the Pacific Highway towards Hexham
- Cross the Ash Island Bridge then turn left onto Scotts Point Way
- Park at the end of Scotts Point Way
- The walk commences to the right
Parking
You can park on Scotts Point Way at the start of this walk. There's also a bitumen carpark at the end of the walk at Riverside Park.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Hunter Wetlands National Park. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
With the weather mild, now is the time to get those bicycles out and ride the paths around Ash Island.
Spring
Pack a picnic to eat at Scotts Point or Riverside Park This is also the time you'll see the cream flowers of the mangroves .
Summer
This is the best time for birdwatching at Stockton Sandspit, as many of the migratory birds are here feeding. Make sure you're there at low-tide.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
20°C and 25°C
Highest recorded
42°C
Winter temperature
Average
10°C and 18°C
Lowest recorded
1.8°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
March
Driest month
November
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
283.7mm
Facilities
Drinking water is not available in this area so you'll need to bring your own supply.
There is a toilet at Riverside Park at the end of the walk.
Seats and resting points
There are 3 sandstone slab benches at the start of the walk. They don't have backrests or armrests.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
- The first 240m of this walk is along an accessible metal boardwalk. The boardwalk doesn't have handrails.
- Beyond the wetlands, the path becomes a dirt path. It's mostly flat, but uneven, grassy and narrow in sections. It may be muddy or submerged after rain. Assistance may be required for people with reduced mobility.
- Part of the walk goes along a road as it heads to Riverside Park; you'll need to be mindful of vehicles along this section.
- There's a locked gate where the walk meets Milham Road. There is pedestrian access to go around this gate.
- here are 3 sandstone slab benches without backrests or armrests at the start of the walk.
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Operated by
- Newcastle office
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.
- 02 4946 4100
- npws.lowerhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 1 Wetlands Place, Shortland NSW 2307
Park info
- in Hunter Wetlands National Park in the North Coast region
Hunter Wetlands National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.