The Welcome walk
Hunter Wetlands National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about The Welcome walk.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
1km one-way
Time
20 - 40min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Flat
Steps
No steps
Quality of path
Formed track: The track is 3m wide and mostly wood boardwalk along its length. Near the start of the walk, there's a bridge that's 1.5m wide.
There's a flat concrete path to the schoolmaster's house towards the end of the walk – you can detour to this building before returning to complete the walk.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
The Welcome walk is in the Ash Island precinct of Hunter Wetlands National Park. To get there:
- Cross the Ash Island Bridge off the Pacific Highway at Hexham
- Turn right onto Schoolhouse Road
- Park at the information shelters, where the walk begins.
Parking
There's a bitumen carpark at the start of the walk. There's also parking at the schoolmaster's house, but this is only open during business hours.
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 it’s a good idea to bring your own.
Seats and resting points
There are 3 benches along the walk that are located after the bridge and before the mangroves. The benches don't have backrests or armrests.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - easy
- The Welcome walk is 3m wide and flat wood boardwalk along its length. There's a bridge towards the start of the walk that's 1.5m wide, and a flat concrete path to the schoolmaster's house towards the end of the walk.
- There are 3 benches set between the bridge and the mangroves. The benches don't have backrests or armrests.
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.