Hunter Wetlands National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Hunter Wetlands National Park.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Newcastle:
- Drive north along the Pacific Highway towards Hexham
- Just before Hexham McDonalds (on the left at the lights), turn right across the Ash Island Bridge.
Park entry points
- Hunter Wetlands access See on map
Parking
- Stockton sandspit See on map
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.
By public transport
For information about public transport options, visit NSW Transport – Newcastle Buses and Ferries.
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
Maps and downloads
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.
Contact
- 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.
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Newcastle office
02 4946 4100
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. - 1 Wetlands Place, Shortland NSW 2307
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Email: npws.lowerhunter@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Newcastle office
Nearby towns
Newcastle (14 km)
Newcastle is a harbour city surrounded by amazing surf beaches that are linked by a great coastal walk, the Bathers Way. The walk from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach takes about three hours and is a great way to explore the city.
Charlestown (16 km)
Charlestown lies just 12 km south of Newcastle. It's a key town centre at the northern end of Lake Macquarie.
Cessnock (38 km)
Some of the finest wines in the world are created in the Hunter Valley and its towns, gourmet food is acclaimed and luxury, boutique accommodations are matched by the most beautiful natural scenery.