Watagans National Park
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Watagans National Park.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
From Newcastle:
- Travel south along the F3 Expressway and take the Awaba exit at Ryhope
- Turn right onto Cessnock Road and then left onto Freemans Drive at Freemans Waterhole
- Turn right onto Mount Faulk Road from Freemans Drive just after crossing over the F3 expressway for the second time
- Follow Mount Faulk Road uphill into the park
From Gosford:
- Travel north along the F3 Expressway and take the Morriset/Coorangbong exit near Freemans Waterhole
- Turn left into Freemans Drive, and travel south to Martinsville Road on the left.
- Follow Martinville Road to Watagan Road on the left and follow uphill to Watagan Forest Road
- Turn right and follow approximately 6km to the park
From Cessnock:
- Travel from Cessnock to Kitchener and Quorrobolong via Quorrobolong Road
- Turn left into Sandy Creek Road and travel east for 5km
- Turn right into Heaton Road then onto Watagan Road (unsealed) which will bring you to the northern end of the Watagans
Park entry points
- Heaton Road access See on map
- Mount Faulk Road access See on map
- Watagan Forest HQ See on map
- Watagan Forest road access See on map
Parking
- Bangalow campground See on map
- Gap Creek campground See on map
- Monkey Face lookout See on map
Road quality
The roads in Watagans National Park are unsealed, and only some roads are accessible by 2WD in dry conditions only. For all other roads 4WD vehicles are recommended in all weather conditions. Gates and roads may be temporarily closed to prevent damage when wet. There is no long vehicle access. Please contact Lake Munmorah office on 02 4972 9000 for more information.
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- Most roads require 4WD vehicle
Weather restrictions
- Dry weather only
By bike
Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information
By public transport
There is no public transport to Watagans National Park.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Watagans National Park.
Spring
Camp at Gap Creek or Bangalow campground and enjoy a campfire as the sun sets.
Summer
Cooling off at Boarding House Dam is especially popular during summer months Enjoy the moist and cool Circuit walking track .
Winter
Late winter sees the bloom of Illawara flame trees which can be seen across the valley from Gap Creek lookout Check out the views from the various lookouts, while the air is crisp and clean .
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16°C and 30°C
Highest recorded
44°C
Winter temperature
Average
5°C and 16°C
Lowest recorded
-6.7°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
December
Driest month
July
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
91.4mm
Facilities
Toilets
Picnic tables
Barbecue facilities
Drinking water
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
Watagans National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather, roads closures or high fire danger.
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Lake Munmorah office
02 4972 9000
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4pm. - 1 Blue Wren Drive, Wybung NSW 2259
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Email: npws.centralcoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Lake Munmorah office
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Girrakool office
02 4320 4200
Contact hours: Monday to Friday, hours vary. - 59 Girrakool Rd, Somersby, NSW 2250
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Email: npws.centralcoast@environment.nsw.gov.au
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Girrakool office
Nearby towns
Cessnock (18 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.
Newcastle (49 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.
Gosford (63 km)
Gosford is a great destination for a family day trip or holiday. It's situated on Brisbane Water National Park and surrounded by state forests, lakes and beaches.