Blue Gum Hills Regional Park is a great family day out. Learn about the park's mining heritage on a school excursion, or enjoy a barbecue in peaceful bushland, and then explore the maze, walking tracks or mountain biking trails.
Glenrock State Conservation Area, only 5km from Newcastle, is the perfect place for mountain biking. Explore the park’s beaches, rainforest walks and waterfalls on a school excursion or guided tour.
Worimi National Park is a special Aboriginal place near Newcastle. Enjoy whale watching, fishing and beach driving on the Worimi Conservation Lands.Â
Beach Vehicle Permit required. Annual passes are not valid for this park.
Just a short drive from Newcastle is Hunter Wetlands National Park, a wildlife sanctuary with family-friendly walking, cycling, fishing and birdwatching.
The bush backyard of Newcastle and the Central Coast is a hiker’s and boatie’s paradise – bushwalking, canoeing, kayaking, and other water sports await.
Watagans National Park, one hour from Newcastle, offers stunning wilderness right on your doorstep: hiking, biking, lookouts, and quiet campgrounds for longer escapes.
Werakata National Park is great for birdwatching, home to native animals and has exceptional spring wildflowers. The riding trails and scenic picnic ground are real highlights..
Karuah National Park is an ideal place for 4WDing, mountain biking bushwalking, fishing, camping, paddling and picnicking – all just a short drive from Newcastle.
Located in Port Stephens, near Newcastle in the NSW Hunter region, Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve offers birdwatching, bushwalking and Aboriginal heritage.
Awabakal Nature Reserve was created in January 1978. It covers an area of 228ha. For detailed park and fire management documents, visit the OEH website.