EDITION 13
Backyard Beauty.
Rediscover Glenrock.
As Novocastrians, we are blessed to have such beautiful coastal bushland available to explore without having to venture very far out of the city. If ‘connecting with nature’ was one of your 2024 resolutions, it’s time to dust off your walking shoes and get reacquainted with your own backyard. Whether you want to make a day of it with the whole family, or you need a new ‘date day’ option for you and your significant other, look no further than the connecting coastal bushlands of the Greater Charlestown area.
Leichhardt’s Lookout,
Glenrock State Conservation Area
Yuerlarbah Track
YUELARBAH TRACK – FAMILY FRIENDLY WALK
STARTING POINT:
Burwood Road, Kahibah
DISTANCE:
6.8km return if you go the whole way to Glenrock Beach. Halfway point at Leichhardt’s Lookout.
FUEL YOUR WALK AT:
Sherwood Coffee, Kahibah
The Yuerlarbah Track is part of the Great North Walk (stretching 250 kilometres from Newcastle to Sydney) and is a definite highlight of the Glenrock State Conservation Area.
Park your car at the entrance off Burwood Road in Kahibah, and begin your walk via the raised boardwalk – which is accessible for both prams and wheelchairs. The beautiful coastal rainforest track will take you along Flaggy Creek, past gullies, streams and waterfalls, and all the way down to Glenrock Beach for a dip in the warmer months.
If you’re walking with littler kids, you might want to make Leichhardt’s Lookout your return point. It’s a fantastic spot to stop and take in the expansive views of Glenrock Lagoon and Beach, and easy enough for little legs to reach.
There’s a picnic area at Flaggy Creek, as well as many tables available closer to the headlands of Glenrock Beach, so make sure you stock up on your favourite picnic goodies before beginning your walk. Nearby Charlestown Square is sure to have everything you need.
Situated on the traditional land of the Awabakal people, Glenrock State Conservation area was favoured for its abundance of food, including marine life and bush tucker. It is rich in history, with a number of ancient Aboriginal sites found within the area. The NSW National Parks website has some great information and resources for those wanting to learn more about the area, including the diverse range of flora and fauna that can be spotted along the track. Guided tours are also available but must be booked in advance.
Awabakal Coastal Walk
AWABAKAL COASTAL WALK – DATE DAY (CHILD FREE) WALK
STARTING POINT:
Either at the end of Ocean Street, Dudley or Collier Street, Redhead
DISTANCE:
5.3km one way or 10.6km return
FUEL YOUR WALK AT:
Pegs Cafe Whitebridge, Redhead Bakehouse, Paperboy Espresso, Dudley or the Royal Crown Hotel, Dudley
Want the time and space to actually talk to your significant other without distractions? Why not plan a date day walk on the gorgeous coast between Redhead and Dudley beaches? We prefer to start our walk in Dudley, with street parking available just before the entrance to the track at the end of Ocean Street.
The Awabakal Walk is the perfect combination of natural bushland and scenic coastal views. From July to October you can enjoy the beautiful native wildflowers blooming along the track. The track can be sandy and leafy in some parts, and is best described as a ‘back to nature’ walk. It’s generally a quieter path, where you can really take in the peacefulness and serenity of the bush. In saying that, many local residents do use the track for their weekend strolls or exercise – because why wouldn’t you?!
Step slightly off the main path and you’ll find Awabakal Viewpoint, offering incredible views of the coastline across to Newcastle. There’s also spots like Redhead Lagoon if you fancy a dip (but best to check Google Maps before venturing too far off the track). Another lookout spot greets you as you get closer to the end of the trail at Redhead – offering stunning views south towards the Central Coast. If you do intend to take the kids along, just be mindful that this track is more suited to those over the age of eight. If you’re not all that keen to tackle the return trip, you can always plan your walk in conjunction with the local bus route, which will get you pretty close to either the Ocean or Collier Street entrances. This area of Greater Charlestown has plenty to offer when it comes time to put your feet up and refuel. Our favourites include the Royal Crown Hotel in Dudley, Paperboy Espresso, Redhead Bakehouse or Pegs in Whitebridge.
Glenrock Beach