Recreation in State forests of the Watagan Mountains

The Watagans is the name given to the forested mountain range separating the Hunter River catchment and the Tuggerah Lakes system. The Watagans has a large number of recreation sites, with easy access from Sydney, the central coast, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

The area is popular with day-trippers, campers, mountain bike riders, four-wheel-drives, photographers and others who enjoy time in the great outdoors.

When visiting the Watagans, please note that some areas are national park. These areas are clearly indicated by signage. Guidelines on recreation vary according to land manager. In particular, while dogs are welcome in State forests, you cannot take pets into any national park areas.

Best access to the Watagans via Martinsville Road from Cooranbong or Watagan Road from Quorrobolong. The Watagans are approximately a one hour and 15 minute drive from northern Sydney, a 30 minute drive from the central coast, 45 minutes from Newcastle or 25 minutes from Cessnock.

Picnic Areas

Area	Facilities	Map Ref
Muirs Picnic Area and Lookout		K9 - 12
The Pines Forest Park – picnic area		K8 - 14
Water Tower Picnic Area		K8 - 17
Old Mill Picnic Area		K8 - 17
Heaton Forest Park		L7 - 5
Macleans Lookout and Picnic Area		L7 - 3
Hunter Lookout and Picnic Area		L6 - 4

Camping grounds

Area	Facilities	Map Ref
Wattle Tree Camping Area		K8 - 15
The Pines Camping Area		K8 - 18
Casuarina Camping Area		K8 - 20
Turpentine Camping Area		K8 - 19
The Basin Camping Area		J9 - 21
Watagan Headquarters Camping Area		L7 - 6

Lookouts

Area	Facilities	Map Ref
Muirs Picnic Area and Lookout		K9 - 12
Heaton Forest Park		L7 - 5
Macleans Lookout and picnic area		L7 - 3
Hunter Lookout and Picnic Area		L6 - 4

Legend

Icon	Details
	Barbeques
	Drinking water
	Picnic tables
	Toilets
	Lookout
	Walking trail
	Camping
	Historical interest
	Swimming

Walking trails

Trail	Grade			Map Ref
	Easy	Medium	Hard
Muirs walking trail 1.5 km loop trail (1 hour)				K9 - 12
The Pines Trail 1.1 km loop trail (1 hour)				K8 - 18
The Wildflower Trail 1 km loop trail (45 minutes)				K8 - 18
Abbotts Falls Trail 6.5 km loop trail (5 hours)				K8 - 18
Rock Lily Trail 1.1 km loop trail (1 hour)				J9 - 21
Heaton Loop Trail 750m loop trail (45 minutes)				L7 - 5
Watagan Trail 6km one way (5 hours one way)				L7 - 5
Easy: suitable for all age groups and levels of fitness, generally gentle grades. Medium : suitable for people with an average level of fitness, contains some steeper grades. Hard : suitable only for people with a good level of fitness, contains steep grades and rough sections of track.

More information

The Central Coast forest map showing recreation areas, special features and roads is available for purchase from the State Forest Information Centre on 1300 655 687 or your local State Forest office (rrp $9.85 plus $1 postage).

For specific information about the State forests in this area please contact Forests NSW Central Region office during business hours on (02) 6585 3744.