Basin campsite to Watagan Valley (13km), Olney State Forest, Watagan State Forest, New South Wales

Basin campsite to Watagan Valley is a 13km, grade 4 hike located in the Olney State Forest, Watagan State Forest, New South Wales. The hike should take around 6 hrs to complete.

Length: 13km

Duration: 6 hrs

Grade: 4

Style: One way

Start: Basin Forest Rd

End: 1753 Watagan Creek Rd

Location: Olney State Forest, Watagan State Forest

Closest town: Olney

New South Wales

From state capital: 107km

Longitude: 151.2308751

Latitude: -33.10400772

Hike summary

This varied walk travels north through the Watagans. Leaving the Basin campsite behind the walk traverses the Wollombi Brook via the Lyrebird trail. The Wollombi Brook Pool is a great spot to stop (and take a swim) on a hot day. From the pool the walk climbs into the Warrawolong Flora Reserve using a combination of bush tracks and dirt roads. Along the way a side trip to Mount Warrawolong offers views on the way to the highest point in the area. This walk finishes by descending into the beautiful Watagan Valley.

Download maps and tracknotes for Basin campsite to Watagan Valley hiking track from wildwalks.com.

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Location

Getting there

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About the region

Olney State Forest is a popular visitor area and part of the beautiful State Forests of the Watagan Mountains. Located west of Lake Macquarie, Olney is bordered by Wyong State Forest, Watagan State Forest and Watagan National Park. Along with adjacent Heaton State Forest, Olney State Forest is the main area for visitors to State Forests on the Central Coast. Forests in this area have been harvested for timber for many decades, more than 100 years. The forests you see today are regrowth forests, having been harvested many times over and grown back. Today's forest management practices protect biodiversity, soil and water quality and cultural heritage sites while also allowing for sustainable timber production.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

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