Starting at the Boarding House Dam picnic area, Circuit walking track offers you an easy hike along the creek as it threads through pristine native rainforest. Stroll beneath blue gums, grey myrtle and turpentine, keeping an eye out for lyrebirds and an ear open for kookaburras. A dramatic rock wall covered entirely in moss makes for a beautiful spectacle on the trail - so don't forget the camera.
In summer, the rainforest makes for a cool retreat, with trees and ferns shading the trail from the sun. But for an even cooler one, bring your swimmers along and make your way into the creek or dam at the end of the walk for a paddle. Finish up with a long picnic, taking advantage of the free barbecues on offer.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
Boarding House Dam picnic area is a popular destination for daytrippers, so parking may be limited.
There is limited/no mobile reception in this park
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Watagans National Park.
Circuit walking track is in the Boarding House Dam area of Watagans National Park. To get there:Take the Cessnock (Freemans Waterhole) exit off the F3Turn right onto Freemans Drive, Cooranbong, then turn right into Mount Faulk Road.Turn left into Watagans Forest DriveTurn right into Boarding House Dam RoadThe circuit walking track starts at the Boarding House Dam picnic area Parking Parking is available at the Boarding House Dam picnic area.
Closest towns to this walk: Aberdare, Cessnock, Cooranbong, Greta, Kurri Kurri, Laguna, Lake Munmorah, Morisset, Mount View, Mount Vincent, Mulbring, Stonebrook, Westlake, Wollombi, Wyee, Wyong
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Watagans National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.