Rainforest walk to Riverside Park is a 2km, grade 3 hike located in the Hunter Wetlands National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1.25 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
Variety is the spice of this excellent walk from the western side of Ash Island, through its interior, finishing at the picnic area by the river. Stroll through wetlands and rainforest before arriving on the edges of Kooragang City Farm. Here, you'll see vegetable and bush food gardens, egrets and ibis feeding in the fields and historic silos that are part of the island's farming past. You'll also pass the ruins of Milham's Farmhouse, established here in the 1860s.
You'll soon arrive at Riverside Park, where you can go fishing off the jetty, look out over the mangroves and relax at the picnic area. The birdlife around the river is worth observing through a set of binoculars. Sea eagles soar overhead, pelicans float past, and cormorants can be seen hanging out their wings to dry.
Route and GPX file
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
Tips
It's a good idea to put insect repellent on before you set out
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch
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.
Gear you might need
As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>
Location
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Getting there
To Scotts Point Way. Rainforest walk to Riverside Park is in the Ash Island precinct of Hunter Wetlands National Park. To get there from Newcastle:Head north along the Pacific Highway towards HexhamCross the Ash Island Bridge then turn left onto Scotts Point WayPark at the end of Scotts Point WayThe walk commences to the right Park entry points Scotts Point Way See on map Parking Parking is available on Scotts Point Way.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
About the region
Just a short drive from Newcastle is Hunter Wetlands National Park, a wildlife sanctuary with family-friendly walking, cycling, fishing and birdwatching. It’s hard to believe Hunter Wetlands National Park, a haven for nature-lovers, is so close to the city of Newcastle. Pop the kids and their bikes in the car and head to Ash Island, where Riverside Park is just the spot for a picnic and easy cycling – or walks if you prefer – through rainforests and mangroves. You can also meander to the old World War II radar station or explore the ruins of Milham’s Farmhouse.
Gallery
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Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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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.