Did you know mangroves are excellent fish nurseries? That there is a plant called sea celery? Or that saltmarsh is classified as an Endangered Ecological Community? You can learn all about these issues and more on The Welcome walk in Hunter Wetlands National Park. Walking along the raised boardwalk, you'll meander above the saltwater wetlands of the Hunter River estuary, maybe spotting a fish or two or crabs.
This short walk is ideal for walking with children. You can set your own gentle pace, peeking and pointing at the wildlife and exploring the intricate world beneath you. Birdwatch as you go - there will be plenty of water birds about - and check out the interesting grasses and aquatic plants within the saltmarsh ecosystem.
You're bound to get some great photos any time you visit, but many say this walk is at its best in spring, when delicate cream-coloured flowers adorn the mangroves.
Take a virtual tour of The Welcome walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.
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.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.
This walk takes you to the Schoolmasters House, which today is used as a base for the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project (KWRP). The KWRP undertakes conservation projects in the Hunter estuary and has an extensive volunteer program.
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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To The Welcome Walk carpark. The Welcome walk is in the Ash Island precinct of Hunter Wetlands National Park. To get there:Cross the Ash Island Bridge off the Pacific Highway at HexhamTurn right onto Schoolhouse RoadPark at the information shelters, where the walk begins. Park entry points The Welcome Walk carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at the starting point for The Welcome walk.
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.
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.
If you have any great photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Hunter Wetlands National Park
Glenrock State Conservation Area
