The Welcome walk is a 1km, grade 2 One Way hike located in the Hunter Wetlands National Park, NSW. The hike should take approximately 30mins to complete.

Summary

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.

About the Region

Hunter Wetlands National Park

Getting There

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.

Tips

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.