Length: 1km
Duration: 45mins
Grade: 4
Style: One Way
Start: Watagan Forest Rd, Olney
End: Watagan Forest Rd, Olney
Location: Watagans National Park
Closest Town:
Distance from CBD: 142 km
State: NSW
Latitude: -32.97657933
Longitude: 151.4122906
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2WD Access
4WD Access
Public Transport
Bitumen Road
Gravel Road
Steep Road
Winding Road
Speed Bumps
Vehicle Ford
Entry Fee
Large Car Park
Small Car Park
Accessible Parking
Accessible Toilet
Public Toilets
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table
BBQ Facilities
Campfire Pit
Camping Area
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Concrete Path
Timber Boardwalk
Gravel Path
Sandy Trail
Rough Trail
Undefined Trail
Prams & Strollers
Manual Wheelchair
Motorised Wheelchair
Bicycle Trail
Mountain Bike Trail
Historic Rail Trail
Dog Friendly
Urban Walk
Coast & Beach
Historic Lighthouse
Waterfalls & Lakes
Rainforest Walk
Goldfields & Mining
Heritage Walk
Aboriginal Art
Alpine Region
Alpine Huts
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
Bush Bashing
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Well Marked
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Fishing Spots
Swimming Spots
Overnight Campsites
Trail Running
Horse Riding
Hike Summary
Watagans National Park, near Cessnock, boasts some of the most scenic rainforest in the Newcastle region, and Turners walking track is a great way to explore this rainforest. Self-reliant bushwalkers will love the challenge of this old logging track, offering wilderness views and great birdwatching, with easy access to Great North walk.
Starting from Boarding House Dam picnic area, this track winds steeply through rainforest of towering blackbutts and blue gums, before giving way to open eucalypt forest. Along the way, you might see brush turkeys or lyrebirds darting through the trees or foraging for tasty treats on the forest floor.
You'll also pass the historic remnants of O'Hara's Sawmill, built as a temporary mill in the 1950s to salvage timber after WW2. Choose to retrace your steps to the picnic area, or alternatively, the track can be accessed via Watagan Forest HQ campground, in Heaten State Forest.
About the region
Watagans National Park in the North Coast region
Watagans National Park is always open, but may have to close at times due to poor weather, roads closures or high fire danger.
Getting there
To Watagan Forest HQ. Turners walking track is in the northern precinct of Watagans National Park and can be accessed at either end of the trackhead. To get there:Via Boarding House Dam picnic area:Boarding House Dam is located off Watagan Forest Road, approximately 2.5km south-west from the intersection of Mount Faulk Road.Via Watagan Forest HQ in Heaten State Forest:Watagan Forest HQ is located on the corner of Watagan Road and Bakers Road, 3km north from the intersection of Mount Faulk Road. Park entry points Watagan Forest HQ See on map Road quality Check the weather before you set out as the road to Turners walking track can become slippery when it rains Parking Parking is available at either end of the track - Boarding House Dam picnic area in the south, or Watagan Forest HQ campground to the north. It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.
Tips
There is limited mobile reception in this park
The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching
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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