Turners walking track is a 1km, grade 4 hike located in Watagans National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 45 minutes to complete.
Hike overview
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.
Route and GPX file
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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.
Trail location
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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.
Gallery
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
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Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.