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Turners walking track

Watagans National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Turners walking track.

Track grading

Grade 4

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

1km one-way

Time

30min - 1hr 30min

Quality of markings

Limited signage

Experience required

Experienced bushwalkers

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

No steps

Quality of path

Rough track, many obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    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.

    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.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Watagans National Park.

    Spring

    Camp at Gap Creek or Bangalow campground and enjoy a campfire as the sun sets.

    Summer

    Cooling off at Boarding House Dam is especially popular during summer months Enjoy the moist and cool Circuit walking track .

    Winter

    Late winter sees the bloom of Illawara flame trees which can be seen across the valley from Gap Creek lookout Check out the views from the various lookouts, while the air is crisp and clean .

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    16°C and 30°C

    Highest recorded

    44°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    5°C and 16°C

    Lowest recorded

    -6.7°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    December

    Driest month

    July

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    91.4mm

    Facilities

    • Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
    • You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Turners walking track is in a remote location, so please ensure you’re well-prepared, bring appropriate clothing and equipment, and advise a family member or friend of your travel plans.

    Boating safety

    If you're out on your boat fishing, waterskiing or just cruising the waterways, read these paddling and boating safety tips.

    Bushwalking safety

    • The walking opportunities in this park are suitable for experienced bushwalkers who are comfortable undertaking self-reliant hiking
    • If you’re bushwalking in this park, it’s a good idea to bring a topographic map and compass, or a GPS.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Prohibited

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Turners walking track

    Park info

    • in 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.