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Watagans National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Watagans National Park.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    From Newcastle:

    • Travel south along the F3 Expressway and take the Awaba exit at Ryhope
    • Turn right onto Cessnock Road and then left onto Freemans Drive at Freemans Waterhole
    • Turn right onto Mount Faulk Road from Freemans Drive just after crossing over the F3 expressway for the second time
    • Follow Mount Faulk Road uphill into the park

    From Gosford:

    • Travel north along the F3 Expressway and take the Morriset/Coorangbong exit near Freemans Waterhole
    • Turn left into Freemans Drive, and travel south to Martinsville Road on the left.
    • Follow Martinville Road to Watagan Road on the left and follow uphill to Watagan Forest Road
    • Turn right and follow approximately 6km to the park

    From Cessnock:

    • Travel from Cessnock to Kitchener and Quorrobolong via Quorrobolong Road
    • Turn left into Sandy Creek Road and travel east for 5km
    • Turn right into Heaton Road then onto Watagan Road (unsealed) which will bring you to the northern end of the Watagans

    Park entry points

    Parking

    Road quality

    The roads in Watagans National Park are unsealed, and accessible by 2WD in dry conditions only. 4WDs should be used at all other times. Gates and roads may be temporarily closed to prevent damage when wet, please contact Lake Munmorah office on 02 4972 9000 for more information.

    • Unsealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles (no long vehicle access)

    Weather restrictions

    • Dry weather only

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information

    By public transport

    There is no public transport to Watagans National Park.

    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

    Toilets

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    Drinking water

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

    Basic supplies are available in the local townships of Cooranbong and Morriset.

    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.

    Watagans National Park

    Contact

    Links

    Nearby towns

    Cessnock (18 km)

    Some of the finest wines in the world are created in the Hunter Valley and its towns, gourmet food is acclaimed and luxury, boutique accommodations are matched by the most beautiful natural scenery.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Newcastle (49 km)

    Newcastle is a harbour city surrounded by amazing surf beaches that are linked by a great coastal walk, the Bathers Way. The walk from Nobbys Beach to Merewether Beach takes about three hours and is a great way to explore the city.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Gosford (63 km)

    Gosford is a great destination for a family day trip or holiday. It's situated on Brisbane Water National Park and surrounded by state forests, lakes and beaches.

    www.visitnsw.com