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Hunter Wetlands National Park

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Visitor info

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

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    From Newcastle:

    • Drive north along the Pacific Highway towards Hexham
    • Just before Hexham McDonalds (on the left at the lights), turn right across the Ash Island Bridge.

    Park entry points

    Parking

    Road quality

    • Unsealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    By bike

    Check out the Bicycle information for NSW website for more information.

    By public transport

    For information about public transport options, visit NSW Transport – Newcastle Buses and Ferries.

    Best times to visit

    There are lots of great things waiting for you in Hunter Wetlands National Park. Here are some of the highlights.

    Autumn

    With the weather mild, now is the time to get those bicycles out and ride the paths around Ash Island.

    Spring

    Pack a picnic to eat at Scotts Point or Riverside Park This is also the time you'll see the cream flowers of the mangroves .

    Summer

    This is the best time for birdwatching at Stockton Sandspit, as many of the migratory birds are here feeding. Make sure you're there at low-tide.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    20°C and 25°C

    Highest recorded

    42°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    10°C and 18°C

    Lowest recorded

    1.8°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    March

    Driest month

    November

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    283.7mm

    Facilities

    Toilets

    Picnic tables

    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.

    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.

    Hunter Wetlands National Park

    Contact

    Links

    Nearby towns

    Newcastle (14 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

    Charlestown (16 km)

    Charlestown lies just 12 km south of Newcastle. It's a key town centre at the northern end of Lake Macquarie.

    www.visitnsw.com

    Cessnock (38 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