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Werakata National Park

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Overview

Werakata National Park is great for birdwatching, home to native animals and has exceptional spring wildflowers. The riding trails and scenic picnic ground are real highlights..

Read more about Werakata National Park

Werakata National Park in the Lower Hunter Valley is loved by locals. It’s also close to Sydney, which makes for the perfect day trip. There are great cycling and walking trails and in spring they’re lined with purple, orange and yellow wildflowers, like acacias and banksias. There are rare plants here, found mostly in a special section of endangered habitat.

Bring some local Hunter Valley produce to the park and set up at pretty Astills picnic area. Then cycle along Deadmans mountain bike loop or Astills trail, which are both easy, flat and suitable for any fitness level.

Bring binoculars and a camera – you’ll find brightly coloured bush birds flying low enough for great photography. Birdwatchers who come to Werakata are never disappointed; the abundance of food in the park attracts the likes of the threatened swift parrot or regent honeyeater as well as several species of robin.

Highlights in this park

  • Astills Picnic Area, Werakata National Park. Photo: Susan Davis/NSW Government

    Astills picnic area

    Get together for a picnic near Cessnock under the shady gums at Astills picnic area, then head off for a bike ride through Werakata National Park.

  • Deadmans Loop Trail, Werakata National Park. Photo: Susan Davis/NSW Government

    Deadmans mountain bike loop

    Deadmans mountain bike loop is an easy 8km cycle through rare Hunter Valley bushland. The trail starts near Astills picnic area and is a good choice f...

  • Forestry Hut, Werakata National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Forestry Hut

    If you’re heading north to Astills picnic area then you might stop for a moment to discover some historic heritage at Forestry Hut.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

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Things to do (3)