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The Welcome walk

Hunter Wetlands National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about The Welcome walk.

Track grading

Grade 2

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

1km one-way

Time

20 - 40min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Flat

Steps

No steps

Quality of path

Formed track: The track is 3m wide and mostly wood boardwalk along its length. Near the start of the walk, there's a bridge that's 1.5m wide.

There's a flat concrete path to the schoolmaster's house towards the end of the walk – you can detour to this building before returning to complete the walk.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    The Welcome walk is in the Ash Island precinct of Hunter Wetlands National Park. To get there:

    • Cross the Ash Island Bridge off the Pacific Highway at Hexham
    • Turn right onto Schoolhouse Road
    • Park at the information shelters, where the walk begins.

    Parking

    There's a bitumen carpark at the start of the walk. There's also parking at the schoolmaster's house, but this is only open during business hours.

    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

    Drinking water is not available in this area so it’s a good idea to bring your own.

    Seats and resting points

    There are 3 benches along the walk that are located after the bridge and before the mangroves. The benches don't have backrests or armrests.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    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).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - easy

    • The Welcome walk is 3m wide and flat wood boardwalk along its length. There's a bridge towards the start of the walk that's 1.5m wide, and a flat concrete path to the schoolmaster's house towards the end of the walk.
    • There are 3 benches set between the bridge and the mangroves. The benches don't have backrests or armrests.

    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.

    The Welcome walk

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    Park info