Fernleigh Track, Yuelarbah Track and Newcastle Coast Walk, Moderate 14km Grade 3

This walk is very diverse as it takes in the old industrial heritage of Newcastle, a rainforest and finally the famous Newcastle coastline. We start in the Newcastle suburbs and finish at Newcastle Beach.

The plan is to meet at Adamstown Station at 10.49AM, (as I am a local of the area I will meet everyone when the 8.18AM from Central to Newcastle gets into Adamstown at 10.49AM). You must be in the rear four carriages to alight the train in Adamstown.

You can also drive to Adamstown Station if you want as we will be getting the direct train back here from Newcastle at the end of the walk.

We will set off along the Fernleigh Track and have time for a 15min stop at Westfield Kotara Shopping Centre for anyone needing a toilet break. The Fernleigh Track is a "rail trail" converted from the old Belmont Railway line that carried coal to Newcastle, the highlight is the 180 metre long Fernleigh Tunnel.

After leaving the Fernleigh Track we join the Yuelarbah track, which is the final section of the Great North Walk between Sydney and Newcastle. We pass through a rainforest before reaching the ocean at Glenrock Lagoon, then walk along Burwood Beach to Merewether. It will be low tide by this time so the beach should be fine but the plan B is to follow the track to Hickson St Lookout, either way we will be in Merewether by 1.30PM in time for lunch.

From here it's only 4km to Newcastle and we follow the coast the whole way, firstly along "Bather's Way" to Bar Beach, then the Newcastle Memorial Walk to Strzelecki Lookout and then downhill into Newcastle Beach, arriving at approximately 3.15PM. We may have time to see the fossilised trees just next to Newcastle Ocean Baths before getting the tram to Newcastle Interchange and the 3.48PM train which goes back to Sydney or you can get off at Adamstown if you have left your car there.

This is a medium difficulty walk (grade 3) as there are some slightly muddy sections on the Yuelarbah Track and there is some walking along rock platforms (and over and around rocks) just before Merewether. You will need good walking shoes and 500ml of water.

Any questions please ask. My phone number is 0439543695.

There is a $5 gratuity for this walk.

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Aussie Explorers its organisers and leaders accept no liability during this meetup, leaders try to ensure the safety and well being of members at all times however as this is a weekend away travelling, exploring different areas and hiking in the great outdoors accidents happen, please take responsibility for your own safety and your belongings.