Walking along the Awabakal Walk makes you realise how blessed we are in Newcastle. It’s a walk with spectacular views through an area of coastal heath, the Awabakal Nature Reserve between Dudley and Redhead.
You can start the walk at either Ocean Street in Dudley or Collier Street in Redhead. If you start in Dudley, the first part of the walk is through trees. There’s a picnic table here if you want to have a snack first.
The track in the Awabakal Walk is sandy and uneven so might not be suitable for some kids. It’s best described as a back to nature walk.
Even though it borders residential neighbourhoods, walking through this reserve makes you feel like you’re far from civilisation. There’s all of kinds of trees, vegetation and birdlife to enjoy.
You can take a side track and it will lead you to Redhead Lagoon. Look for this bush with a rock in front of it. (Recommend checking the route on Google Maps as you’re walking as side trails aren’t signposted).
This hidden lagoon is worth searching for. It’s a beautiful spot in in this nature reserve.
Keep walking along the main trail and then do a side trip out to the Awabakal Viewpoint.
Most of the trails are clear but there are a few that are overgrown. However, that just adds to the fun and adventure when you’re walking with kids. (If you like wildflowers, do the walk between July and October as there are beautiful in-season flowers).
As you keep walking, eventually you’ll come out to Collier Street in Redhead. There’s another lookout here looking south towards the Central Coast.
You can then walk down towards the Surf Life Saving Club at Redhead where you’ll find toilet facilities and refreshments.
- Good to know: If you don’t want to do the return trip, time your walk with a bus trip. You can park at the SLSC at Redhead (Beach Road before Steel Street) and catch the 48 bus on Steel Street. It can drop you off at Ocean Street opposite Knoll Avenue, the closest point to the start of the trail. There’s toilets at Redhead SLSC.
- Distance: 5 kilometres
- Bring: Water and a pair of binoculars for dolphin spotting and birdwatching
- Getting There: You can start the walk at either Ocean Street in Dudley or Collier Street in Redhead
More information: Awabakal Walk
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