The Green Point Foreshore area in Lake Macquarie is like a choose your own adventure walk. There’s a variety of different routes to see and places to go. It has it all. There are lake views, fishing spots, bush trails, scenic lookouts and picnic and barbecue areas too.
The Green Point Foreshore area connects Belmont and Valentine. Formerly a coal mine from 1863 to 1982, the area is now a beautiful lakefront reserve. It’s a stunning spot and one that easy to explore with kids.
The area is full of different walking trails, some of them more challenging than the others. We travelled along the shared concrete pathway before returning on some of the dirt tracks. This track is stroller-friendly, wheelchair friendly and good for kids on bikes and scooters.
Start your walk at the Shores Way park entrance. There’s plenty of parking plus toilets. From here, you’ll start walking along the shared pathway and immediately see the gorgeous lake views.
We noticed several families enjoying picnics here and also swimming, kayaking and doing standup paddleboarding.
Along the pathway, you’ll notice interpretative signs which explain the history of the area.
Further along, the path is a public jetty. If you’re a fishing family, drop a line in here. If not, still stop here as it’s a beautiful spot.
Take the time to read the historical signs in this area as they explain the significance of the jetty and it was used to transport lumber and coal from Green Point.
The path then inclines, and you’ll come to Sea Eagle Park, a large grassy picnic area with views of the lake. There are covered picnic shelters, barbecues and toilets and plenty of room for kids to run around.
The track then heads inland away from the lake and continues to climb. Near the top, you’ll see a sign that explains the different trails you can do.
Take the side track to the right to Sea Eagle Lookout by following the Lookout sign.
It’s worth the extra time and is only 500 metres along a flat track from the main path.
This lookout offers sensational views across Lake Macquarie and is a great place to enjoy morning tea or snacks while you enjoy the views.
There’s a picnic table at the top lookout.
You can also head down to the lower lookouts for a different perspective. Keep an eye out for White-bellied Sea Eagles which nest around this area.
We return from the lookout and continue on Black Jacks Pathway up through the trees.
The path eventually opens up to a larger grassy area before it ends at Green Point Drive.
Next time, we plan to bring our bikes as it’s a 3.4-kilometre return route from the Shores Way to Green Point Drive.
On the way back, we opt for one of the dirt trails.
These trails include stairs and creek crossings so might not be ideal for younger kids.
However, adventurous kids will love the wilder feel of these trails.
Next time we come, we plan to do the 7kilometre foreshore walk from Belmont to Valentine (ending at Dilkera Avenue) and stop at Green Point.
Tip: Take a photo of the map on your phone and refer to it as you do the walk. Also cross-check with Google Maps on your phone. It helps to navigate this area especially when you go off the main paths. For more detailed walk information including the Green Point circuit walk, visit the Green Point Walk on the Wild Walks website.
Good to know
Distance: Varies depending on the walk. The concrete path which runs from Shores Way to Green Point Drive is 3.4-kilometre return. The foreshore walk from Belmont to Valentine is 7 kilometres return.
Getting There: Park at Shores Way park entrance at Belmont. You can also access the area at Dilkera Avenue in Valentine or at Green Point Drive in Valentine.
Bring: Bring morning tea, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent, hats and gumboots if the weather has been wet and you plan to walk on some of the dirt trails.
Amenities: Toilets are located at Shores Way park entrance and in Sea Eagle Park in Belmont. In Valentine, there are amenities at Bennett Park on Dilkera Avenue in Valentine. There are bubblers along the shared pathway.
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The Best 20 Lake Macquarie Walks You Must Do With Kids
In 2012, Reena founded Newy with Kids to share information about family-friendly Newcastle. Originally from Canada, she had no idea about what to do with her toddler and after searching unsuccessfully for a local family guide, decided to start her own. Since that time, both the toddler and Newy with Kids have grown keeping Reena busy. If you see her out and about, say hi.