Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibit

Download & Print Map and Notes

15 mins

480 m Circuit

14 m

Very easy

A must do at Blackbutt Reserve. This wheelchair accessible elevated boardwalk gets you in amongst the trees, as you amble through enclosure after enclosure of native flora and fauna. There are even close encounters with Koalas!. This free walk is open 9am to 5pm every day (closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and until 1pm ANZAC Day). Great for all ages, this easy walk is thoroughly recommended.

Intersection in Carnley Reserve at Blackbutt Reserve

Wildlife Exhibit boardwalk entrance at Carnley Ave Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Timber boardwalk into Wildlife Exhibit at Blackbutt Reserve

Emu footprints painted on boardwalk at Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibits

Boardwalk at Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibits

Blackbutt Reserve 'Wildlife Exhibits' sign in Carnley Ave Reserve

Signage on the Wildlife Exhibits at Blackbutt Reserve

Elevated boardwalk at the Wildlife Exhibits at Blackbutt Reserve

Picture of a wombat on the Wildlife Exhibits in Blackbutt Reserve

Boardwalk and fencing at the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve

Large aviary at the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Koala at the Wildlife Exhibits at Blackbutt Reserve

Looking up at the large bird avairy in the Wildlife Exhibits in Carnley Ave Reserve

Dove at the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve

Inside the large wildlife avairy in the Wildlife Exhibits at Blackbutt Reserve

Bird hide at the Wildlife Exhibits in Carnley Avenue Reserve

Bird avairy on the Wildlife Exhibits in Blackbutt Reserve

Boardwalk on the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve

Information board at the Wildlife Exhibits in Carnley Avenue Reserve

Views from the Boardwalk on the Wildlife Exhibits in Blackbutt Reserve

Elevated boardwalk on the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve

Wildlife hide at the Wildlife Exhibits in Blackbutt Reserve

Boardwalk in the Wildlife Exhibits in Carnley Avenue Reserve

Stilts at the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve

Heron at the Wildlife Exhibits in Carnley Ave Reserve

Kingfisher at the Wildlife Exhibits in Carnley Ave Reserve

An entrance to the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

Level trail at Carnley Reserve in the Blackbutt Reserve

Concrete steps in Carnley Avenue Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Fenced gateway into the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Avenue Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Blackbutt Reserve

Blackbutt Reserve, near Newcastle, occupies over 182 hectares of land and provides visitors with the chance to enjoy nature trails[1], wildlife exhibits[2][3], children's playgrounds[4] and recreational facilities. The reserve is the perfect place for a relaxing family picnic or to explore on a bushwalk. Native wildlife, such as the Powerful Owl and the Grey-headed flying fox[5] can be seen within the park. There is an information cottage[6] at Carnley Avenue, which is open 7am to 5pm, or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. The reserve has car parking at Carnley Avenue, Richley Reserve, Lookout Road and Mahonoy Drive. For more information, phone 02 4904 3344.

Carnley Ave Reserve

The Carnley Avenue Reserve, within Blackbutt Reserve, is wheelchair accessible and has toilets[7], drinking fountains[8], gas/electric barbeques[9], sheltered picnic tables[10], a children's playground[11], fenced displays of kangaroos and emu[12], a large black duck pond[13] and an information centre[14] that is housed within a replica pioneering cottage. The information cottage has a range of souvenirs, focusing on quality and affordable products. A fee of $4 per vehicle can be paid from the automatic machines[15] in the car park. The information centre is open 7am to 5pm, or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. For further information phone: 02 4904 3344.

Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibits

This boardwalk in the Blackbutt Reserve offers wildlife exhibits[16] on an elevated timber boardwalk which is wheelchair accessible. Some of the wildlife that you are likely to encounter are kangaroos, koalas[17], wombats[18], Lace monitors[19], Wonga Pigeons, Red-winged Parrots, Black-winged Stilt[20], Buff-banded Rail, Herons[21], Eastern long-necked Turtle, Kingfishers[22], Turquoise Parrot, Banded Plover, Peaceful Dove[23], Cockatoos, Lorikeets, True Parrots, Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Bush Stone Curlew, Long-tailed Finch and Barking Owls[24]. Entry is free and the exhibit is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day (closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and until 1pm ANZAC Day). Personal koala encounters[25] are available at 2pm daily and cost $3.50/person. For further information, phone: 02 4904 3344. More info.

(0km) Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail → Int of Boardwalk & Carnley Trail

380 m

8 mins

12m

-13m Very easy

From the intersection[26][27][28], this walk follows the 'Animals' sign[29] and timber boardwalk gently uphill, while initially keeping the car park[30] on the right. This walk continues, undulating for about 300m on an elevated boardwalk[31] through large and small animal enclosures[32][33], with a fascinating selection of native animals[34][35] and birds[36][37][38]. Then this walk continues on a sealed footpath for about 70m, until passing through a high timber fenced gate and coming to a three-way intersection, with a sealed trail[39] (on the left towards the pond[40]) and a trail[41] directly ahead.

(0km) Int of Boardwalk & Carnley Trail → Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail

100 m

2 mins

-2m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection[42][43], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the large timber fenced gate[44] on the right and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 90m, passing an 'Animals' sign[45] and 'Information' sign (on the right) and concrete stairs (on the left), until coming to a four-way intersection[46], with an 'Animals' sign and elevated boardwalk[47] (on the right) and disabled parking[48] and general car parking (on the left).

Maps for the Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibit walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Wallsend	1:25 000 Map Series	92323S WALLSEND	NSW-92323S
Newcastle	1:100 000 Map Series	9232 NEWCASTLE	9232

Cross sectional view of the Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibit

Altitude analysis for Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibit

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	480 m
		Time	15 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

This whole walk, 480m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 480m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 480m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 480m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 480m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 480m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibit walk.

Black Duck Creek Circuit Walk

2.1 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk circumnavigates Black Duck Creek by following the shady Blueberry Ash trail. The walk then returns to Carnley Reserve using the Main Ridge Walking Trail. This relatively short walk has a good combination of shady moist forest and more exposed ridge forest. Make sure you visit the Wildli

Total climbing: 89m

Moderate track

Main Ridge Circuit Walk

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk follows a wide trail along eucalyptus lined broad ridges as it circumnavigates Black Duck Creek. This walk starts and finishes at Carnley Reserve and while there, why not enjoy a picnic and/or visit to the Wildlife Exhibits. Combined with the excellent facilities at Carnley Reserve, thi

Total climbing: 92m

Moderate track

Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit

2.9 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

A great family length walk that takes in both of the large reserves in the Blackbutt Park. This walk starts at Richley Reserve and travels to Carnley Reserve and the Wildlife Exhibits before returning a different way to Richley Reserve. Never far from facilities, this walk suits families or those wh

Total climbing: 96m

Moderate track

Blackbutt Explorer

6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

A meandering walk that takes in much of what Blackbutt Reserve has to offer. This walk completes a figure 8 while following the trails around Blackbutt Reserve. The side trip to the Wildlife Exhibits is considered a must see. There are many opportunities to stop along this walk, be it at a seat a

Total climbing: 225m

Moderate track

Blackbutt Circuit Walk

6.5 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk is a good longer option walking experience at Blackbutt Reserve. This walk visits the two larger picnic areas of Richley Reserve and Carnley Reserve, as well as the Lily pond and Rain Forest picnic areas. A highlight to this walk is the throughly recommended side trip to the Wildlife Exh

Total climbing: 245m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibit walk.

Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave)

2 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk takes the walker into a dense cool rainforest that seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of Newcastle city. You're likely to see flying foxes in the trees and, if you're lucky, a Powerful Owl. Starting and finishing at the Carnley Ave Reserve, this walk can easily be combined wit

Total climbing: 99m

Moderate track

Richley Reserve Circuit

731 m Circuit, 30 mins

This easy walk, which is wheelchair accessible, travels through open grasslands that are surrounded by healthy eucalyptus forest. The grasslands have two large ponds, with two black swans on the lower pond. Do beware of the swans defending their territory. Richley Reserve is well maintained and

Total climbing: 21m

Very easy

Tall Trees Circuit Walk

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk circumnavigates Coal Mine Creek on good trails. The walk starts and finishes at Richley Reserve, which has excellent picnic facilities combined with a lovely outlook over large ponds. The well established eucalyptus forest that this walk travels through surrounds you as you walk along th

Total climbing: 90m

Moderate track

Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd)

1.9 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This quiet and secluded walk is an easy amble through attractive rainforest. This walk circumnavigates Rainforest Creek and takes the walker into cool dense forest. You are likely to see flying foxes in the trees and if you are lucky, a Powerful Owl. Accessed from the quieter Lookout Road car par

Total climbing: 104m

Moderate track

Forestway Circuit Walk

2.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This is a good walk, a highlight being the delightful Lily Pond picnic area, with its lush vegetation and attractive flowers. This walk travels through eucalyptus forest as well as one section of road walking through a quiet suburban street. The side trip to Richley Park is worthwhile to access th

Total climbing: 91m

Moderate track

Charlestown Park track head to Merewether

7.9 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

Starting from a small park in Charlestown you will follow the Great North Walk through a few reserves and along a Burwood Beach, past the heads to Merewether Beach. Exploring bush around Glenrock lagoon on the Yuelarbah Track, including the Leichhardt’s Lookout are highlights. From this lookout th

Total climbing: 183m

Hard track

Charlestown Park trackhead to Newcastle station

12.1 km One way, 5 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Charleston Park track head and winds through the streets and the bush to the Glenrock State Conservation Area. Following a section of the Yuelarbah management trail, this walk also heads to the coast and down to the beaches. From near Glenrock La

Total climbing: 289m

Hard track

Yuelarbah walking track to Flaggy Creek

1.3 km Return, 40 mins

A great way to explore the tree canopy and valley in one easy walk. From the car park, you will be lead along a 100m long elevated timber boardwalk that brings you eye level with the tree canopy. Continue into the valley following the gently undulating wide track to cross Flaggy Creek using a solid

Total climbing: 52m

Easy track

Merewether to Queens Wharf

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

Starting from Merewether, you will mostly follow the coast line to Queens Wharf. After exploring some of Newcastle's (and arguably Australia's) best beaches, the grand views from Strzelecki Lookout, you then wander through King Edward Park where you can take the optional side trip to the intriguing

Total climbing: 104m

Moderate track

Teralba to Charlestown Park track head

13.3 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This section of the Great North Walk starts from the Teralba train station and winds down and around the edge of Lake Macquarie. The walk passes through the Cockle reserve, and continues to Warners bay and up along the roads, before cutting through the bush to Charlestown, where it winds around the

Total climbing: 220m

Moderate track

Teralba to Newcastle via Glenrock Scout Camp

25.7 km One way, 2 Days

This walk follows the most northern section of the Great North Walk, from the Teralba station along Macquarie lake, to Warners Bay. Most of the walking is along footpaths, through park land, or along the road side. After Charlestown, the walk heads through the bush to the old Belmont railway and al

Total climbing: 489m

Hard track

Awabakal Coastal Walk

1.9 km One way, 45 mins

This walk traverses the Awabakal Nature Reserve. Starting from Dudley in the north, this walk travels south through coastal heath and forest, until coming to Redhead. The vegetation throughout this walk is particularly attractive during the wildflower season of July to October. The side trip out

Total climbing: 21m

Hard track