Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 15 mins

2.9 km Circuit

96 m

Moderate track

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 who want to stay on the wider trails. An excellent walk.

Large pond with swans in Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Sheltered picnic tables in Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Richley Reserve Car Park Blackbutt Reserve

Sealed road in the Richley Reserve Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve

Sign at Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Trail near Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Gently uphill trail near Richley Reserve

Trail with overhead powerlines in Blackbutt Reserve

Trail near Dunkley Ave in Blackbutt Reserve

House and Dunkley Ave near Blackbutt Reserve

Trail through forest in Blackbutt Reserve

Seat on the Tall Trees walk in Blackbutt Reserve

Intersection near Carnley Ave Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Trail and metal ring fence near Carnley Ave Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Metal fence and trail in Blackbutt Reserve

Locked metal gate near Carnley Ave Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve

Kangaroo behind a metal ring fence at Carnley Ave Reserve

Carnley Ave Car Park and Carnely Ave in the distance

Carnley Ave Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve

Sign and footpath in Carnley Ave Reserve

Dry rocky creek bed in Carnley Ave Reserve

Dry rocky creek bed with timber barrier in Carnley Ave Reserve

Car Park ticketing machine in Carnley Ave Car Park

Timber boardwalk into Wildlife Exhibit at Blackbutt Reserve

Childrens playground at Carnley Ave in Blackbutt Reserve

Picnic table by pond at Carnley Ave Reserve

Signage at the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve

Blackbutt Reserve 'Wildlife Exhibits' sign in Carnley Ave 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

The Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Dove at the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve

Lace Monitors at the Wildlife Exhibits in Carnley Ave Reserve

Owl in the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve

Boardwalk on the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve

Elevated boardwalk on the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave Reserve

Aviary at the Wildlife Exhibits at Carnley Ave 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

Sealed trail near Carnley Ave Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Sheltered picnic table in Carnley Ave Reserve

Trail and metal ring fence in Blackbutt Reserve

'Red Kangaroo' sign at Carnley Ave Reserve

Sealed trail with metal post near Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Trail to a clearing in Blackbutt Reserve

Sealed footpath down to large grassy clearing in Richley Reserve

Metal post in footpath with a large grassy clearing in Richley Reserve

Large grassy clearing looking to the north in Richley Reserve

Large grassy picnic area in Richley Reserve

Trail with garage bin in the distance in Richley Reserve

Wide trail at Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Trail behind the office building at Richley Reserve

Trail in Richley Reserve near the large ponds in Blackbutt Reserve

Timber bridge by large pond in Richley Reserve

Large pond with outlet at Richley Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Grasslands with a large pond in the distance at Richley Reserve

Black swan in large pond in Richley 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.

Richley Reserve

The Richley Reserve, within Blackbutt Reserve, has a park office[7], large pond areas[8] with swans (beware the swans[9] as they defend their territory), sheltered picnic tables[10], water taps[11], toilets[12], open grassed areas[13], a children's playground[14], electric barbecues[15] and a car park[16]. The Richley Reserve car park has disability friendly parking and is open from 7am to 5pm or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. For further information phone 02 4904 3344.

(0km) Richley Reserve (Car Park) → Int of Richley Reserve & Tall Tree Walk (loop)

200 m

4 mins

-6m Very easy

From the Richley Reserve (Car Park)[17], this walk follows the car park gently downhill, while leaving the ponds directly behind you. This walk continues for about 150m, to find a three-way intersection[18][19], with a metal gate and 'Blackbutt Reserve - Freyberg St Entrance' sign[20] (on the right). This walk turns right and continues gently uphill for about 45m, passing through the metal gate, until coming to a three-way intersection[21] with a sealed trail and 'Tall Tree Walk (loop)' sign[22] (on the left).

(0km) Int of Richley Reserve & Tall Tree Walk (loop) → Int of Main Ridge AND Tall Trees Walks

660 m

13 mins

32m

-3m Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection[23][24], this walk follows the 'Wildlife Exhibit' sign[25] and trail gently uphill, while keeping the valley on your left. This walk continues through forest[26] for about 300m, until coming to a faint three-way intersection[27] with a track on the left (houses[28] visible on the left) at a right-hand turn in the trail.
Turn right: From the intersection[29][30], this walk follows the trail gently uphill[31], while leaving Dunkley Ave and the houses[32][33] directly behind. This walk continues through attractive forest[34] for about 400m until coming to a four-way intersection[35], with a 'Main Ridge Walk (loop) sign[36] (on the right) and a timber seat[37].

(1km) Int of Carnley & Tall Trees Trails → Carlney Ave Car Park (Eastern end)

270 m

7 mins

-28m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection[38][39], this walk follows the trail gently downhill[40], while moving directly away from the face of the 'Richley Car Park' sign[41] and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues, undulating for about 170m until coming to a three-way intersection[42], with a trail and metal ring fence[43] (on the left).
Veer left: From the intersection[44][45], this walk follows the trail gently downhill, while keeping the metal ring fence on your right. This walk continues for about 60m, until passing around a locked metal gate[46][47] and coming to the end of the metal ring fence and the Carnley Avenue car park[48][49].

(1km) Carlney Ave Car Park (Eastern end) → Carnley Ave Car Park (western end)

140 m

2 mins

-2m Very easy

Veer right: From the intersection[50], this walk follows the road gently downhill through the car park, while leaving the metal ring fence[51] and locked metal gate directly behind. This walk continues for about 60m, turning right (leaving Carnley Avenue on the left in the distance). Then this walk continues for about 40m, to come to a three-way intersection, with a footpath and 'Blackbutt Reserve - Carnley Ave Car Park' sign[52] on the right. This walk then continues straight ahead for about 50m, crossing a bridge over Black Duck Creek[53] and then continuing gently uphill for about 50m, until coming to a three-way intersection[54][55] with a footpath and 'Blackbutt Reserve - Carnley Ave Entrance' sign[56] (on the right).

Carnley Ave Reserve

The Carnley Avenue Reserve, within Blackbutt Reserve, is wheelchair accessible and has toilets[57], drinking fountains[58], gas/electric barbeques[59], sheltered picnic tables[60], a children's playground[61], fenced displays of kangaroos and emu[62], a large black duck pond[63] and an information centre[64] 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[65] 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.

(1km) Carnley Ave Car Park → Int of Boardwalk & Carnley Trail

110 m

2 mins

0m Easy track

Turn right: From the Carnley Ave Car Park[66][67] (Off Carnley Ave, Kotara), this walk follows the footpath through the metal fenced gate way[68], while initially keeping the 'Blackbutt Reserve - Carnley Ave Reserve' sign[69] on your left. This walk follows the footpath for about 90m (passing toilets[70], picnic tables and a children's playground[71] on the left), until coming to a four-way intersection[72], with Black Duck Pond[73] directly ahead and a replica pioneering cottage on the left.
Turn left: From the intersection[74], this walk follows the 'Animal' sign[75] and sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the replica pioneering cottage[76][77] on the right. This walk continues for about 20m until coming to a three-way intersection[78], with a large timber fenced gate[79] (on the right).

(1km) Int of Boardwalk & Carnley Trail → Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail

100 m

2 mins

-2m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection[80][81], this walk follows the sealed trail gently uphill, while initially passing the large timber fenced gate[82] on the right and keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 90m, passing an 'Animals' sign[83] and 'Information' sign (on the right) and concrete stairs (on the left), until coming to a four-way intersection[84], with an 'Animals' sign and elevated boardwalk[85] (on the right) and disabled parking[86] and general car parking (on the left).

Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibits

This boardwalk in the Blackbutt Reserve offers wildlife exhibits[87] on an elevated timber boardwalk which is wheelchair accessible. Some of the wildlife that you are likely to encounter are kangaroos, koalas[88], wombats[89], Lace monitors[90], Wonga Pigeons, Red-winged Parrots, Black-winged Stilt[91], Buff-banded Rail, Herons[92], Eastern long-necked Turtle, Kingfishers[93], Turquoise Parrot, Banded Plover, Peaceful Dove[94], Cockatoos, Lorikeets, True Parrots, Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Bush Stone Curlew, Long-tailed Finch and Barking Owls[95]. 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[96] are available at 2pm daily and cost $3.50/person. For further information, phone: 02 4904 3344. More info.

(1km) Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail → Int of Boardwalk & Carnley Trail

380 m

8 mins

12m

-13m Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection[97][98][99], this walk follows the 'Animals' sign[100] and timber boardwalk gently uphill, while initially keeping the car park[101] on the right. This walk continues, undulating for about 300m on an elevated boardwalk[102] through large and small animal enclosures[103][104], with a fascinating selection of native animals[105][106] and birds[107][108][109]. 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[110] (on the left towards the pond[111]) and a trail[112] directly ahead.

(2km) Int of Boardwalk & Carnley Trail → Carnley Avenue Reserve

20 m

-2m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection[113], this walk follows the sealed trail[114] gently downhill and towards the Black Duck Pond[115], while initially keeping the large timber fenced gate[116] on your left. This walk continues for about 20m until coming to a four-way intersection[117], with the replica pioneering cottage[118][119], Black Duck Pond and a 'Richley Reserve' sign[120] (on the left).

(2km) Carnley Avenue Reserve → Int of Blueberry Ash Walk & Carnley Trail

130 m

2 mins

-1m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection[121][122], this walk follows the sealed road, while initially keeping the Black Duck Pond[123] on your left and the replica pioneering cottage[124][125] directly behind you. This walk continues, passing the Black Duck Pond (on the left) and continues gently uphill[126] for about 150m (passing a sheltered picnic area[127] and children's playground on the right) until coming to a three-way intersection[128] with a gravel trail (on the left), a metal ring fence (on the right) and a 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[129].

(2km) Int of Carnley Trail & Blueberry Ash Walk → Int of Carnley & Tall Trees Trails

310 m

6 mins

18m

0m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection[130], this walk follows the 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[131] on your left and trail gently downhill. This walk continues through forest with a metal ring fence (on the left) for about 170m, until coming to a three-way intersection[132][133] with a gently downhill trail[134] (on the right) and the end of the metal ring fence.
Continue straight: From the intersection[135][136], this walk follows the gently downhill trail and moves directly away from the metal ring fence, while initially keeping the trail and fence[137] on your right. This walk continues, undulating for about 170m until coming to a three-way intersection[138][139], with a 'Richley Car Park' sign[140].

(2km) Int of Main Ridge & Tall Trees Walks → Richley Reserve (Short Cut Intersection)

190 m

4 mins

-25m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[141], this walk passes around a metal post[142] and follows the 'Richley Carpark 400m' sign[143] and sealed footpath gently downhill, while leaving the bench seat[144] directly behind. This walk continues through forest for about 140m, to pass around a metal post[145] and find a large grassy picnic area[146][147]. Then this walk continues straight ahead over grass and through some trees for about 70m, until coming to a sealed trail[148][149][150] (with the valley beyond).

(2km) Richley Reserve (Short Cut Intersection) → Richley Reserve (car park)

440 m

8 mins

12m

-15m Very easy

Turn left: From the trail[151][152] below the large elevated grassed picnic area, this walk follows the gently downhill trail west, while keeping the valley on your right. This walk continues for about 120m to find a sheltered picnic area[153] (on the right). Then this walk continues straight ahead and gently uphill for about 160m, becoming gently downhill and passing timber steps[154] (on the left) and a toilet block (on the right), until coming to a four-way intersection[155], with a playground[156] on the right and a timber footbridge[157] directly ahead.
Turn right: From the intersection[158], this walk follows the footpath[159] gently downhill, while initially keeping the timber footbridge[160] on your left. This walk continues for about 180m, beside a pond[161] (on your left), until coming to a car park[162] with a sheltered picnic table[163] and 'Tall Tree Ridge Walk' sign[164] (on the left).

Maps for the Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit 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 Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit

Altitude analysis for Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit

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	2.9 km
		Time	1 hr 15 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		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

Around 2.8km of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 130m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 2.9km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 2.2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 770m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2.9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 2.9km 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 Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit walk.

Blackbutt Wildlife Exhibit

480 m Circuit, 15 mins

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, G

Total climbing: 14m

Very easy

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

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

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

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 Richley Reserve to Carnley Reserve Circuit walk.

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

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

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

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

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

Awabakal Viewpoint Walk

948 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk from the Awabakal car park out to the Awabakal Viewpoint offers a relaxing walk through native forest, with a quiet and secluded viewpoint at the end. The native heath throughout this walk is particularly attractive when in flower (July to October). Why not take a blanket and enjoy

Total climbing: 10m

Hard 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

Northern Redhead Beach Walk

1.2 km Circuit, 30 mins

This circuit walk starts at Webb Park and briefly travels on the Owens Walkway, before walking along the beautiful Redhead Beach to the Redhead SLSC. The rock cliffs at the northern end of Redhead Beach are inspiring and attractive to walk underneath. The walk returns to Webb Park via the SLSC car

Total climbing: 15m

Hard track