Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave)

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

2 km Circuit

99 m

Moderate track

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 with a visit to the Wildlife Exhibits and/or a picnic at Carnley Ave Reserve. A recommended walk.

Wildlife Exhibit boardwalk entrance at Carnley Ave Reserve in Blackbutt Reserve

Timber boardwalk into Wildlife Exhibit at Blackbutt Reserve

Intersection near the entrance to the Wildlife Exhibits at Blackbutt Reserve

Sealed trail towards the rainforest in Blackbutt Reserve

Intersection and sign in the Blackbutt Reserve

Closed toilet block in the Blackbutt Reserve

Small picnic area in the Blackbutt Reserve

A small picnic area at the Blackbutt Reserve

A small pond and picnic area at the Blackbutt Reserve

A minor intersection in Blackbutt Reserve

Dense forest close to the Rain Forest Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve

Views of the sky through trees in the Blackbutt Reserve

Rain Forest sign in the Blackbutt Reserve

Flying Foxes nesting in trees at the Rain Forest Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve

The Rain Forest Picnic Area at Blackbutt Reserve

Sign and trail at the Rain Forest Picnic Area in the Blackbutt Reserve

Leafy trail close to the Rain Forest Picnic Area in the Blackbutt Reserve

Timber fence by bridge over Rain Forest Creek in Blackbutt Reserve

Timber fencing over Rain Forest Creek in Blackbutt Reserve

A clearing under a large tree near Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve

The end of Lookout Road in the Blackbutt Reserve

An intersection at the end of Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve

Beautiful large tree at the end of Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve

The end of Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve

Old brick building in the Blackbutt Reserve

Intersection and trails in the 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 → Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks

380 m

8 mins

24m

-6m Moderate track

From the intersection[26], this walk follows the sealed road[27] gently uphill, while initially keeping the timber fenced boardwalk[28] to the Wildlife Exhibits on your right. This walk continues through forest[29] for about 140m until coming to a three-way intersection[30], with a 'Lookout Road Carpark 400m' sign[31] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[32], this walk follows the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[33] and sealed road gently downhill. This walk continues undulating for about 260m until coming to a three-way intersection[34], with a sealed road (on the right) and a 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[35] (on the left).

(0km) Main Ridge & Rain Forest Walks → Int of Rain Forest Walk & Link Track

530 m

13 mins

44m

-14m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection[36], this walk follows the 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[37] and sealed road gently downhill, while keeping the valley on the left. This walk continues for about 110m, passing a closed toilet block[38] (on the left), until crossing over a bridge at the Rainforest picnic area[39]. Then this walk continues gently uphill for about 30m, until coming to a three-way intersection[40][41] with a gravel trail[42] (on the right). This walk then turns right, following the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[43][44] on the gravel trail for about 400m through dense rainforest[45] (passing a 'Rainforest Picnic Area' sign[46] on the left), until coming to a three-way intersection[47] with a gently downhill trail (on the right) and a gently uphill trail[48] (on the left).

Rod Earp Rainforest Picnic Area

This secluded, dense rainforest within Blackbutt Reserve has bench seats[49] and a picnic table[50]. The forest in this area hosts a large population of grey-headed flying foxes. These large bats[52] migrate for food and then return to roost during the day. Watch out for the bat guano the ground. This picnic area feels a world away from downtown Newcastle.

(1km) Int of Rain Forest Walk & Lookout Trail → Int of Lookout Trail & Rain Forest Walk

120 m

3 mins

-5m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[53][54], this walk follows the trail gently downhill, while keeping the gently uphill trail[55] on your left and the valley on your right. This walk continues through rainforest for about 130m, passing a 'Rainforest Restoration Project' sign[56] (on the left), until coming to a three-way intersection[57], with a trail and bridge[58] on the right, and a 'Lookout Rd 420m' sign[59] on the left.

(1km) Int of Lookout Trail AND Rain Forest Walk → Int of Rain Forest Walk AND Lookout Road

310 m

7 mins

17m

-12m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection[60][61], this walk crosses the bridge and follows the trail moderately steeply uphill[62], while leaving the face of the 'Lookout Rd 420m' sign directly behind. This walk continues, passing the 'Senses Track 150m' sign[63] (on the right) and becoming gently uphill through forest for about 170m to pass a 'Rain Forest Area/Picnic Park' sign[64] (on the left). Then this walk continues for about 140m, until coming to a car park[65][66] and sealed road, with a 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign[67] on the left.

(1km) Int of Rain Forest Walk & Lookout Road → Int of Lookout Road & Main Ridge Trail

20 m

-1m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection[68][69], this walk follows the road gently downhill and across the car park, while initially leaving the 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign[70] on your right. This walk continues for about 25m, until passing through yellow metal posts[71] and coming to a three-way intersection, with a 'Main Ridge Walk (loop)' sign[72][73] and trail[74] (on the left) and square brick buildings[75] (on the right).

(1km) Rain Forest Walk & Main Ridge Walk → Int of Lookout Road & Main Ridge Trail

150 m

3 mins

-9m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[76], this walk follows the sealed road[77], while passing the two square brick buildings[78][79] (on your right) and leaving the yellow metal posts[80] (directly behind). This walk continues through a picnic area for about 160m until coming to a three-way intersection[81] with a sealed road and 'Rainforest Walk' sign[82] (on the right).

(2km) Int of Lookout Road & Main Ridge Trail → Int of Main Ridge Trail & Lookout Road

410 m

9 mins

-42m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection[83][84], this walk follows the 'Rainforest Walk' sign[85] gently downhill, while keeping the valley on your right. This walk continues through dense forest[86] for about 170m until coming to a T-intersection[87], with a 'Rainforest Walk to Lookout Rd Carpark' sign[88] indicating a right turn.
Continue straight: From the intersection[89], this walk follows the 'Wildlife Exhibit' sign[90] and sealed road gently downhill, while keeping the valley on the right. This walk continues, undulating for about 260m until coming to a three-way intersection[91], with a 'Lookout Road Carpark' sign[92] and gently uphill sealed road on the left.

(2km) Int of Main Ridge Trail & Lookout Road → Int of Boardwalk & Main Ridge Trail

130 m

3 mins

-9m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[93], this walk follows the 'Wildlife Exhibitions 120m' sign[94] and sealed road[95] gently downhill, while keeping the 'Lookout Road Carpark' sign[96] directly behind you. This walk continues through forest[97] for about 140m, until coming to a four-way intersection[98] with the Wildlife Exhibits boardwalk[99] (on the left), a car park[100] ahead and a disabled car park (on the right).

Maps for the Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave) 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 Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave) bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave)

Altitude analysis for Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave)

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 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		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 1.5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 530m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.1km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 960m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1.5km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 530m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 2km 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 Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave) walk.

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

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

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 Rod Earp Rainforest Circuit (from Carnley Ave) 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

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

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

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