The Lookout Circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

2.4 km Circuit

91 m

Moderate track

The Lookout Circuit is a classic Green Point reserve walk. This walk offers walkers plenty of picnic opportunities, elevated views over Lake Macquarie and travel through eucalyptus forest. There is also good historical and environmental interpretative signage along much of this walk. This recommended walk makes a lovely half day walk if a picnic is included and remember to keep a lookout for Sea Eagles.

Welcome to the Green Point Foreshore Reserve

The Foreshore Track alongside Lake Macquarie

Interpretive signs along the Foreshore Track

Sea Eagle Picnic area and lookouts above

A seat on the path near the lower lookout

Stairs between the lower and middle lookouts

Picnic table near upper lookout Sea Eagle Picnic Area

Signposts guide bushwalkers through Green Point Reserve

Track through Eucalypt forest Green Point Reserve

Wood steps near Crown St and The Shores Way

The Shores Way entrance to Green Point Reserve

Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie

The Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie is a great place for a bush walk, bicycle or picnic. The Green Point Foreshore reserve offers many historical and environmentally interpretative signs along its multi use pathways. There is an unformed foreshore pathway beside Lake Macquarie, or more physically demanding walks away from the lake foreshore and into rainforest. Historically, the Green Point area was involved in a coal rush from the 1860's. This coal rush was spearheaded by the Cardiff Coal Company. Coal was proposed to be transported by barge to Threlkeld's old wharf at Reid's Mistake (Swansea Heads) for shipping to Sydney. However, the coal was poor quality 'boiler coal' and used mostly for steamer boilers. This coal rush finished in 1870. Timber was also milled on site after the coal rush. The Lake Macquarie Council is undergoing extensive rehabilitation works to improve the area for recreation. For more information contact the Lake Macquarie Visitor Information Centre on (02) 4921 0740 More info.

The Car Park (off The Shores Way, Green Point)

The Shores Way park entrance[1] and car park[2] is a great place to start a walk within the Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie. The park entrance offers a toilet[3], a water tap[4], seating and plenty of car parking. There are attractive grass slopes here dropping into the water, that make a fine spot to have a picnic.

(0km) The Shores Way Car Park → Int of Foreshore Track AND Jetty Picnic Area

550 m

10 mins

10m

-13m Moderate track

From the car park[5](on The Shores Way, Green Point), this walk heads towards the lake[6] past the toilet block[7] and along the footpath for 25m, to a four-way intersection[8] with a 'Welcome to Green Point Foreshore Reserve' sign[9] (on the right).
Turn right: From the intersection[10], this walk follows the shared concrete cycle/footpath gently downhill, while keeping the Shores Way car park[11] on your right and the water[12] on your left. This walk continues, undulating[13] for about 500m, until coming to the Jetty picnic area[14] on the right and jetty[15] on your left.

Jetty Picnic Area

The Jetty Picnic area[16] in the Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie offers a public jetty[17], a sheltered picnic table[18], seating[19][20], a drinking fountain[21] and historical interpretative signs[22]. The historical signs detail the 'timber getting' period of Green Point from 1860, with the timber used to build jetty's, pit prop for coal mining, ships and boats. There is also an historical sign detailing 'The Cardiff Coal Company', which mined coal out of Green Point during a minor coal rush.

(1km) Jetty Picnic Area (Green Point Foreshore Reserve) → Int of Foreshore Track & Sea Eagle Park

260 m

5 mins

-6m Easy track

Continue straight: From the Jetty Picnic Area[23], this walk follows the footpath gently uphill[24], while keeping the lake on your left. This walk continues for about 260m, until coming to a three-way intersection[25] with a track and the Sea Eagle Park[26] on your right.

Sea Eagle Park

Sea Eagle Park in Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie is a large grassed picnic area[27], with a toilet[28], sheltered picnic tables[29], water from a tap[30][31] and gas/electric barbeque's[32]. This picnic area is particularly good for larger family group, for there is room to play ball games or just sit and look at the views. The short walk up to the Sea Eagle Lookouts is recommended for the commanding views south towards Swansea.

(1km) Int of Foreshore Track & Sea Eagle Park → Int of Foreshore & Lookout Tracks

80 m

2 mins

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[33], this walk follows the footpath gently uphill[34], while keeping Sea Eagle Park[35] on your right. This walk continues for about 70m, until coming to a three-way intersection[36] with a track and 'Lookout' sign on your right and a 'Getting about at Green Point' sign[37] on your left.

(1km) Int of Foreshore & Lookout Tracks → Lower Lookout (Sea Eagle Park)

110 m

2 mins

16m

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[38][39], this walk heads up timber steps, directly away from the face of the 'Getting about at Green Point' sign[40]. This walk continues gently uphill, with occasional timber steps (and passing a seat[41]) for about 110m, until coming to the Lower Lookout[42][43] above Sea Eagle Park (on the right).

Sea Eagle Park Lookouts (lower, middle & upper)

These three lookouts (lower, middle and upper lookouts) are above Sea Eagle Park in Green Point Foreshore Reserve on Lake Macquarie and give great views[44][45] across Lake Macquarie towards Swansea. The upper lookout has a picnic table[46] in the shade behind the lookout, which gives relief on a hot day. The upper lookout also a picnic table[47] at the lookout, offering fabulous views to the south. Each of these lookouts has a bench seat and interpretative signs[48]. White Bellied Sea Eagles have been known to nest nearby and are often seen flying in the area.

(1km) Lower Lookout (Sea Eagle Park) → Middle Lookout (Sea Eagle Park)

100 m

3 mins

-7m Moderate track

Turn left: From Lower Lookout[49][50], this walk heads gently uphill, while keeping the views on your right. This walk continues along the track for about 100m, using timber steps[51][52], until coming to Middle Lookout[53].

(1km) Middle Lookout (Sea Eagle Park) → Upper Lookout (Sea Eagle Park)

40 m

1 mins

-2m Easy track

Turn left : From the Middle Lookout[54], this walk heads up timber steps[55] for 30m, until coming to the Upper Lookout[56][57] (with Sea Eagle Park below).

(1km) Upper Lookout (Sea Eagle Park) → Int of Lookout Track and Lookout Footpath

50 m

1 mins

-2m Very easy

Turn left: From the Upper Lookout[58][59], this walk follows the concrete footpath[60][61] gently uphill and away from the viewpoint. This walk continues for 45m, until coming to a three-way intersection[62] with a gravel track[63] (on the right) and a picnic table[64] (on the left just beyond).

(1km) Int of Lookout & Linkage Tracks → Int of The Shores Way & Crown St

870 m

17 mins

26m

-32m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[65][66][67], this walk follows the gravel track gently uphill, while leaving the concrete foot path and keeping the viewpoint directly behind you. This walk continues through forest for about 60m, to veer right at a open gravel clearing[68] (with vandalized timber post). Then this walk continues, undulating along a forest[69] covered ridge (ignoring side tracks) and passing vandalized timber posts[70] for about 700m, until coming to a three-way intersection[71][72][73], with a faint track (into grassland[74] on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection[75][76], this walk follows the track gently downhill, while initially keeping the faint track[77] (into grassland) on your left. This walk continues through forest (passing a leaf symbol post[78]) for about 100m, until coming down timber steps and coming to a four-way intersection[79][80], with Crown St and The Shores Way.

(2km) Int of The Shores Way AND Crown St → The Car Park (off The Shores Way, Green Point)

320 m

8 mins

-29m Very easy

Turn right: From the corner of The Shores Way and Crown Street, [81], this walk follows The Shores Way moderately steeply downhill, while initially keeping the timber steps and 'Lake Macquarie' sign[82] on the right. This walk continues (passing The Capstan and The Mainsail streets) for 250m, to turn left into the Green Point Foreshore Reserve car park[83]. Then this walk continues gently downhill for 90m, until coming to the toilet block[84][85].

Maps for the The Lookout 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.

Swansea	1:25 000 Map Series	92314N SWANSEA	NSW-92314N
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the The Lookout Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Lookout Circuit

Altitude analysis for The Lookout 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	2.4 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

1.9km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 390m is flat with no steps. The remaining (100m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

1.1km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (260m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1.5km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 890m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 2.3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 100m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.4km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.5km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 870m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the The Lookout Circuit walk.

The Foreshore Walk

2.9 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk traverses the coastline of the Green Point reserve. By following a variety of tracks and occasionally traveling inland through eucalyptus forest, this walk visits both Jetty and Sea Eagle picnic areas, Green Point itself and Rocky-high viewpoint. When looking into the waters of Lake Macq

Total climbing: 81m

Hard track

The Green Point Walk

3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk descends through open grasslands and eucalyptus forest to arrive at the grassed Green Point. This is a quiet and secluded spot and a fabulous place for a picnic. From Green Point, there are good views up and down Lake Macquarie. The side trip to the Sea Eagle Lookouts is also worthwhile

Total climbing: 102m

Moderate track

Green Point Drive Circuit

3.4 km Circuit, 2 hrs 45 mins

This walk takes in two of the best parts of Green Point Reserve, the quiet and secluded Green Point itself and the views at Sea Eagle Lookout. Starting at the high point of Green Point Drive entrance, you gradually descend to the foreshore, crossing over open grasslands and through eucalyptus fores

Total climbing: 127m

Moderate track

Green Point Circuit Walk

7.7 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk visits all of the popular locations in Green Point Reserve, as well as some of the lesser-visited areas inland. Taking in Sea Eagle Park, Green Point and Rocky-high viewpoint on the foreshore and then travel inland through mostly eucalyptus forest to enjoy the views at Sea Eagle Lookout,

Total climbing: 269m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the The Lookout Circuit walk.

Leichhardt's Green Point Walk

2.4 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk offers the shortest way of walking to Green Point. Starting from the elevated Leichhardt Road in Valentine, the walk descends through eucalyptus forest with some pleasant clearings on the way. Green Point is a great place for picnics and feels as if you can see the entire Lake Macquarie

Total climbing: 84m

Moderate track

Northern Green Point Circuit

3.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk visits two lovely foreshore locations on Lake Macquarie, before gaining height and traveling through eucalyptus forest and then finally descending again to the foreshore. The forest walking is mostly along fire trails adjacent to houses and it is possible to shorten the walk by exiting on

Total climbing: 140m

Hard track

Rocky-high Circuit Walk

666 m Circuit, 30 mins

This short circuit walk offers elevated views over Lake Macquarie from Rocky-high Viewpoint. This walk offers pleasant walking beside Lake Macquarie, as well as on a quiet track inland through eucalyptus forest. If possible, complete this walk close to sunset to take advantage of the views across

Total climbing: 27m

Moderate track

Belmont Lagoon Spit Walk

3.2 km Return, 1 Hr

The Belmont Lagoon Spit walk in Belmont is a quiet relaxing walk surrounded by water. This walk is best completed in the early morning or late afternoon, when the bird life is most active. You may see Black Swans, Spoon Bills and if you are lucky, the migratory Bar Tailed Godwit. This walk is clo

Total climbing: 10m

Moderate track

Cain's Timber Bridge Viewpoint Walk

1.3 km Return, 30 mins

This walk takes you beside the Owens wetland and then finishes at a lovely timber bridge over the Owens Creek. You are likely to see many birds on this walk, particularly if you do the walk in the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active. This walk is wheelchair accessible an

Total climbing: 4m

Very easy

The Redhead Owens Walkway Circuit

3.2 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk visits the Owens Wetland on the Owens Walkway, before entering Redhead Beach and walking north to the Redhead SLSC. The cliffs to the north are worth a closer look. The walk then returns via the Redhead Beach car park, crossing a creek (your feet will get wet) and following the Owens Wal

Total climbing: 26m

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

The Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway

2.4 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk follows a series of concrete and timber footpaths through the pleasant coastal area. This walk starts and finishes at the Webb Park Picnic Area, which has good facilities and shops nearby. The Owens Walkway has been made in conjunction with the Redhead Landcare group. This walk is great

Total climbing: 20m

Very easy

Galgabba Point Walk

3.2 km Return, 1 Hr

The Galgabba Point walk is a flat walk along a bush track. This walk travels through native bush before arriving at Galgabba Point, where the track forms a small loop to allow you to explore the point. Galgabba Point is home to endangered ecological communities and threatened plant species, such a

Total climbing: 17m

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

Caves Beach Caves Walk

904 m Return, 30 mins

Caves Beach caves are just fabulous for exploring. This walk allows you to meander along the beach, looking and exploring in the many different sized and shaped caves. There are also good tidal pools to look in, making this a great walk for families. This walk requires low tide and calm sea condi

Total climbing: 22m

Hard track