Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap

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Time 6 hrs
One way 12.5 km One way
Climb 729 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Bus Car
This walk starts from the Watagan Forestry HQ campsite and follows the Great North Walk through the Watagan State Forest. The walk then heads out to Heaton lookout and down the long descent into Heaton Gap, passing several more fantastic lookouts and picnic areas on the way. The walk finishes at Heaton Gap on Freemans drive, just opposite the Watagan Forest Motel.

Watagan Headquarters

Watagan Headquarters
Watagan Headsquarters campsite[1] (aka Forestry HQ) is located in the Heaton State Forest, beside Bakers Rd, near Heaton Rd. This campsite has wood fired barbecues[2], picnic tables[3] and a garbage bin[4]. The large, flat, cleared area[5] allows plenty of room to pitch a tent. In 2010, a series of vandalism attacks occurred on the water tank, so there is no longer water available.

(0km) Forestry H.Q campsite → Int of Bakers & Rocky Creek Roads

distance 950 m time 16 mins climb 12m descent -21m Moderate track
From the intersection (Forestry H.Q. campsite)[6], this walk follows Bakers Road gently downhill[7], while keeping the GNW arrow marker on your right[8] and the large 'Great North Walk' sign[9] on your left. The walk continues, undulating gently for about 900m until coming to a three-way intersection with Rocky Creek Road[10] (on the right).

(1km) Int of Bakers & Rocky Creek Roads → Hunter Lookout picnic area

distance 670 m time 11 mins climb 9m descent -17m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection[11], this walk follows Bakers Road north and gently uphill, while keeping Rocky Creek Road (no signpost) on your right. The walk continues, undulating gently for about 400m until coming to a three-way intersection with Glen Road[12] (on the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection[13], this walk follows Bakers Road gently uphill[14], while keeping Glen Road on your right. The walk continues, undulating gently for about 250m until coming to Hunter Lookout picnic area[15] (on the left).
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads off the road and up the hill following the Hunter Lookout picnic area sign, past the wooden gate and the public toilet, to the picnic area area and the lookout.

Hunter Lookout

Hunter Lookout
Hunter Lookout[16] can be found on Bakers Road, along the Great North Walk. This fenced lookout has everything you will need snack-stop, including toilets[17], picnic tables, chairs and wood-fired barbecues[18]. This lookout has fantastic views[19] over much of the Hunter region[20]. In 2010, a series of vandalism attacks occurred on the water tank, so water is no longer available at Hunter Lookout.

(2km) Hunter Lookout picnic area → Macleans Lookout

distance 700 m time 16 mins climb 39m descent -38m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the picnic area, this walk heads north, past the metal gate to the intersection of Bakers Road.
Veer left: From the Hunter Lookout picnic area[21] (on Bakers Road), this walk follows Bakers Road north and gently downhill[22], while keeping Hunter Lookout on your left. The walk continues for about 400m until coming to a Y-intersection[23] (Bakers Road loop).
Continue straight: From the intersection[24] (Bakers Road Loop), this walk follows the track gently uphill[25], while keeping the other end of Bakers Road Loop to your right, gently downhill. The walk follows the road for about 130m until coming to Macleans Lookout[26].

Mcleans Lookout

Mcleans Lookout
McLeans Lookout[27] offers magnificent views of the valleys[28] in Heaton State Forest. Located on Bakers Road, this fenced lookout also has picnic facilities including tables with seats[29] and open grassy areas.

(2km) Maclean Lookout → Int of GNW track & Bakers Road

distance 100 m time 2 mins climb 5m descent -3m Moderate track
Veer right: From Mcleans Lookout[30], this walk follows Bakers Road gently downhill, while keeping Macleans Lookout behind you on your left. The walk continues for about 80m until coming to a three-way intersection[31] with a wide track and GNW arrow marker (on the left).

(2km) Int of GNW track & Bakers Road → Int of GNW track AND Glen Road

distance 570 m time 15 mins climb 21m descent -83m Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection[32], this walk follows the trail gently downhill[33], while keeping the 'Heaton Lookout' sign on your right. The walk continues (becoming moderately steep downhill) for about 280m until coming to a three-way intersection[34] with a track on the left.
Turn sharp right: From the intersection[35], this walk follows the track moderately steeply downhill[36], while keeping the GNW arrow marker on your left. The walk continues (descending moderately steeply into[37] and out[38] of a gully) for about 150m, until coming to a three-way intersection, Glen Road[39].

(3km) Int of GNW track & Glen Road → Int of GNW track and Fosters Road south

distance 1.2 km time 33 mins climb 117m descent -84m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection[40], this walk follows the track gently downhill[41], while keeping the 'Glenn Rd' sign[42] on your right. The walk continues through forest[43] for about 120m, until coming to a three-way intersection[44] with a track and GNW arrow marker (on the left).
Turn left : From the intersection[45], this walk follows the GNW arrow marker[46] moderately steeply down along the track[47]. The walk continues for about 100m, to find a forested mossy creek[48] where the track bend right and continues close to the creek[49] for about 70m to then bend left and crossing the creek. The walk now follows the track undulating gently for about 280m before finding a large rock overhang[50]. The walk then continues moderately steeply uphill[51] for about 200m until coming to a T-intersection[52] with a wide trail and GNW arrow marker[53].
Turn right: From the intersection[54], this walk follows 'Watagan Forest Road' sign[55] uphill[56] along the trail for about 200m to a three-way intersection[57], with another 'Watagan Forest Road' sign[58] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection[59], this walk follows the wide track gently downhill, while keeping the 'Macleans Lookout 2km' sign[60] on your right. The walk continues for about 140m to a three-way intersection[61], with Fosters Road on your right and 'Fosters Road' sign[62] on your left.

(4km) Int of GNW track and Fosters Road south → Int of GNW track and Hammonds Road

distance 430 m time 16 mins climb 59m descent -68m Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection[63], this walk follows the GNW arrow post down along the wide old trail[64], passing the 'Fosters Road' sign[65] on your left. The walk continues for about 100m, where the wide track then leads moderately steeply downhill[66] for about 150m more. The walk then crosses a gully[67] and heads up[68] over another rise for about 70m to where the track narrows then bends left at a GNW arrow post. About 180m past the post, the walk crosses a gully[69] then heads up the other side, past a termite mound[70] to an unfenced cliff with distance valley views[71]. Here the track bends right and leads up a short distance to a dirt road[72]. The walk turns left and follows the road down for just a few metres to the 'Hammonds Road' sign, where the 'MacLean Lookout' arrow[73] points back along the road.

(5km) Int of GNW track and Hammonds Road → Int of GNW track and Wallis Creek

distance 1.4 km time 44 mins climb 113m descent -214m Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection[74], this walk follows the 'Heaton Lookout' sign[75] downhill along the road a few metres, then veers left to follow the GNW arrow down the old trail[76]. The walk leads fairly steeply down for about 180m then passes around a timber barrier[77]. Here the track narrows and continues more steeply downhill[78] through forest for about 250m to a gully and creek crossing[79] (with many fallen dead trees[80]).
Continue straight: This walk crosses the creek[81] and follows the track, while keeping the valley on your left. The walk follows the track steeply up for a short distance, then follows along the base of a cliff[82] for about 120m to pass through a long sandstone cave[83]. The rocky track leads steeply down through the dense rainforest for 700m, following a series of GNW arrow posts to the bottom of the gully beside Wallis Creek[84].

(6km) Int of GNW track and Wallis Creek → Int of GNW track and Barniers Road

distance 1 km time 30 mins climb 143m descent 0m Hard track
Continue straight: From here, the walk crosses Wallis Creek[85], and follows the GNW arrows south gently uphill along the track. The walk continues (crossing over a tree trunk[86] with carved steps) and after about 500m, comes to a creek and a tree trunk with a directional arrow carving[87]. Then the walk follows the track[88] for about 130m (crossing the creek a number[89] of times) to find the track leaving the creek[90]. The track is followed moderately steeply uphill[91] through forest for about 400m, until coming to a level four-way intersection[92] with a 'Barniers Road/Mt Faulk Road' sign on your right.

(7km) Int of GNW track and Barniers Road → Int of GNW track and Heaton Lookout

distance 1.2 km time 29 mins climb 58m descent -115m Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection[93], this walk follows the GNW arrow east, directly away from the face of the 'Barniers Road' sign[94]. The walk continues along the old trail for about 450m to find an intersection[95] with a track (on the right). Here the walk turns right, following the 'The Great North Walk' sign[96] moderately steeply down the narrow track[97] for about 220m and then crosses a creek[98]. The walk continues moderately steeply uphill[99] around another gully and after about 500m, comes to a T-intersection[100] with Heaton trail and Heaton Lookout[101] directly ahead.

Heaton Lookout

Heaton Lookout
Heaton Lookout[102] is one of the larger lookouts located on Heaton Road. This fenced lookout faces south-east. There are wood fired barbecues[103], picnic tables[104] and a pit toilet[105]. Heaton Lookout is a great place to stop for a snack, and the amazing view[106] feels like a bonus. This lookout was named after Richard Heaton, a timber cutter who came to Australia as a convict. There is a water tank here, due to vandalism in the area this is not a reliable water source.

(8km) Heaton Lookout. → Heaton Communications Tower

distance 2.4 km time 54 mins climb 144m descent -54m Moderate track
Turn left: From 'Heaton Lookout'[108], this walk follows the 'Heaton Gap' sign[109] gently uphill along the dirt Heaton Rd[110], past the toilet[111]. After about 250m, the road leads past the 'Heaton Loop Trail' side track[112], then about 250m later (staying left at the Y-intersection) the road passes another section of the same signposted track[113] as the road bends left, enjoying the views over the clearing (on your right). The road now leads gently uphill[114] for about 1.7km, ignoring a series of side tracks until coming to a clear three-way intersection[115] just past the brick building[116] and fenced communication tower[117] (on the right, and a small dam on the left).

(11km) Heaton Communications Tower → Heaton Gap Lookout

distance 620 m time 13 mins climb 3m descent -69m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[118], this walk follows the GNW arrow marker[119] off the main road, heading east along the wide trail, initially keeping the fenced tower[120] on your right. The trail follows the power lines[121]. The unsignposted and unfenced clearing[122] has wide, uninterrupted views to the south.

Heaton Gap Lookout

Heaton Gap Lookout
Heaton Gap lookout is a fantastic spot to stop and catch your breath in Heaton State Forest. This unfenced lookout[123] offers exhilarating views over the valleys towards Tuggerah Lake and Lake Macquarie[124]. this unsignposted view, as with many features in the area, was named after Richard Heaton, a timber cutter who came to Australia as a convict. More info.

(11km) Heaton Gap Lookout → Heaton Gap Track Head

distance 1.2 km time 32 mins climb 6m descent -272m Hard track
Continue straight: From Heaton Gap Lookout[126], this walk follows the track east, moderately steeply downhill, initially keeping the view from Heaton Gap Lookout[127] on your right. After about 60m, the track leads to a timber platform with more views[128], underneath the power lines. The walk continues past some handrailing for about 20m to come to the 'Great North Walk Walker Register' post[129]. After noting your intentions, the walk continues steeply downhill[130] with stone and timber steps[131] and sections for handrail for about 200m, past the rock boulders and grass trees where the track widens into a narrow grassy trail. Here the walk follows this trail and the power lines downhill, steeply[132] in places, for about 600m, until coming to a level unsignposted three-way intersection[133] with the Freemans Drive trail[134] (on the right).
Veer left: From the intersection[135], this walk follows the GNW arrow post and power lines[136] steeply downhill[137] along the trail. The walk continues for about 180m to find a three-way intersection[138], with a GNW arrow marker on the right (where the power line trail bends left). The walk turns right, leaving the power lines and following the GNW arrow marker steeply down a narrower forested track[139]. The track winds down some timber steps, towards the sound of traffic for about 160m then down a timber staircase[140] to the edge of Freemans Drive. Here the walk crosses Freemans Drive[141] (busy road, please be careful to look and listen for traffic) and comes to the Watagan Forest Motel[142], petrol station (on the left), picnic area[143] and signposted 'Heaton Gap Track Head'[144] (on the right).

Watagan Forest Motel

Watagan Forest Motel
Watagan Forest Motel[145] is located on Branxton-Toronto Road. This retro-style motel is located right on the Great North Walk. The motel offers six rooms[146] for around $99 per night - each with a double bed[147] (four rooms also have twin singles), a television[148], bathroom with shower[149], air conditioning[150], and breakfast included. Room service is available. Adjoining the motel is a service station[151], which also offers dining room meals as well as a small grocery selection (bread, milk, bottled water, rice, pasta, etc), open until 8:30pm daily. A rest area is situated next to the motel, with covered picnic tables and garbage bins[152]. For further information, phone (02)4938 0149.

Maps for the Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap 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.

Quorrobolong1:25 000 Map Series91322S QUORROBOLONGNSW-91322S
Cessnock1:50 000 Map Series91322 CESSNOCKCW-91322
Cessnock1:100 000 Map Series9132 CESSNOCK9132

Cross sectional view of the Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap

Altitude analysis for Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap

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.

Length12.5 km
Time6 hrs
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track
AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackRough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
SignsMinimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience RequiredModerate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
WeatherStorms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
InfrastructureLimited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

6km of this walk has short steep hills and another 4.9km is very steep. The remaining (1.9km) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

4.7km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 4km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (3.8km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 9km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3.7km has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

7km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience and another 2.7km requires no previous bushwalking experience. The remaining (2.6km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 11km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.7km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

4.8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 3.9km has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (3.9km) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap walk starts at the Forestry H.Q campsite (gps: -32.975600, 151.41170)

The Watagan Forestry HQ campsite to Heaton Gap ends at the Heaton Gap Track Head (gps: -32.965275, 151.47939)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Heaton State Forest

Boardering Watagan national Park, Heaton State forest is home to many great lookouts. There sre many highpoints with cliff edges giving great views across the Hunter valley and Lake Macquarie.

Awaba State Forest

A large parcel of land west of the northern end of lake Macquarie, Awaba state forest lines the side of part of the Sydney - newcastle freeway. The park is home to mostly native forest

Watagans National Park

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