The Redhead Owens Walkway Circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

3.2 km Circuit

26 m

Hard track

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 Walkway back to the start of the walk. A good walk that gives an excellent sense of the northern end of Redhead.

Sign at Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway track head in Redhead

Elevated walkway to Owens Viewpoint in Redhead

Footpath on the Owens Walkway near Cain St in Redhead

View of Wetlands on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Sealed foot path on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Views over the Owens Walkway near Cain St in Redhead

Track intersection at the Owens Walkway Wetland Viewpoint in Redhead

Stone monument and Viewpoint on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Timber fencing and view on the Owens Viewpoint in Redhead

Metal plaque on the monument near the Owens Walkway Wetlands

Views over the Owens Walkway Wetlands in Redhead

Track through forest on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Footpath through forest on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Forest with footpath on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Intersection with timber posts on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Drinking fountain on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Wide track and Cain St in the distance on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Footpath on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Footpath near the Owens Creek Viewpoint in Redhead

Timber platform over Owens Creek on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Ducks in Owens Creek on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Elevated timber bridge over Owens Creek on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Ducks in Owens Creek on the Owens Walkway

Timber bridge with seating over Owens Creek in Redhead

Track in coastal forest near the Owens Walkway

Sandy track near the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Sandy track through vegetation on Redhead Beach

Uphill sandy track away from Redhead Beach

Sand and vegetation with the Redhead Beach in the background

End of footpath into the Redhead SLSC Car Park.

Locked gate at south-western corner of Redhead car park

Locked gate with the Redhead SLSC car park in the background

Sandy timber stepped track down to Freshwater Creek in Redhead

Freshwater Creek near Redhead Beach in Redhead

Freshwater Creek with Redhead Beach in the background

Flat green grassy section near Freshwater Creek in Redhead

Sandy uphill track near the Owens Walkway

Intersection with the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Timbered boardwalk on the Owens Walkway near Webb Park

Intersection near the Redhead beach on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Timbered boardwalk and seat on the Owens Walkway.

Timber boardwalk and seat on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Timber boardwalk on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Owens Walkway with timber boardwalk in Redhead

Timber boardwalk and seat on the Owens Walkway

Foot path through coastal forest on the Owens Walkway

Dog walking area sign on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Timber post near the Owens Walkway Car Park in Redhead

Foot path and metal seat near the Owens Walkway Car Park in Redhead

Footpath near the Cain's Street Car Park on the Owens Walkway in Redhead

Ken & Audrey Owens Walkway

The Ken & Audrey Owens Walkway on Cain St, Redhead is a community made coastal walkway[1] through restored bushland[2]. The walkway has two halves - one direction visits the Redhead Lagoon and a timber bridge viewpoint, and the other way visits Webb Park near the Redhead shops. The walkway was made in coordination with the Redhead Landcare group. Volunteers are always needed for working bee's on the last Sunday morning of each month. For more information, contact 49447403. The boardwalk is made of concrete and timber, and the tracks are suitable for wheelchairs and prams. There are also well positioned rest areas along the boardwalk. There is a dog walking area just off the walkway. More info.

Owens Walkway Car Park & Viewpoint

The Owens Walkway car park (off Cain St, Redhead) offers easy access to the Ken & Audrey Owens Walkway[3]. The car park has a water tap[4] and seat[5]. The viewpoint at the car park is gained via an elevated boardwalk[6] and offers views down the coast to Norah Head. From the viewpoint, surfers and whales can be seen (Northern whale migration from June to July, southern migration from Sept to Oct) . More info.

(0km) Owens Walkway Car Park (Off Cain Street) → Owens Walkway Intersection

30 m

1 mins

-1m Very easy

From the car park[7][8] (opposite 9 Cain St, Redhead), this walk follows the concrete footpath[9] gently downhill, while past the 'Ken and Audrey Owens Walkway'sign[10] and elevated lookout[11] on your right. This walk continues into coastal forest[12] (passing a water tap[13] on the left) for about 30m, until coming to a T-intersection with the concrete Owens Walkway[14][15] (and some timber posts on your left).

(0km) Owens Walkway Intersection → Owens Wetland Lookout

130 m

2 mins

0m Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection[16], this walk follows the concrete footpath gently downhill[17][18], while keeping the ocean and wetland[19] to your left. This walk continues through coastal forest[20] for about 130m, to find an elevated timber lookout[21] and stone monument[22][23] (on your left).

Owens Wetland Viewpoint

This wetlands viewpoint[24] on the Owens Walkway (in Redhead) offers good views out over water, reeds and a large wetland. In the distance are large sand dunes, with Redhead Beach behind them. This viewpoint is easily accessible via the Owens Walkway and has wheelchair access. Wildlife, particularly birds, use the wetland as a breeding site and you are likely to see birds here. There is also a stone monument[25], dedicated to the ‘Cain St Landcare Project[26]’. The viewpoint is fenced[27] and has a timber seat[28].

(0km) Owens Wetland Lookout → Int of Owens Walkway & Cain St Trail

340 m

5 mins

0m Very easy

Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk follows the concrete footpath whilst keeping the wetland to your left. The footpath undulates gently as it leads through the coastal forest[29] for about 300m, until coming to a T-intersection[30], marked with some concrete posts, a drinking fountain[31] and a trail[32] (on the right).

(1km) Int of Owens Walkway & Cain St Trail → Elevated Timber Bridge

140 m

2 mins

-1m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection[33], this walk follows the concrete footpath gently downhill[34], while leaving the Cain St trail directly behind and initially keeping the drinking fountain[35] on your right. This walk continues through dense coastal forest[36] for about 140m until coming to an elevated timber foot bridge[37][38] over Owens Creek[39].

Elevated Timber Bridge Viewpoint

This timber bridge[40] is elevated over Owen Creek in Redhead. The viewpoint is amongst trees[41] and offers a quiet spot to sit[42] and look into the creek. Local ducks[43] live in this area. This viewpoint is wheelchair accessible by using the Owens Walkway.

(1km) Elevated timber bridge → Redhead Beach (Owens Walk end)

560 m

9 mins

-7m Hard track

Continue straight: From here, this walk crosses the elevated timber bridge[44][45], and follows the sandy track[46] south. This walk continues, undulating gently through coastal forest[47] (ignoring side tracks[48]) for about 400m, to pass timber posts[49] with views[50] of the ocean. Then this walk continues towards the ocean for about 100m, until arriving on Redhead Beach[51][52]. Please preserve the dunes - don't walk on the vegetation.

(1km) Redhead Beach (Owens Walk end) → Redhead Surf Life Saving Club

1.2 km

18 mins

-4m Hard track

Turn left: From Redhead Beach (Owens Walkway end)[53][54][55], this walk follows the beach, with the ocean on your right. This walk continues for about 850m until coming to a section of beach with a faint track[56] with timber posts[57] visible inland, about 60m before crossing Freshwater Creek[58].
Continue straight: From Redhead Beach (near Webb Park)[59], this walk follows the beach with the ocean on your right. This walk crosses Freshwater Creek (may be covered with sand) after about 60m and continues for about 230m, until coming to the Redhead Beach Surf Life Saving Club[60].

Redhead Surf Life Saving Club

Redhead Surf Life Saving Club, on Beach Rd, Redhead, is adjacent to a large car park and the main surfing area[61] of Redhead Beach. There are changing rooms with toilets[62]. The SLSC runs a kiosk[63], open from 7am daily[64], serving hot and cold drinks, hot food, snacks and ice cream cones[65]. More info.

(2km) Redhead Surf Life Saving Club → Redhead Car Park (Fresh Water Creek end)

190 m

3 mins

-2m Hard track

Continue straight: From the Redhead Surf Life Saving Club[66][67] (off Beach Road, Redhead) this walk follows the footpath[68], with the car park[69] on your right and vegetation[70] on your left. This walk continues for about 50m to the end of the footpath[71]. This walk then turns left into the car park and continues for about 120m, until coming to a locked metal gate[72] and 'Dogs must be leashed' sign[73].

(3km) Redhead Car Park (Fresh Water Creek end) → Owens Walkway Intersection

180 m

3 mins

-1m Hard track

Veer left: From the south-western corner of Redhead Beach car park[74][75] (off Beach Road, Redhead) near Freshwater Creek, this walk passes around the locked metal gate[76][77] and follows the sandy track[78] (with timber steps) gently downhill, keeping the ocean on your left. This walk continues for about 40m, crossing Freshwater Creek[79] then turning right, inland. Then this walk continues gently uphill[80] and after about 70m passes through a level grassed area[81]. This walk then continues on a gravel track[82] for about 60m, until coming to the Owens Walkway four-way intersection[83], with a 'Keep dogs on leads' sign[84] directly ahead.

(3km) Webb Park Four-Way Intersection → Int of Owens Walkway & Dog exercise footpath

390 m

7 mins

-9m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection[85][86], this walk follows the timber walkway gently uphill[87], while keeping the 'Keep dogs on leads' sign[88] and ocean (in the distance) on your left. This walk continues through the low coastal vegetation[89][90] (passing two bench seats[91][92]) for about 400m to come to a concrete footpath[93]. This walk continues along the footpath for about 50m, to a three-way intersection[94], with a footpath (on the left) and a 'Dog Exercise Area' sign[95] (on the right).

(3km) Int of Owens Walkway & Dog exercise footpath → Owens Walkway Car Park (Off Cain Street)

90 m

2 mins

0m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection[96][97], this walk follows the concrete footpath gently uphill[98], while leaving the 'Dog Exercise Area' sign[99] on your right. This walk continues for about 40m, until passing between timber posts[100][101] and coming to a three-way intersection with a gently uphill footpath[102] (on your right).
Turn right: From the intersection[103][104], this walk follows the concrete footpath gently uphill[105], leaving the ocean directly behind you. This walk continues through coastal forest (passing a water tap[106] on the right), until coming to the Owens Walkway car park[107][108], with an elevated lookout[109] on your left.

Maps for the The Redhead Owens Walkway 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 Redhead Owens Walkway Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Redhead Owens Walkway Circuit

Altitude analysis for The Redhead Owens Walkway 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	3.2 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited 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

Around 2.5km of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 750m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 1.9km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely, whilst the remaining 1.3km follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 2.1km of this walk has minimal directional signs, whilst the remaining 1.1km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

1.3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.1km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (850m) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 1.8km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.4km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

1.3km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 1.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (750m) has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the The Redhead Owens Walkway Circuit walk.

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

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 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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the The Redhead Owens Walkway Circuit walk.

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

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

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

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 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

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 Lookout Circuit

2.4 km Circuit, 1 Hr

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 recomme

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