Wallarah Pennisula Walk

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Time 2 hrs 45 mins
One way 7.8 km One way
Climb 204 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Bus Car
This walk starts at Caves Beach and travels south along the coastline to Pinneys Beach. The walk then heads west, up and over the Wallarah Pennisula to Murrays Beach on the foreshore of Lake Macquarie. Both the Spoon Rocks Spit and Pinney’s Headland side trips are worthwhile excursions. The palm gully rainforest, as you journey to the west, is a lovely surprise as well. At Murray’s Beach, take some time to relax in the excellent facilities there. A wonderful walk, full of variety.

Wallarah Pennisula

Wallarah Pennisula
Wallarah Penisula, also referred to as the Swansea Pennisula, is surrounded by water and includes the Wallarah National Park. The Wallarah Pennisula stretches from Lake Macquarie in the west to the ocean in the east, from Swansea and Caves Beach in the north to Catherine Hill Bay and Lake Munmorah in the south. Within the Wallarah National Park, there are plenty of things to do, including walking, fishing, swimming and surfing. The coastal views are spectacular, and this is also a good whale watching spot. The Wallarah National Park co-operates with its park neighbours, including Stockland Wallarah Peninsula Pty Ltd, on a wide range of issues relating to the management of the Wallarah Peninsula through a joint management agreement.

Stuart Chalmers Park

Stuart Chalmers Park
Named after a cancer victim, Stuart Chalmers Park is a well established park close to Caves Beach. Stuart Chalmers Park has toilets[2], car parking[3], water, sheltered electric barbeques[4] and picnic tables[5]. The park has easy access to Caves Beach, the cafe Acquablu[6] and the Caves Beach SLSC.

Caves Beach SLSC

Caves Beach SLSC
The Swansea-Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club, south of Newcastle, was founded in 1929. The SLSC looks after Caves Beach, which runs from this southern end of the beach, for 300m to the northern Swansea (Hams) Beach. A road runs the length of the beach, with car parking along much of it. Though Caves Beach faces the south-east, it is afforded a moderate degree of wave protection by reefs in the centre and north and Spoon Rocks to the south-east. More info.

(0km) Cafe Acquablu on Caves Beach → Bottom of timber steps on Caves Beach

distance 90 m time 2 mins climb 1m descent -2m Moderate track
From Cafe Acquablu[7], this walk leaves the concrete footpath and enters Caves Beach[8], turning to the right. This walk then follows the sandy beach, keeping the ocean on your left, and after about 80m, crosses a small creek[9] and comes to the bottom of timber steps[10].

(0km) Bottom of timber steps on Caves Beach → Caves Beach Lookout

distance 160 m time 3 mins climb 6m descent -6m Hard track
Continue straight: From the bottom of the timber steps[11] on Caves Beach, this walk follows the steps up[12], leaving the beach behind. This walk continues for about 50m up the concrete and timber steps[13], until coming to a four-way intersection[14] (with uphill concrete steps[15] directly ahead).
Turn left: From the intersection[16][17], this walk follows the footpath gently uphill[18], while keeping the downhill concrete steps[19] and beach on your left. This walk continues for about 60m until coming to a three-way intersection[20][21] with a concrete footpath on the right.
Veer left: From the intersection[22][23], this walk follows the footpath gently downhill, while keeping the ocean on your left. This walk continues for about 50m, undulating gently through coastal vegetation and crossing over a timber footbridge[24], until coming to the circular concrete structure[25] of Caves Beach Lookout[26].

Caves Beach Lookout

Caves Beach Lookout
The Cave Beach Lookout, on the southern headland of Caves Beach, is easily accessible via wheelchair from the car park nearby. The lookout offers excellent views[27] over the caves of Caves Beach and also to the north and south. There are is a large stone viewing platform[28] on which to sit and enjoy the views.

(0km) Caves Beach Lookout → Int of Coastal Walk & Seacliff track

distance 910 m time 17 mins climb 27m descent -22m Hard track
Turn sharp right: From Caves Beach Lookout[29], this walk follows the gravel and grass track gently uphill[30], while keeping the ocean on your left. This walk continues, undulating gently through coastal vegetation[31] for about 300m, until coming to Caves Beach Road[32].
Turn left: From the intersection[33][34], this walk follows the track beside Caves Beach Road gently downhill, while keeping the ocean on your left. This walk continues for about 110m, to find the track gently uphill[35][36] and moving away from Caves Beach Road. Then the walk continues for about 100m and passes between a metal posted fence[37]. This walk continues for about 400m, undulating through coastal vegetation[38] with views[39] on the left, until passing over a timber footbridge[40] and coming to a three-way intersection with a concrete footpath[41] on the right.

(1km) Int of Coastal Walk & Seacliff track → Int of Coastal Walk & Spoon Rocks Track

distance 280 m time 5 mins climb 6m descent -10m Hard track
Veer left: From the intersection[42], this walk follows the bitumen track gently downhill[43], while keeping the concrete footpath on your right. This walk continues for about 120m through coastal vegetation[44] with views[45] of Spoon's Rocks on the left, to pass through metal posts[46] and onto a sandy track[47]. Then the walk continues for about 160m, until climbing gently[48] up to the land end of Spoon Rocks Spit[49].

Spoon Rocks Beach

Spoon Rocks Beach
Spoon Rocks Beach, south of Caves Beach is a sheltered sandy beach[50]. Spoon Rocks breakwater[51] forms the southern end of the beach and has allowed sedimentation of sand to occur and created this attractive beach[52]. The beach is 300m long, faces north-east and is good for swimming. The Spoon Rocks Beach is worth the walk in to it.

(1km) Int of Coastal Walk & Spoon Rocks Track → End of Spoon Rocks Spit

distance 470 m time 8 mins climb 2m descent -8m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection[53][54], this walk follows the rocky Spoon Rocks Spit out to its end, while moving directly away from the main coastline. This walk continues to follow the rocky spit (initially keeping to the Spoon Rocks Beach side[55][56] of the spit) for about 500m, until coming to the end of Spoon Rocks Spit[57][58]. This track is rocky and exposed to the ocean. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Spoon Rocks Spit

Spoon Rocks Spit
Spoon Rocks Spit is a wide breakwater[59] extending 500m out into the ocean. This breakwater was originally designed as a coal loading facility to offload coal mined from the nearby Wallarah seam. The rocks were cut from the cliff face below the spit. Over time, the force of the ocean waves have breached the breakwater. Sedimentation from these ocean forces has established a safe and protected swimming and beach[60] area to the north of the spit.

(1km) Int of Coastal Walk & Spoon Rocks Track → Int of Coastal Walk & Quarries Track

distance 340 m time 7 mins climb 20m descent -3m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[61][62], this walk follows the track gently uphill[63], while leaving Spoon Rocks Spit and the ocean on your left. This walk continues for about 400m (ignoring side tracks[64]) through coastal vegetation and becoming moderately steep uphill[65], until coming to a three-way intersection with a bridged track[66] and 'Wallarah Peninsula Coastal Walk' sign[67] on the left.

(2km) Int of Coastal Walk AND Quarries Track → Pinneys Viewpoint

distance 990 m time 21 mins climb 36m descent -49m Hard track
Turn left: From the intersection[68], this walk crosses a footbridge and follows the moderately steep uphill track[69], while passing the 'Wallarah Peninsula Coastal Walk' sign[70] on your left. This walk continues for about 140m, then climbs up timber steps[71] to a viewing spot[72] over Spoon Rocks Spit. Then the walk continues for about 20m, to a three-way intersection[73]. This walk turns left, following the arrow marker on a timber post[74]. Then this walk continues for about 400m, as the track undulates gently downhill with views and a metal fence[75] on your left, to pass through a timber fenced opening[76]. The walk then continues moderately steeply downhill[77], initially with a timber fence on your right for about 80m to find blank information signs[78] at Split Rocks Headland. The walk continues gently downhill for about 300m, with a short section of timber boardwalk[79] and views of Pinney's Beach[80], until coming to a timber viewing platform and Pinney's Lookout[81].

Pinneys Lookout

Pinneys Lookout
Pinney's Lookout[82] overlooks the northern side of Pinney's Beach on the Wallarah Peninsula. From this timber platform, the whole of Pinney's Beach can be seen, including Pinney's Headland[83] to the south. Some of the timber on this lookout was missing[84] when visited, so take care.

(3km) Pinneys Viewpoint → Int of Coastal Walk & Pinneys Beach

distance 180 m time 3 mins climb 0m descent -3m Moderate track
Continue straight: From Pinney's Viewpoint[85], this walk follows the track gently downhill[86], while keeping Pinney's Beach on your left. This walk continues for about 70m, including one section of timber boardwalk[87], until coming to a T-intersection[88] with a narrow management trail[89] and blank sign on the right.
Turn left: From the intersection[90], this walk follows Pinneys Trail gently downhill[91], while keeping the track with a blank sign on your left[92]. This walk continues for about 100m through coastal vegetation, until crossing Pinney's Creek via a timber footbridge[93] and coming to a three-way intersection[94], with Pinney's Beach on the left.

Pinneys Beach

Pinneys Beach
Pinney's Beach is a good beach for fishing, surfing and swimming. This beach is accessible on foot, via the coastal walk. This beach is not patrolled and rock platforms[95] can be dangerous, even when the seas appear calm. Personal fishing is permitted off all the coast in Wallarah National Park, although a licence is needed. A midden (dated to about 1200 years old), with about 20 stone artefacts, was discovered here in the 1960s, but unfortunately 4WD vehicles have caused erosion to this site. More info.

(3km) Int of Coastal Walk AND Pinneys Beach → Int of Coastal Walk AND Wallarah Walk

distance 320 m time 5 mins climb 1m descent 0m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[96][97], this walk follows the trail gently uphill, while leaving the bridge and creek on your right. This walk continues for about 160m, passing around a locked gate[98]. Then this walk continues through coastal bush for about 150m, until coming to a three-way intersection[99], with a 'Coastal Walk' sign[100].

(3km) Int of Coastal Walk & Wallarah Walk → Int of Coastal Track & Pinneys Lookout

distance 850 m time 17 mins climb 34m descent -21m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection[101], this walk follows the 'Coastal Walk' sign[102] gently uphill. This walk continues moderately steeply uphill[103] for about 400m, and comes to a three-way intersection[104]. Then this walk tends left, following an arrow marker on a timber post, and after about 40m, comes to a three-way intersection. This walk tends left, following an arrow marker on a timber post, for about 80m, coming to a three-way intersection with the gently downhill Shark Bay trail on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection[105], this walk follows the trail gently downhill[106] to the left, while keeping the gently downhill[107] Sharks Bay trail on your right. This walk continues, undulating gently for about 110m, until coming to a three-way intersection[108], with a arrow marker[109] on the left.
Veer left: From the intersection[110], this walk turns left on the trail and follows the timber arrow marker gently downhill. This walk continues, undulating gently[111] for about 180m, until coming to a timber fence[112] and Pinney's Lookout[113] on the left (just as the trail turns right[114]). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Pinney's Headland Lookout

Pinney's Headland Lookout
There are magnificent vistas from Pinney's Headland Lookout[115], particularly to the north. The headland is accessed on foot via the Wallarah Peninsula coastal walk[116], and the headland itself has a loop walking trail on it. At the southernmost point of this walking loop, there are unfenced rock platforms forming the ocean shoreline - take care. More info.

(3km) Int of Coastal Walk & Wallarah Walk → Int of Wallarah Walk & Heath Track

distance 540 m time 10 mins climb 15m descent -8m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection[117][118], this walk follows the unsignposted trail gently downhill[119] towards the creek bed[120][121]. This walk continues for about 35m, to cross the gravelly creek bed[122]. Then this walk continues gently uphill[123] through native bush for about 180m, until coming to a level three-way intersection[124], with a trail and timber arrow marker[125] indicating a right turn.
Turn right: From the intersection[126], this walk follows the timber arrow marker[127] and trail gently uphill. This walk continues, undulating for about 160m, to cross a rocky creek[128] with a 'Wallarah National Park' sign[129] on the right. Then this walk continues gently uphill[130] (ignoring side trails[131]) for about 140m, until coming to a three-way intersection[132], with a timber arrow sign[133] pointing left.

(4km) Int of Wallarah Walk & Heath Track → Int of Wallarah Walk and Ridge Track

distance 1.1 km time 24 mins climb 72m descent -11m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection[134], this walk follows the timber arrow post[135] north on the gently uphill trail. This walk continues, undulating through open heath vegetation[136] and passing timber arrow markers[137] for about 280m, until coming to a T-intersection[138], with a timber arrow marker[139] indicating a left turn.
Turn left: From the intersection[140][141], this walk follows the trail gently uphill[142], while following the timber arrow marker. This walk continues, ignoring side trails, and crosses a creek[143] amongst palm trees after about 150m. Then the walk continues moderately steeply uphill[144] on an eroded trail[145] through native bush for about 700m (becoming gentle uphill[146]), until coming to a three-way intersection[147], with a track[148] on the left and timber steps[149] on the right (passing a 'Wallarah National Park' sign on the right).

(5km) Int of Wallarah Walk & Ridge Track → Int of Wallarah Walk & Old Pacific Hwy

distance 190 m time 4 mins climb 8m descent -4m Hard track
Continue straight: From the intersection[150], this walk follows the track between large rocks[151] and up the timber steps[152], while walking directly away from the 'Wallarah National Park' sign[153]. This walk continues for about 35m, passing between metal posts[154] at the top, until coming to the sealed and level road, Scenic Drive[155] (with a 'Points of Interest' sign[156] on the left).
Turn left: From the intersection[157][158], this walk follows the road gently uphill, while keeping the 'Points of Interest' sign[159] on your left. This walk continues with overhead power lines[160] on your left for about 160m, until coming to a large disused section of bitumen road[161] at a three-way intersection.

(5km) Int of Wallarah Walk & Old Pacific Hwy → Int of Old Pacific Hwy & Bridge Track

distance 440 m time 7 mins climb 3m descent -7m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection[162][163], this walk follows the road west, underneath power lines and towards a three-way intersection with a locked metal gate[164] on the left. This walk continues for about 70m, coming to a three-way intersection with a trail and locked metal gate on the left. This walk turns left and passes around the locked metal gate[165]. Then this walk continues gently downhill along the sealed old Pacific Hwy[166] (ignoring a trail[167] on the left) for about 400m, until coming to a three-way intersection[168], with a track on the right.

(6km) Int of Old Pacific Hwy & Bridge Track → Int of Murrays Trail & Raffertys Track

distance 460 m time 7 mins climb 5m descent -1m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[169][170], this walk follows the track gently uphill and towards the timber barrier[171], while leaving the old Pacific Hwy directly behind. This walk continues for about 20m, to pass around the timber barrier. Then this walk crosses the metal bridge[172][173] (and Pacific Hwy) and after about 100m passes around a timber barrier[174][175], until coming to a three-way intersection[176] with a gravel trail.
Veer right: From the intersection[177][178], this walk follows the trail west[179], while keeping the bridge on your right. This walk continues, undulating gently through native bush[180][181] for about 300m, until coming to a three-way intersection[182], with a timber arrow marker[183] indicating a right turn.

(6km) Int of Murrays Trail & Raffertys Track → Int of Murrays Trail & Jetty Point Drive

distance 780 m time 13 mins climb 3m descent -14m Hard track
Turn right: From the intersection[184][185], this walk follows the timber arrow marker[186] north on the gently uphill trail. This walk continues through native bush[187] (ignoring side trails) for about 300m, to come to a three-way intersection[188] with yellow metal safety posts[189]s and track on the left. Then this walk turns right, down the moderately steep trail[190] (becoming gently downhill) for about 400m, to find a large green water tank[191][192]. This walk then continues for about 90m, passing the water tank[193] initially on your left, until crossing Jetty Point Drive[194][195] and coming to a three-way intersection with a concrete footpath[196][197] and timber arrow marker indicating a left turn.

(7km) Int of Murrays Trail & Jetty Point Drive → Int of Jetty Point Drive & Shoreside Row

distance 790 m time 15 mins climb 1m descent -64m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection[198][199], this walk follows the footpath and timber arrow marker gently downhill[200], while keeping Jetty Point Drive on your left. This walk continues for about 400m, with views[201] on the right at one stage, then crosses Lake Ridge Lane[202]. Then this walk continues on the footpath, with Jetty Point Drive on your left and amongst new houses[203], for about 240m, to find Stockland Murrays Beach Reserve[204][205]. Then this walk crosses the reserve and, after about 110m, comes to a four-way intersection[206] with Jetty Point Drive and a gravel footpath and 'The Lake House Cafe' sign[207] ahead.

(8km) Int of Jetty Point Drive & Shoreside Row → The Lake House Cafe

distance 50 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent -2m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection[208], this walk follows Jetty Point Drive, keeping the 'The Lake House Cafe' sign[209][210] on your right. After about 25m, the walk turns right into The Lake House Cafe. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left .

The Lake House Cafe (Murrays Beach)

The Lake House Cafe (Murrays Beach)
The Lake House Cafe at Murrays Beach offers an award winning dining experience with excellent views[211] out across Murrays Beach and Lake Macquarie. The Lake House Cafe is open 7 days (7am – 4pm) for breakfast and lunch. It is also open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm. The Cafe is open every day, except Christmas Day. The Lake House Cafe is located at 11 Shoreside Row, Caves Beach NSW 2281, Australia. Phone +61 2 4971 1745. More info.

(8km) Int of Jetty Point Drive & Shoreside Row → Murrays Beach Jetty

distance 210 m time 3 mins climb 0m descent -6m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection[212][213], this walk follows the gravel footpath[214] and 'the Lake House Cafe' sign[215] gently downhill through open native trees[216] and towards Lake Macquarie. This walk continues for about 180m, down timber steps[217] and through open lawn areas with numerous footpaths[218], keeping the Lake House Cafe on your left, until coming to the public Murrays Beach jetty[219] on Lake Macquarie.

Murrays Beach Picnic Area

Murrays Beach Picnic Area
The Murrays Beach Picnic Area on the shores of Lake Macquarie provide a picturesque spot for picnics with family and friends. There are well maintained grasslands[220] amongst open forest with a public jetty[221], a kiosk[222], a toilet[223], water, a children's playground[224] and picnic tables[225]. The kiosk is open 11am till 4pm on weekends, otherwise the Lake House Cafe can be used. Excellent easy walks are available to the north and south along the lake foreshore[226]. More info.

Murrays Beach

Murrays Beach
Murrays Beach is an idyllic residential development. Recently developed with the environment as a core philosophy, the developer, Stockland Murray Beach was awarded the Residential Lifestyle Development of the Year, 2008, by the HIA. Murrays Beach has a vibrant village green[227], jetty[228], kiosk[229], foreshore picnic area[230], children's playground[231], barbeque's and bush walking trails[232]. With its magnificent natural setting and tasteful facilities a trip to Murrays Beach is well worth a visit. [233] More info.

Maps for the Wallarah Pennisula Walk 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.

Catherine Hill Bay1:25 000 Map Series92314S CATHERINE HILL BAYNSW-92314S
Swansea1:25 000 Map Series92314N SWANSEANSW-92314N
Lake Macquarie1:100 000 Map Series9231 LAKE MACQUARIE9231

Cross sectional view of the Wallarah Pennisula Walk bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Wallarah Pennisula Walk

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wallarah Pennisula Walk

Altitude analysis for Wallarah Pennisula Walk

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.

Length7.8 km
Time2 hrs 45 mins
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track
AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsMinimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
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

4.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (40m) is very steep.

Quality of track

5km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.2km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (1.2km) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 4.8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 3km has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 4.8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 3.1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 1.9km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (280m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Wallarah Pennisula Walk walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Wallarah Pennisula Walk walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Wallarah Pennisula Walk walk starts at the Cafe Acquablu on Caves Beach (gps: -33.110225, 151.64631)

The Wallarah Pennisula Walk ends at the Murrays Beach Jetty (gps: -33.113700, 151.61398)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

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