Just 10 minutes from the Newcastle CBD (and walking distance from Merewether Beach if the tide is low), Glenrock State Conservation Area is THE place for outdoor enthusiasts.
Take your mountain bike and explore the scenic cycling trails, walk the rainforest and waterfall tracks, launch a hang glider off the cliffs or enjoy a spot of fishing.
Here's how to best explore Glenrock:
Burwood Trail (1.5km return): Enjoy a tranquil forest setting filled with spotted gum, ironbark and white mahogany trees. It’s the perfect walk for families, birdwatchers and history buffs. This easy trail begins on Scout Camp Road, above the Scout Camp (track entry opposite the water tank).
Hey horse riders...You can use this trail too! It joins into a network of other horse friendly trails in the park.
Walking track, Glenrock State Conservation Area
Yuelarbah Trail (approx. 5km return): This popular track is pedestrian only and a great short trail option. Commencing from the Yuelarbah Trail car park, the picturesque track leads you along Flaggy Creek, through wet gullies and coastal rainforest. On the way to Glenrock Beach you’ll pass two waterfalls and Leichhardt’s lookout which offers excellent views over Glenrock Lagoon.
As the forest gives way to bush scrub, round the last few corners where you’ll end up at the Lagoon itself with the beach a short walk beyond. Standing on this beach, you’d never know that world known and local hot-spot Merewether Beach is just around the next head or that the CBD and suburbia is a short drive away. Return via the same route to appreciate the bush from another perspective.
Did you know: This track is part of the Great North walk that stretches 250km from Newcastle to Sydney.
Glenrock lagoon, Glenrock State Conservation Area
The short walk through the bush from your car will place you at the stunning Hickson Street Lookout – a popular spot for weddings and sunset picnics and a launch pad for gliding-sports.
The relatively new staircase will take you directly down to the beach – woohoo! Just try not to think of the thigh burn waiting for you when it’s time to go back up those scenic stairs...
Staircase to beach from Hickson St Lookout
Picnic, Glenrock State Conservation Area
With 14km of purpose-built bike trails and 20km of linked management trails in the northern section of the park, Glenrock is THE place for mountain bikers.
The tracks follow a windy ride through open forest and woodlands and, in combination with the trail network, provide access to Burwood Beach, Leichhardt’s lookout and the waterfalls.
The trails are graded – green circle for beginners, blue square for intermediate and black diamond for advanced, so there is bound to be one that suits your level.
Mountain biking, Glenrock State Conservation Area
Snakes and Ladders: Get your legs pumping as you ascend the Snakes and Ladders Trail - this popular track is narrow and winds back and forth and joins Gun Club Road (access from Baileys Management Trail).
Hills, hills, hills: Find your way to Gun Club Road or the Baileys Management Trail and do some hill sprints. And by hills, we mean hills!
The Witch Loop: Coming in at just under 10km, this loop is called the ‘Witch’ for what we consider obvious reasons. We’re impressed that someone discovered and refined it and that Newcastle Flyers took the time to create a map of the route for other keen hikers and trail runners.
The Witch Loop, Glenrock State Conservation Area
