AROUND WOLLOMBI
A trip to the boutique village of Wollombi in the magnificent Hunter Valley NSW is a short trip to impeccable country hospitality and activities to suit every taste and energy level. From roaring winter fires to soaring mountain views, we’ve got it all and we’re only 1.5 hours from Sydney and about an hour from Newcastle and the Central Coast, journeying along scenic Tourist Drive 33.
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EXPLORE HISTORIC WOLLOMBI
An easy 1km walk that takes in the historic buildings and surrounds of Wollombi. A map is available at the Wollombi Museum. You can also enjoy a gentle walk that follows the Wollombi Brook, beginnning at the Wollombi road west of cemetry (sign posted).
ONLEY STATE FOREST
Take in the spectacular views, immerse yourself in World Heritage-listed wilderness, and visit Aboriginal cultural heritage sites at Yengo National Park.
Yengo National Park is a rugged landscape of steep gorges and rocky ridges, just waiting to be explored by 4WD, car, mountain bike or foot. And it’s all less than two hours drive from Sydney or Newcastle.
Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Yengo has spectacular views, remote wilderness and unique Aboriginal cultural heritage. There’s an abundance of Aboriginal sacred sites and rock engravings to discover.
The historic, convict-built Old Great North Road in the south-east of the park is also a reminder of the park’s more recent colonial history.
Get off-road on 4WD trails or grab a mountain bike and visit for the day. Experience the remoteness for yourself by visiting Finchley Lookout or walking the Big Yango Loop Trail. Stay overnight at Big Yango House or enjoy the quiet of the bush by camping under the stars.
ONLEY STATE FOREST
WATAGAN NATIONAL PARK
Olney State Forest is a popular visitor area and part of the beautiful State Forests of the Watagan Mountains. Located west of Lake Macquarie, Olney is bordered by Wyong State Forest, Watagan State Forest and Watagan National Park. There are a range of visitor facilities, such as walking tracks, picnic areas and campgrounds.
WALK THE WATAGANS
This walk starts on Watagan Creek Road and soon crosses the lovely Watagan Creek. From this point, the walk leaves the Watagan valley and climbs steeply up the bush track through forest. The walk then travels on dirt road, passing a campsite and rest area, before arriving soon afterwards at the unfenced Flat Rock Lookout. Flat Rock Lookout is a natural rock platform that offers magnificent views across the Congewai Valley to the east and north. An enjoyable walk, offering pleasant walking through forest and an outstanding viewpoint.
Watagans National Park boasts some of the country’s finest rainforest scenery. Moss-covered walls and boulders, towering canopies of red cedar and Illawarra flame trees pepper the walking track to Gap Creek Falls. You can also expect extraordinary views down toward rainforest gullies at Monkey Face and Narrow Place lookouts.
The Watagan Mountains also house a rich cultural heritage; more than 40 Aboriginal sites highlight art and engraving techniques, and remnants from previous forestry operations showcase settlement history in the area.
Bangalow and Gap Creek campgrounds provide overnight comfort for those who wish to continue exploring; you can pitch a tent next to your car and take advantage of the free barbecue areas and picnic tables available to you.
Whether you arrive with a walking, cycling or 4WD tour in mind, remember to bring your sense of adventure as you’ll discover new things to do every time you visit.
