Watagans National Park, one hour from Newcastle, offers stunning wilderness right on your doorstep: hiking, biking, lookouts, and quiet campgrounds for longer escapes.

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 Gap Creek 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.