Belmont Wetlands
Located south of Newcastle, the Belmont Wetlands are a State Park bounded by Nine Mile Beach and the Fernleigh Track. Acquired by the New South Wales State Government in 2002 from BHP when sand mining ceased in the area, the wetlands are managed by an all volunteer organisation.
The area hosted several underground coal mines and later sand mining, which have required rehabilitation to remove their scars. Now a popular getaway for tourists and locals, the area provides opportunities for walking, fishing, bird watching and beach activities. Access to the beach for four-wheel drive vehicles is strictly by permit only.
How to Get there
A carpark off Karloo Road provides ample places to leave your car. This is also the location to prepare your car for beach conditions by reducing the tyre pressure. There is usually a mobile coffee/morning tea van parked in front of the car park.
Kalaroo Fire Trail
The Kalaroo Fire Trail runs the length of the park roughly parallel to the Fernleigh Track, and can be accessed from Kalaroo Road near Railway Crescent. From here it runs 3.5 km to Belmont Lagoon.
Kalaroo Fire Trail 
Path off the Karloo fire Trail 
Kalaroo Fire Trail Turnoff to Belmont Lagoon
Belmont Lagoon
Belmont Lagoon is an area of open water habitat situated between the ocean and the Lake. The Belmont Lagoon Spit is a good place from which to observe waterbirds because it is surrounded by water on all sides.
Belmont Lagoon 
View Over Belmont Lagoon 
Belmont Lagoon
Remnants From the Mining Industry
The capped, concrete remains of BHP airshaft No. 4 can be found at the end of the Belmont Lagoon Spit. Surrounded by vegetation, the remaining concrete structures stand out, but have unfortunately attracted graffiti vandals.
Surface remains of the No. 4 Airshaft 
The Capped No.4 Airshaft 
Surface remains of the No. 4 Airshaft
Wildflower Walk in Belmont Wetlands
This short walk runs parallel to the Fernleigh Track. The surrounding vegetation provides a beautiful display of flowers during parts of the year. This walk is flat and easy however it is sand so not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Purple Flowers on the Wildflower Walk 
Kalaroo Fire Trail The Sandy Wildflower Walk 
The Sandy Wildflower Walk 
Sandy Wildflower Walk 
Wildflower Walk
Fernleigh Track
The famous Fernleigh Track is managed by Lake Macquarie City Council and follows a disused coal rail line. It is sealed and suitable for all users. The track is a dual use so bicycles and walkers share the track.
What Did We Think?
We liked walking the easy fire track, it does however have the sewerage plant adjacent to it, which could be a smelly for a short period of time. Overall not a bad walk with, lots of different areas and tracks to visit. We will return in the future to walk down the sand dunes to the beach.