Named in memory of Allen Strom who dedicated much of his life to the establishment of many national parks and nature reserves in the state, this lookout is a tribute to him. A plaque in his memory is located here, overlooking the forests and water below.
How to Get There
The Wards Hill Carpark is a convenient place to park, because it is located near the beginning of the walking trail to the lookout. There are two trails that start at the car park. To go to the lookout, you need to follow Rocky Point Trail. This easy, 900m walk passes through eucalypt forest along a well formed and easy to follow path. A sign on the track points to a small side track, where the lookout is located.
The lookout provides views over Hardys Bay and extend across to Wagstaffe and Ettalong. The views are great making the short 900m walk very worthwhile. The lookout area is fenced, ensuring that visitors do not get too close to the side of the hill.
The Fernleigh Track is a shared bike and walkway going from Adamstown to Belmont over an approximate distance of 15.5 km. Built in a former rail corridor, the track was constructed in sections, starting in 2003 and completed in March 2011.
The abandoned Belmont railway line was a coal haulage and passenger rail line from Adamstown to Belmont. Construction started in 1880 with a rail line to Redhead, with the line being extended to Belmont in 1916. The rail line closed in 1991.
A feature of the conversion of the former railway to a multi-use trail is the retention of many industrial heritage features. These can be seen on the side of the track as you pass by, making the industrial heritage of the area clear. Information boards at historical locations provide details on the local area. These boards also provide information on local wildlife in addition to the railway.
The old stations are visible with some upgraded for use by visitors. Where practical rail line has been left in place as have several structures along the track. Old sleepers have also been incorporated into structures which was a great idea.
A highlight of the trail is the brick-lined Fernleigh Tunnel which passes under the Pacific Highway.
Getting to the Fernleigh Track
Major access points with car park available:
Adamstown train station, Park Avenue
Burwood Road, Kahibah (car park at entry to Glenrock State Conservation Area).
Station Street/Hudson Street, Whitebridge
Cowlishaw Street, Redhead
Railway Crescent (via Wommara Avenue), Jewells
Railway Parade, Belmont
Start of the Track at Adamstown Railway Station
Fernleigh Track
Fernleigh Track
A Bridge on the Fernleigh Track
Fernleigh Track
Old Railway Bridge
Pacific Highway Overpass
Old Bench Seat
Creek Flowing Under the Track
Fern Trees
Eucalyptus Tree
Old Telegraph Pole
Ferns and Flowers
Gum Trees on the Track
End of the Track at the Old Belmont Railway Station
Fernleigh Tunnel
Running under the Pacific Highway, this old disused railway tunnel is now a highlight of the Fernleigh Track. Brick lined and curved, the tunnel is 300m long. The Fernleigh Tunnel is safe and fun to pass through because it it fully lit.
Entrance to the Fernleigh Tunnel
Entrance to the Fernleigh Tunnel
Fernleigh Tunnel
Inside the Fernleigh Tunnel
Inside the Fernleigh Tunnel
Relics of the Old Railway
As you walk or ride along the track you will pass many relics of the tracks history, because they have been left to be visible. These range from railway tracks, old buildings and telegraph poles, to repurposed train stations. To add to their interest, information boards detail their history, which ensures visitors understand
Old Railway Track
Old Railway Tracks
Ruins of the Fernleigh Loop Signal Box
Dudley Junction Ruins
Wooden Embankment Made From Old Sleepers
The Old Belmont Railway Platform
What Did We Think?
This is a really good use of an old abandoned railway, whether you want to walk, run or ride, it’s a wonderful place to visit. Shady and full of history, we enjoyed our walk here.
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.
