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The Pines in Olney State Forest, Watagans — Image credit: Louise Faulkner

Natural Attractions

State Forests of the Watagan Mountains

'The Watagans' refers to a collection of State Forests - Watagan, Olney, Heaton, Awaba, Ourimbah and Wyong State Forests. These are part of a chain of State Forests which start from Ourimbah in the south and stretch to Cessnock in the north. These State Forests are considered nature's playground for the wide range of nature-based activities within beautiful mountain scenery: from day-trippers to bushwalkers, four wheel drivers and trail bikers, to campers and horse riders. Mountain biking is popular in Ourimbah & Olney State Forests due to the extensive Club-managed track networks in these forests. For more information on mountian biking in the area, check out Central Coast MTB & Hunter MTB Assocation websites and social media. Your visit to State Forests of the Watagans is free, including all State Forests campgrounds. There are paid experiences available in the area including Treetop adventures and zipline (Ourimbah State Forest) and Deltaforce Paintball (Awaba State Forest). The Watagans is popular with visitors from nearby Newcastle, Central Coast and the Greater Sydney basin areas, being within an hour drive of most locations. To get to the Watagans travel from Wyong via Dooralong Road and pick up the Watagan Forest Road. From Cooranbong travel via Martinsville and pick up Martinsville Hill Road or Freemans Drive and then onto Mount Faulk Road.

Wyong NSW

4.8 km away

Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary Experience

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary Experience

Visit the sanctuary for an unforgettable, magical experience. Meet the rescue animals, learn their inspiring stories of survival and see first-hand the dedication that goes into ensuring these animals receive the best possible care. Set on 100 acres in the picturesque Wollombi Valley they have over 200 rescued animals including goats, pigs, horses, donkeys, alpacas, ducks, hens and sheep. All animals have been rescued. A visit to the sanctuary is the perfect opportunity to connect with rescue animals, nature and enjoy leisure time with family and friends in a beautiful, serene setting.

Wollombi NSW

7.7 km away

Roadside Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Roadside Gallery

The Roadside Gallery in Wollombi, Hunter Valley, provides a glimpse of this valley's extraordinary creative spirit. Showcasing a collective of exceptionally talented local and feature artists and makers, the gallery is known for exhibiting playful and imaginative 3D art. Celebrating diverse mediums, creativity spills out in unexpected shapes and forms. A short stroll from Wollombi's historic village, you'll feel like you've made a very special discovery.

Wollombi NSW

11 km away

Saint Michael's Church Wollombi

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Saint Michael's Church Wollombi

The Church of Saint Michael the Archangel is located in Hunter Valley Wine Country in the historic village of Wollombi, two hours drive north of Sydney and only one hour and 15 minutes from Newcastle and the Central Coast. Built of hand-hewn local sandstone, construction of the church began in 1840, and recent restoration work has uncovered the original decorative interior. Sold by the Catholic Church in 1991 it is now a private Catholic chapel owned and maintained by the local community, and welcomes Catholic, other Denominational and Civil ceremonies. Ideally situated in the heart of the village, it is the perfect choice for an intimate and memorable wedding in a country setting.

Wollombi NSW

11 km away

The Old Farm Gate - Jodie Usher — Image credit: Jodie Usher

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Jodie Usher Gallery

Jodie Usher Gallery sits nestled in the centre of Wollombi village in an 1890's slab shed opposite the iconic Wollombi General Store. The Gallery features the work of bird artist Jodie Usher, whose work is held in private collections worldwide. Jodie is especially well known for her works on raw linen, and her Gallery showcases both original work and limited edition and collectors edition prints spanning her 15 year artistic career. Jodie's work is an invitation to return to the bush, and a reminder that nature is patient, never in a hurry . A visit to Jodie's gallery is perfectly paired with a cuppa on the verandah at Myrtle and Stone and a stroll along the high side of the street. Nestled between the always beautiful Waterhen Traders and the Old Post Office building, Jodie looks forward to welcoming you next time you visit Wollombi.

Wollombi NSW

11 km away

Hand painted linen with nature colour inspiration. — Image credit: Linda Wilkinson

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Artisans - Linda Wilkinson: Bush Ink

'Bush Ink' is a range of hand-printed and hand-painted pieces by Watagan local Linda Wilkinson, inspired by the patterns and forms she finds in the bush around her. Rather than chasing perfection, Linda embraces the variation that comes with the making process — each piece carries the uniqueness and organic rhythm of the natural world it comes from.

Wollombi NSW

11 km away

Gallery, current exhibition

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Artisans - Rosemaree Wills

Rosemaree Wills came to painting through sculpture and installation, with an early fascination in the ancient Nazcan civilisation shaping her thinking about mark-making and earth. A lifetime of outdoor adventures and camping in remote parts of Australia has since become the deeper source — her current work moves with the colours and rhythms of the Australian landscape, finding something elemental in its surface.

Wollombi NSW

11 km away

Chelsea Teal Art — Image credit: WGS

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Artisan Collective at the Wollombi General Store

Most locals know the old barn behind the Wollombi General Store. Over the years, it's been used for all sorts of things, but it's now starting a new chapter. The space has been transformed into the Artisans Collective, a working hub for local makers and craftspeople from across the valley. Rather than simply being a place where finished products sit on shelves, the barn will be a place where work actually happens. Painters, textile artists, jewellers, leather workers and other artisans will use the space as studios, creating their work on site, while visitors can see the process up close. The aim of the collective is to celebrate and support the creative talent that already exists within the valley. By bringing a group of artisans together in one shared space, the barn becomes both a working studio and a place where visitors can discover locally made work and connect directly with the people behind it. Workshops will also be held in the barn, giving locals and visitors the chance to learn directly from the artisans themselves. You can book your workshop via the Wollombi General Store website. Save the date, as the first Saturday of every month will be the Artisan Collective market. Come join them in the garden of the Wollombi General Store and Artisan Collective.

Wollombi NSW

11 km away

Artisan Collective Creative workshops for adults and children

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Artisan Collective Creative workshops for adults and children

Nestled in the heart of the historic Wollombi Valley, the Artisan Collective at Wollombi General Store is a curated community of local makers, artists, and craftspeople showcasing the creative talent of the region. From handcrafted leather goods and antiques to original artwork, ceramics, and unique homewares, the Collective brings together a rotating showcase of artisans who call the Wollombi Valley home. Beyond the market and retail experience, the Artisan Collective runs monthly hands-on workshops for both adults and children, offering visitors and locals alike the chance to learn a new craft, try their hand at a creative skill, or simply enjoy a relaxed afternoon making something with their hands. Workshops vary month to month and have included leatherwork, art, and other artisan crafts led by the makers themselves. Groups are welcome to book in for scheduled workshop events, or get in touch directly to arrange a private group session — perfect for celebrations, team outings, school groups, or anyone looking for a hands-on experience in a beautiful village setting. Whether you're after a special gift, a unique find, or a creative day out, the Artisan Collective is a warm, welcoming stop on any visit to Wollombi.

Wollombi NSW

11 km away

Laguna Leather Workshop — Image credit: Sonya Giesekam

Observatories and Planetariums

Laguna Leather

Laguna Leather is part of the Artisan Collective at The Wollombi General Store. Book a workshop and learn the wonderful art of leather crafting. Gift vouchers available and bookings for 2-8 people are welcome. Make a belt, bag or learn the art of tooling beautiful designs onto leather. Reach out for more info or booking in for a delightful 2.5 hour workshop at a time that suits your stay in the Wollombi Valley or Hunter.

Wollombi NSW

11 km away

Polina Karuso Art Gallery — Image credit: polina karuso

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Polina Karuso Art Gallery

Polina Karuso Art Gallery is a working studio/gallery of a local Artist Polina Karuso. At Polina Karuso Art gallery you can witness the Artist in action, purchase her work and even get your own portrait painted while you wait! Polina Karuso runs various creative workshops at the Gallery. To book go to Wollombi General Store website.

Wollombi NSW

11 km away

The Narrow Place lookout

Natural Attractions

The Narrow Place lookout

This lofty vantage point was named by the local Hall family, long-established landowner graziers. They would use the steep narrow track to lead their horses up onto the escarpment from well below the lookout. Today, the name has stuck, but there's no need to saddle up for a visit. It’s easily accessible by car and is popular with 4WD tourers, or it can be accessed on foot as part of Great North walk. Positioned high amidst dry grassy woodland with prominent rocky outcrops and scree slopes below, The Narrow Place lookout offers scenic northern views over Hunter Valley towns including Quorrobolong, Paxton, Ellalong, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri. A truly idyllic spot, it's a favourite with Watagans National Park visitors and offers inspiration for photographers, sightseers and trekkers alike. Keep an eye out for wildlife when you visit, too. Endangered brush-tailed rock wallabies are known to sun themselves below the escarpment, and birdwatching is at its best in summer when mighty wedge-tailed eagles take to the skies.

Olney NSW

14 km away

Watagans National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Watagans National Park

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.

Olney NSW

15 km away

Interpretive signage near The Pines picnic area, Olney State Forest — Image credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Natural Attractions

Olney State Forest - Watagan Mountains

Olney State Forest is in the Watagan Mountains near the Central Coast. Numerous free picnic, camping areas and walking trails are available in this family-friendly forest. The Pines Forest Park offers a unique picnic setting amongst a former Pine plantation forest. The Pines, Turpentine, Casuarina and Olney HQ camping areas provide sheltered campsites amongst impressive native forest, and are perfect for families or small groups. Large all-weather picnic shelters are located at both The Pines and Olney HQ. The Pines and Abbotts Falls Walking Trails follow creek lines and feature areas of moist eucalypt forests, rainforests and rock pools. To the west, the Basin Camping area is open and grassy with easy access and a flowing creek that can be used for swimming in warmer months. The Basin is suitable for large groups. Here, the Rock Lily Walking Trail features rock lilies and rainforest vegetation.

Ravensdale NSW

16 km away

Circuit Walking Track

Natural Attractions

Circuit Walking Track

Starting at the Boarding House Dam picnic area, Circuit walking track offers you an easy hike along the creek as it threads through pristine native rainforest. Stroll beneath blue gums, grey myrtle and turpentine, keeping an eye out for lyrebirds and an ear open for kookaburras. A dramatic rock wall covered entirely in moss makes for a beautiful spectacle on the trail – so don’t forget the camera. In summer, the rainforest makes for a cool retreat, with trees and ferns shading the trail from the sun. But for an even cooler one, bring your swimmers along and make your way into the creek or dam at the end of the walk for a paddle. Finish up with a long picnic, taking advantage of the free barbecues on offer.

Martinsville NSW

18 km away

Muirs lookout

Natural Attractions

Muirs lookout

No trip to Jilliby State Conservation Area would be complete without taking the time to enjoy awe-inspiring scenic views from Muirs lookout. Gaze miles out along the mountains and eucalypt forests of Watagan Range, with panoramic views to the east over semi-rural communities - Mandalong and Morisset, as well as Lake Macquarie, included. If you enjoy birdwatching, be sure to bring your binoculars. There are many interesting bird species that call Jilliby State Conservation Area home. At night you might be lucky enough to see the threatened sooty, barking, masked or powerful owls. Tall eucalypts framing the view across the coast make Muirs lookout an idyllic spot to spread out and enjoy a peaceful picnic or even just a cup of tea to take in the naturally beautiful surroundings.

Martinsville NSW

18 km away

Turners Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Turners Walking Track

Watagans National Park, near Cessnock, boasts some of the most scenic rainforest in the Newcastle region, and Turners walking track is a great way to explore this rainforest. Self-reliant bushwalkers will love the challenge of this old logging track, offering wilderness views and great birdwatching, with easy access to Great North walk. Starting from Boarding House Dam picnic area, this track winds steeply through rainforest of towering blackbutts and blue gums, before giving way to open eucalypt forest. Along the way, you might see brush turkeys or lyrebirds darting through the trees or foraging for tasty treats on the forest floor. You’ll also pass the historic remnants of O’Hara’s Sawmill, built as a temporary mill in the 1950s to salvage timber after World War Two. Choose to retrace your steps to the picnic area, or alternatively, the track can be accessed via Watagan Forest HQ campground, in Heaten State Forest.

Olney NSW

19 km away

Finchley lookout

Natural Attractions

Finchley lookout

Looking out across the remote wilderness from Finchley lookout, you would never know you were just a few hours from Sydney or Newcastle. Take in the spectacular views and perhaps enjoy a cold drink, or a cup of tea from the picnic basket in the car. Look closely and you might just see a wedge-tailed eagle soaring high above in search of prey. Marvel at the majestic Mount Yengo standing tall in the distance and read about the rich Aboriginal heritage in the park and surrounding area. Then, why not head to the nearby Finchley campground? Be sure to take a short stroll and see the fascinating Aboriginal rock engravings.

Paynes Crossing NSW

19 km away

Monkey Face lookout — Image credit: Shared OEH and other organisation

Natural Attractions

Monkey Face lookout

Monkey Face lookout offers one of the best vantage points in the park, with sweeping views east across the Martinsville Valley. Cameras are a must here, and binoculars are a good idea too – you’ll want to take advantage of the terrific birdwatching opportunities, with glossy black cockatoos often seen here. Settle down in a picnic spot under the ancient grass trees and ironbarks around the lookout, enjoying the view whilst you eat. In winter, the air is crisp and clean, refreshing and revitalising as you survey the land. In summer, the sun is hot and bright and casts a magnificent light over the valley, making this lookout a spectacular place to visit all year round.

Martinsville NSW

20 km away

Poppet Head Park — Image credit: HemaX Planner

Parks and Gardens

Poppet Head Park

Poppet Head Park is located 5 kilometres south of the town of Cessnock and is classified as a Regional Park in the Cessnock local government area. This site holds the historic Poppet Head of the Aberdare Central Colliery at Kitchener. The dam close by to the park and Poppet Head is also a remnant of the local mining history and is now home to a variety of wildlife including mallards, black swans, native wood ducks and red bills. This park is an amazing picnic location full of history and fun for all ages.

Kitchener NSW

20 km away

View from Heaton State Forest — Image credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Natural Attractions

Heaton State Forest - Watagan Mountains

Heaton State Forest, part of the Watagan Mountain range, is a beautiful forest encompassing spectacular lookouts that showcase views over the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie regions. Heaton's three lookouts - McLean, Hunter, and Heaton lookouts - offer outstanding coastal and mountain views. Watagan HQ camping area, an old forest worker campsite, is also available for picnics. And of course, being State Forest, you can bring your dog and your visit is free. While visiting Heaton State Forest, why not explore the Watagans and visit Olney State Forest too? The Pines Picnic Area is a magnificent spot for a picnic, a former pine forest, this area is shaded with a pine needle carpet underfoot.

Olney NSW

22 km away

Finchley Cultural Walk — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Finchley Cultural Walk

An easy walk that can be enjoyed by pretty much everyone, the Finchley cultural walk gives people a real understanding and respect for one of the best Aboriginal sites in Australia, the Finchley Aboriginal engravings. It’s a short walk with informative signs along the way giving insight into the Aboriginal culture of the area. Come in spring or autumn when conditions are ideal in this lush bushland setting. When the sun is out, you’ll see heaps of goannas, and, in spring, the red and yellow grevilleas and cream and yellow geebungs add gorgeous colour to what is already a stunning landscape.

Big Yengo NSW

22 km away

Pokolbin Mountains Road Lookout

Natural Attractions

Pokolbin Mountains Road Lookout

Want to experience the great outdoors at its best? For breathtaking views across the Hunter Valley you can hike up to the top of Pokolbin Mountain or even take the easy route and drive. The views from the top are spectacular and are definitely worth a visit. The lookout provides a snapshot over some of the Hunters oldest Vineyards.

Pokolbin NSW

22 km away

Rally School

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Rally School

The Rally School team is made up of professional and experienced drivers, many of whom are previous rally winners! They'll show you everything you need to know about the vehicle you're driving, to ensure a safe, but fast, ride. Plus, there's the option of a hotlap, where you get to ride in the passenger seat while your instructor blasts around the track.

Cessnock NSW

23 km away

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