Fernleigh Track

The Fernleigh Track is a 15-kilometre rail-trail that threads through the coastal scrub and wetlands between Belmont and Newcastle, offering a flat, sealed path perfect for cycling, walking, and jogging. This former railway line delivers a tranquil escape into nature, with glimpses of Lake Macquarie and the Pacific Ocean, all while being just a stone's throw from the urban conveniences of the Hunter Valley's coastal fringe.

Highlights & What to See

• Belmont to Adamstown: The full ride takes you from Belmont Station (now a park) through leafy tunnels, over timber bridges, and past wetlands teeming with birdlife. Keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and echidnas.
• Wetlands and Wildlife: The track passes through the Belmont Wetlands State Park, a haven for waterbirds like black swans and herons. The interpretive signs explain the unique dune-lagoon ecosystem.
• Historic Rail Remnants: Look for the restored signal boxes and station platforms at Whitebridge and Kotara. The gentle gradients and cuttings give a sense of the old steam-era railway.
• Lake Macquarie Views: Near the Belmont end, the track skirts the shores of Lake Macquarie, offering sparkling water vistas and picnic spots at the Belmont Baths.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 2–3 hours to cycle the full 15 km one-way (about 1 hour cycling, plus stops). If you're walking, plan for 3–4 hours for a one-way hike. Many people start at either end and take a leisurely pace, stopping for photos and birdwatching. The track is well-connected to local bus services for a one-way trip, or you can return the same way for a 30 km round-trip ride.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Belmont: The southern terminus offers cafés, the Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, and access to Lake Macquarie's water activities.
• Newcastle: The northern end leads into the city's vibrant harbour precinct, with beaches, the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths, and the historic Merewether Beach.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country: Just a 30-minute drive west, the vineyards of Pokolbin and Cessnock offer world-class wine tasting and gourmet dining—a perfect contrast to the coastal trail.
• Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area: Explore more walking trails and lookouts over Australia's largest coastal saltwater lagoon.

Please check official sources for current details.