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Watagans National Park
Attraction
Park alerts
Watagans National Park
5 current alerts · Checked 14 Oct 2026, 5:05 am
- Closed areas
Gap Creek Forest Walk partially closed due to rockfall risk
Gap Creek Forest Walk is part closed due to the risk of landslip and rockfall.
Penalties apply for non-compliance.
For more information, contact NPWS Central Coast office on 02 4972 9000
About
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.
The park at a glance
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.
- Walks
- 3
- Campgrounds
- 2
- Lookouts
- 2
- Picnic areas
- 1
Plan your visit
Access, facilities and practical details.
Best times to visit
Spring
Camp at Gap Creek or Bangalow campground and enjoy a campfire as the sun sets.
Summer
Cooling off at Boarding House Dam is especially popular during summer months Enjoy the moist and cool Circuit walking track .
Winter
Late winter sees the bloom of Illawara flame trees which can be seen across the valley from Gap Creek lookout Check out the views from the various lookouts, while the air is crisp and clean .
Places to discover
Stay, explore and relax across the park.
Campgrounds (2)
- Bangalow campground4 campsites
- Gap Creek campground3 campsites
Walks in this park
- Circuit walking track
Grade 4 · Hard · 0.6km loop · 30min - 1hr
Frequently asked questions
8 questionsNearby places
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Before you go
Opening
Usually open · check alerts
Nearby towns
Cessnock (18 km) · Newcastle (49 km) · Gosford (63 km)
Get in touch
Phone
1300 072 757Website
Visit websiteLake Munmorah office
02 4972 9000npws.centralcoast@environment.nsw.gov.au1 Blue Wren Drive, Wybung NSW 2259
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4pm
Where you'll be
Olney NSW 2325