For panoramic Lake Macquarie views, tackle Munibung Hill. Rising above the surrounding suburbs, Munibung Hill offers spectacular vistas across the lake, Newcastle and the surrounding area.
Located between Macquarie Hills, Lakelands, Boolaroo and Speers Point, Munibung Hill has a network of walking tracks that can be accessed from different surrounding suburbs.
In this guide, we’re focusing on walking up Munibung Hill from the Macquarie Hills side, where you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views across Lake Macquarie.
It’s a great local adventure for families with kids who are confident walkers, but don’t expect a smooth, manicured walking path. There are steep, rocky and eroded sections, so sturdy shoes and close supervision of younger children are essential.
Is Munibung Hill suitable for kids?
Yes, but we’d recommend Munibung Hill for kids who are comfortable walking on uneven bush tracks.
The terrain varies considerably. Some sections are relatively straightforward while others are steep, rocky and badly eroded. There are also unprotected track edges in places.
For families, the key is not to rush. Allow plenty of time, take breaks when you need them and keep younger children close on the steeper sections. This isn’t a stroller-friendly walk.
How do you get to Munibung Hill?
There are numerous ways to access Munibung Hill from Macquarie Hills, Lakelands, Boolaroo and Speers Point.
For the walk featured in this guide, start on the Macquarie Hills side. Access points include Lawson Road to Lucilla Ridge, Blaxland Road and Macquarie Road.
The Lucilla Ridge approach from Lawson Road starts with a concrete path before becoming a rougher bush track as you climb. The Munibung Hill Conservation Society describes this section as steep and badly eroded, so take care with your footing.
There are no dedicated car parks at the start of the walking tracks, so you’ll need to find suitable street parking. Be considerate of local residents and make sure you don’t block driveways or access points.
Before setting out, check the Munibung Hill Conservation Society walking maps. With numerous tracks and access points around the hill, simply searching for Munibung Hill on Google Maps may not show you the most appropriate place to start.
What is the Munibung Hill walk like?
From Macquarie Hills, you’ll soon leave the suburban streets behind and make your way into the bush.
The track climbs through bushland towards the higher parts of Munibung Hill. As you make your way up, the surface changes from easier sections to rough, uneven and rocky terrain.
Some parts of the track have been affected by erosion, creating rocky channels and loose surfaces underfoot. Take your time, choose your footing carefully and keep younger children close.
As you climb higher, you’ll start catching glimpses of Lake Macquarie through the trees.
Continue towards the ridgeline and the area around the communication towers, where the landscape opens up and you’re rewarded with expansive views.
Remember that you’ll need to tackle the steep sections again on the way down, when loose rocks and uneven surfaces can require just as much care as the climb up.
Enjoy the views from Munibung Hill
The views are definitely the highlight of walking Munibung Hill. From the higher sections of the hill, you’ll get sweeping views across Lake Macquarie and its surrounding suburbs, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos.
On a clear day, you can see for kilometres across the region. Take some time to enjoy the scenery before heading back down. If you’ve packed snacks or a picnic, find a suitable spot to stop and refuel.
Just remember there are no picnic tables, rubbish bins or other facilities on the hill, so you’ll need to take everything you bring with you back home.
What to take on a walk up Munibung Hill
Munibung Hill is undeveloped bushland and facilities are limited. There are no public toilets, picnic areas, barbecues, tables or rubbish bins, and directional and distance signage is limited.
Before heading out, make sure you take:
- plenty of drinking water
- sunscreen and a hat
- sturdy enclosed walking shoes
- snacks or a picnic
- insect repellent
- a charged phone with the walking map available
- a bag to take your rubbish home.
It’s also a good idea to check the weather before you leave. On hot days, consider walking early in the morning or saving the walk for a cooler day.
Explore more walks on Munibung Hill
There’s much more to Munibung Hill than the Macquarie Hills walk featured in this guide.
The Munibung Hill Conservation Society has documented 12 different walks, ranging from shorter nature walks and lookout visits to longer and more challenging walks around the hill.
There are also four suggested shorter walks to Ocean View Lookout, Balkira (Mountain) View Lookout, Awaba Lookout and Birabaan Lookout.
If you’d like to explore further, check the official guide for current walking maps, starting points, distances and track grades.
Good to Know
Location: Munibung Hill, Lake Macquarie
Walk featured: From the Macquarie Hills side
Difficulty: Uneven bushwalking tracks with steep, rocky and eroded sections
Suitable for: Kids comfortable walking on uneven bush tracks
Stroller friendly: No
Toilets: No
Picnic facilities: No
Rubbish bins: No
Dogs: Permitted on leash.
Trail bikes and motorbikes: Not permitted
Cost: Free
Parking: Street parking near access points
Munibung Hill is a great choice when you’re looking for a local bushwalk with a bit of adventure. Kids can burn off some energy exploring the track, and the reward for climbing higher is some of the best elevated views across Lake Macquarie.
For detailed walking maps and the latest information before you set out, visit the Munibung Hill Conservation Society.
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