If you’re looking for a flat, family-friendly coastal stroll, head down to Redhead in the Lake Macquarie area to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Ken and Audrey Owens walkway. The walk includes a network of paths alongside Redhead Beach, through coastal vegetation and wetlands.
In 2022, the 500-metre pathway was completely reconstructed with a new raised deck installed along its entire length, along with seating at regular intervals.
The walk starts at Webb Park Playground on Beach Road, Redhead, where there is a car park available. From here, head down the boardwalk track towards the beach.
This section of the path is cool and shady, with coastal trees growing right over the top of the boardwalk – little ones often love the feeling of moving through a tunnel of trees. Bench seats are dotted along the way if you need a rest stop.
Keep an eye out for wildlife along the edges of the track. Turtles have been spotted right alongside the boardwalk, and there are wetlands nearby.
Snakes have also been seen on occasion, so it’s worth staying alert.
As you approach the beach, you will come to an intersecting path. Head right to continue along the main section of the Owens walkway. This part of the walk continues parallel to the beach through sandy dunes.
There are lots to look at here – keep an eye out for birds, lizards and of course beautiful ocean views.
A little further along, there’s an access point to the beach. Kids enjoy climbing the large sand dune and exploring the area around the half-buried fence railing.
There is so much space to play and run around here, and there are stunning views north to the headland, and south along Nine Mile Beach. This area of the beach is also an off-leash dog exercise area, so there were lots of dogs about.
There is a tranquil lagoon alongside the beach track, and you can step right up to the water’s edge.
It’s teeming with wildlife – water birds, small fish and dragonflies are commonly spotted. Back on the main track, there’s a lookout over the rushes of the lagoon, with bench seating for a break.
Continuing on a little further, you will come to Cain Street Reserve. There is space here to put down a picnic blanket, and there are plenty of trees to climb.
The final section of the track is a concrete path alongside mangroves and wetlands, with wooden bridges over the water. This is a highlight for many kids, who enjoy spotting ducks and other water birds from the bridges.
If you want to access this section without doing the whole walk, you can drive to the end of Cain Street, near the Barnes Lane intersection, and join the path there.
Good to Know
With the updated boardwalk, this area is now suitable for kids on scooters or bikes and for those pushing strollers. The main section of the walk from Webb Park Playground to the duckpond is about 2.5km return. If this is a bit far for little legs, you could just do a section of the walk from either end.
There is is a bubbler located just off Cain Street, at the start of the duck pond section of the walk.
Parking: There is a car park at Webb Park Playground, or street parking at the other end of the walk at Cain Street, Redhead.
Distance: The main track is approximately 2.5km return. The walk is flat the whole way and is suitable for a pram (except for the path to access the beach).
Toilets: There are toilets at Webb Park Playground
Dogs: Dogs are permitted on the Ken and Audrey Owens walkway.
Accessibility: Even with the installation of the boardwalk, this is not designed as a fully accessible walkway. Lake Macquarie City Council advises that though there aren’t any steps along the walkway, there are slopes and inclines due to the nature of the dunes and topography. So Lake Macquarie City Council couldn’t unfortunately bring it to spec with the requirements of a fully accessible walkway.
Bring: Bring water bottles, mozzie spray, sun cream and binoculars if you’re visiting in whale watching season. There is is a bubbler located just off Cain Street, at the start of the duck pond section of the walk. If you want to go down to the beach, you could bring some beach toys and towels etc (but be aware that Nine Mile Beach is not patrolled so it may be best to swim at Redhead near the Surf Club).
Getting There: You can access the walk from Webb Park Playground on Beach Road, Redhead, or at various points along Cain Street, Redhead.
You might also like: