One of the best things about living in Newcastle is how easy it is to swap the suburbs for bushland, beaches and breathtaking coastal views, and the Yuelarbah Walk at Glenrock Lagoon delivers all three in one beautiful walk.
The Yuelarbah Walk from Kahibah to Burwood Beach offers all of these things in abundance and it is a perfect walk for kids and families. Part of the Great North Walk that extends from Newcastle to Sydney, this scenic track in Glenrock State Conservation Area takes you along bridges, past waterfalls and through beautiful rainforest.
The tracks are well maintained and suitable for even the slowest walker, plus with so much to see it keeps even the most reluctant bushwalker engaged as they wait to see what’s just around the next corner.
At around the halfway point, stop at Leichhardt’s Lookout, to enjoy amazing uninterrupted views of Glenrock Lagoon out to the ocean and read up on the colonial history of the area.
The area was originally a coal mine, Burwood Colliery and the remains of the 1860s mine and the railway line can be seen in the area.
It’s easy to forget that you are in the middle of the city – while you can sometimes hear other families and walkers enjoying the walk, there were definitely times, that all you could hear are the sound of rosellas and splashing of waterfalls.
Keep following the track and you’ll wind your way down to secluded Burwood Beach. This is a perfect place to stop and grab a drink and morning tea from a picnic.
Often, if there’s no one else around, you can have the whole beach to yourselves (a rare treat on a sunny morning).
At just under 3.4 kilometres each way, this walk is perfect for kids and those with varying levels of fitness (as there are some steep parts).
Definitely recommended for families with children aged 4 and up, the Yuelarbah Walk is a great way to spend a couple of hours, get out into nature and grab some Insta-worthy snaps.
Hot tip: If you’re keen to extend your walk, visit during low tide so you can cross the inlet and keep going around to Merewether Baths for a dip or a well-needed pit stop, before heading back up the track.
Good to Know
The Yuelarbah Walk is approximately 6.8km return, depending on where you start and finish.
Allow around 2 to 3 hours to complete the full 6.8km return walk at a relaxed pace, including time for breaks, snacks and enjoying the scenery. Families with younger kids may take a little longer or choose to do a shorter section.
The first section of the Yuelarbah Walk features a raised boardwalk that is suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Beyond this section, the track becomes more natural and uneven.
Yes, the Yuelarbah Walk is a great option for families with kids, especially the first section which includes a raised boardwalk through the rainforest. Older kids can comfortably complete the full walk, while younger children may prefer to explore a shorter section and turn back when they’ve had enough.
The Yuelarbah Walk typically starts near Kahibah at the Burwood Road entrance to Glenrock State Conservation Area and finishes at Burwood Beach. Many families choose to walk part of the track and return the same way.
No, there are no bathroom facilities at the Yuelarbah Walk entrance in Glenrock State Conservation Area. It’s best to make a toilet stop before you arrive.
The Yuelarbah walking track is located at the Eastern end of Glenrock State Conservation Area. To get there, exit the Pacific Highway at Dudley Road or Kahibah Road, then turn into Burwood Road.
Yes, there is parking available near the walk entrance off Burwood Road. It can get parked out during busy times.
Pack water, sunscreen, insect repellent and snacks, especially if you’re walking with kids.
More information: Yuelarbah Walk
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