WATAGAN NATIONAL PARK DISCOVERY TOUR

A bushwalking discovery tour thats a genuine one day bushwalking adventure focused on fun and learning


LENGTH

One Day

Group tour

$160.00pp

LOCATION

Watagan’s

Private Tour

$250pp

SUITABLE FOR:

12yrs and up

moderately fit

inc transfers

WHY WE ARE DIFFERENT

No other company provides the same turnkey experience, transport, training & equipment, we supply it all.

A short drive from Newcastle you can do the Watagan National Park Discovery Tour your bushwalking day will be a day of discovery, training and fun.

Keen do do a professinally guided day in the bush, then look no further, the Watagan National Park Discovery Tour hosted by Walking Rivers is for you :

Firstly, Walking Rivers believes its more fun and exciting when bushwalking, if you are engaged fully in the experience.

To be fully engaged we undertake to provide training in bush survival skills as well as navigation on all our bush adventures. The training is in addition to just having fun discovering places that are off the beaten tourist track.

Secondly, we provide all transport, food, training, and equipment for you to have a memorable experience discovering the Watagan National Park and some of its pristine natural secrets.

Key points why are we different

  • Receive navigation training
  • Be part of a team
  • Learn bushcraft
  • Learn the right equipment to buy
  • Engaging professional guides
  • Safety equipment included

WHY WE LOVE OUR WATAGANS DISCOVERY DAY

The Watagan National Park Discovery Tour is just that, a real day of discovery

You will experience a day in the Australian bush that rewards with some breathtaking views, both inland to the west and coastal to the east.

Known to offer you intrigue and excitement regularly it has become one of our favorite experiences.

Because of the remoteness of the area, there is no other way to experience this part of the National Park other than by walking.

We know you will love walking through the variety of plant life, then along a cliff top taking in stunning views right across the Hunter Valley. Visiting a cave that very few people even know exists is another highlight of the walk.

Additionally, we know you will love seeing some of the abundant wildlife that calls the National Park home.

Our private lunch stops often allow you to get up close and personal with many of Australia’s native animals.

Our Watagan National Park discovery tour allows plenty of time for you to become fully immersed in all the natural beauty the National Park has to offer.

Being only a couple of hours drive north of a major city, Newcastle NSW also adds to the appeal of the day in the Watagans.

Key points, why we love the Watagan National Park discovery tour

  • A real Australian bush experience
  • Offers the opportunity to reconnect with nature
  • Walking only accessible areas
  • Ancient landscape displaying the natural beauty
  • Plenty of bush therapy opportunities
  • Get reconnected with nature

ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS

The Walking Rivers Watagan National park discovery tour is very much a social event.

Spending a day walking with a functional group of like-minded people is a highlight that stays in peoples memories for a very long time.

Bushwalking for some people allows them to fall into a transient state and in so doing wash away all their stress and worries. While for others it is the feeling of accomplishment and achievement that is the attraction.

Scenery that is unparalleled and can only be observed through bushwalking is undoubtedly one of the top highlights for the Watagan National Park Discovery Tour.

If you are into photography, the opportunities for that perfect shot are everywhere.

The Watagan National Park Discovery Tour provides people with passive exercise, the best kind because you are exercising while doing something that is fun rewarding and easy to love.

You will feel your body responding to even the lightest of demands made on it, and through this response know that you are alive.

For some people, a highlight is just exploring new area’s
where does that track lead, what’s over that hill, does that stream have a waterfall, etc

Whatever may be your reason for joining us on the Watagan National Park Discovery Day I am confident you will have ample opportunity for that reason to be satisfied.

As with all of Walking Rivers experiences for people with a penchant for photography, the opportunities are everywhere.

Key points, activity highlights

  • Escape from stress
  • Wonderful nature experiences
  • The thrill of exploration
  • Challenging yourself
  • Fitness and exercise
  • Meet new friends

MORE ABOUT THE WILDLIFE

The wildlife in our walking corridor can be varied and abundant.

It is not uncommon to spot kangaroos, wallaby, and Goannas as well as a wide variety of birds.

The Watagan protected area provides critical habitat for over 150 native species of animals including wallabies, gliders, brush and ring-tailed possums, amphibians and reptiles. Additionally, there are also over 130 species of birds (Atlas of NSW wildlife 2006)

Key points, about the wildlife

  • Protects critical habitat
  • 150 Native animal species
  • Close to a major city
  • Crystal clear Waterfalls and creeks
  • Ancient Landscapes
  • Hidden caves

GETTING THERE IS HALF THE FUN

Our one-day Watagan Bushwalking Discovery Day starts from our home base in Newcastle;

The Walking Rivers bus travels from Newcastle out through Lake Macquarie and onto our start point, one of the many the picnic grounds hidden away in the beautiful Watagan Mountains . (approximately 1.5 hours driving).

Our coach can pick people up at one of our designated meeting places along the way and return you to the same spot.

We are as flexible as possible with our pickups to try and make it easy for you. Talk to us on an individual basis to arrange your pickup point. Of course, we will bring you back to your pick up location when your adventure ends.

Key points, about getting there

  • Convenient departure points
  • Only an hour away
  • Air conditioned comfort
  • Bluetooth your favourite music
  • Enjoy the scenery
  • Let someone else have all the worry

ABOUT THE FOOD

We have to say. When possible, we use locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from our nearby farmer’s markets. Furthermore, we also provide snacks just in case you get hungry while walking along. It is a Walking Rivers policy you will never go hungry, even after a day’s bushwalking in the fresh air.

Key points, about the food

  • all included
  • plenty to eat
  • snacks and fruit
  • diverse menu
  • Tea or coffee with campfire water
  • Tips about cooking in the outdoors


ABOUT YOU

If you are at all apprehensive about your abilities to undertake the Watagan National park Discovery Day, please remember our experienced guides will train you in the skills needed to complete the journey.

All you need is to be moderately fit and have a yearning for some safe and controlled adventure.

Going on a fully guided adventure is very different to going it alone. Being conducted by professional, trained, qualified people allows us to go to many places that would be unthinkable on our own.

Additionally, we consider you to be part of a team overcoming all the challenges the bushwalk throws at us.

Walking Rivers has comprehensive risk management and contingency plans in place as well safety procedures that ensure you will be free to not worry about anything too much other than having fun.

WE INCLUDE

  • Professional guiding service
  • Morning tea and Lunch
  • National Park Fees
  • Bus travel both ways
  • Maps, compass and instruction

WE DON’T INCLUDE

  • Accommodation
  • Flights, airport transfers
  • Travel/medical insurance
  • Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
  • Personal items

Let us know if you are you have any questions after checking the list of what we include , let us know if you have any questions about anything relating to gear.

PLEASE CONTACT US HERE

ITINERARY

Our Watagan National Park Discovery Day begins the moment we climb on board the bus. Sit back and relax, enjoy the journey to your bushwalking destination


PRE-TRIP MEETING

WHEN: one day before leaving

WHERE: We will skype, message or telephone you to confirm our time and meeting place and bring you up to date if any changes are happening.

Our telephone call provides you with the opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have about the Watagan National Park Discovery Day.

8.00 start

We always aim to gather early to make sure we get the most from our day in the mountains as possible.
Once everyone is on board, we will make our way up to the National Park where our adventure begins.

10.00am
On arrival in the park, we will have morning tea, get issued with a map of the area and then start our bushwalk. While walking, you will be involved in many engaging activities centered around bush skills and navigation. Additionally, you will experience the breathtaking views of the area.

12.00 Mid-day.
Will see us arriving at a fantastic hidden place in the bush for our lunch break that will not disappoint.

1300
After our lunch and after exploring the lunch area we will be back onto our walking track for an afternoon of exploring and more bush skills.

1600
Now its back on the bus and the trip home, tired but feeling well rewarded for our efforts.
Its a time to reflect on the day and share stories from the days’ adventure or to discuss some of the navigation skills that you will have learned through the day.

IMPORTANT

We endeavour to return to Newcastle between 4 and 5 pm, however, due to the number of variables in wilderness travel we recommend that you don’t plan any critical appointments that rely on us being back at this time. Fixed times and dates can cause unnecessarily stressful complications should our return be delayed by something out of our control. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss your travel plans in more detail.

GRAB YOUR CAMERA

The images you see below have all been taken during the Watagan National Park Discovery Tour