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
$110.00pp
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
We want you to love and enjoy bushwalking on the Watagan National Park Discovery tour. Have more questions, call +61 438563307 or email [email protected]
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Bushwalking on the Watagan National Park Discovery Tour , you will only need to bring a small day backpack
You will need one bag:
- Your bus bag, a small backpack or similar
Please remember the saying “when bushwalking less is more”
Travelling on the bus
Your bag only needs to fit items you may wish to have with you while we are traveling.
For traveling, wear anything you feel comfortable in.
We do stop for toilet breaks and also from time to time and if we are passing through a town we might have a coffee break. This is usually done by consensus.
Items for consideration to bring along
- water bottle
- snacks
- lollies
- book to read
- sunglasses
- reading glasses
- travel pillow
- travel rug
- change of clothes to wear home
Our priority is protection from the sun it can be brutal i the middle of the day.
Small bottle of Sunscreen
Pay particular attention to face, neck, under chin, ears, backs of hands.
Hat
Ideally should be broad-brimmed and wind resistant. An excellent choice is a safari type of hat that covers your neck area. Baseball caps are not good bushwalking hats.
Sunglasses
Should be attached to a strap. We recommend taking a spare pair.
Long Sleeved Shirt
Over a thermal top. Both shirt and thermal top material need to be the quick-drying synthetic material such as polypropylene/polyester fleece or blend. DO NOT WEAR COTTON.
T-shirts and jeans etc. are not suitable clothing for Kayaking.
For people with more money a long sleeved Rash shirt is ideal.
Long synthetic Pants
A pair of shorts over the top of synthetic thermals are ideal for your legs.
Footwear
Good sturdy Hiking boots are ideal but expensive therefore if you are not intending taking up bushwalking as a permanent hobby, a good pair of runners will do the job.
Rain Considerations.
We recommend at the very least pack a lightweight spray jacket with hood.
It can be preferable to have a waterproof and breathable material like Gortex.
Warmth considerations.
In cold conditions avoid apparel made from cotton. Cotton insulates using open air pockets in between the fibers. When cotton gets wet, these pockets fill with water, and the garment loses its insulating properties.
Fabrics such as wool, nylon, and polypropylene insulate with closed air pockets inside the fibers. Garments made from these materials will hold some of their insulating properties when wet.
Consider a Fibre pile/fleece or puffer jacket if cold weather is forecast.
Medication – please ensure
1) The name and expiry date of drug is on the container;
2) You have the detailed instructions for your dosage and frequency;
3) Packed in a waterproof bag; i.e., sandwich bag or similar
4) Pack a full spare prescription in a separate container.
If you are flying, please pack all necessary medication in your carry-on luggage. It helps eliminate some stress should your checked bags be misplaced in transit.
Water bottle.
One litre Nalgene bottles are superior to all others for outdoor recreation.
Waterproof camera
Lightweight waterproof digital cameras (can be attached inside your life jacket with a lanyard);
GoPro or similar waterproof action cameras can produce excellent footage however they are savage on batteries. Consider how you will charge or bring
spare batteries and memory cards.
Toiletries
Minimal soap, toothpaste, and toothbrush, dental floss, feminine hygiene products.
Small comb/hairbrush, 2 disposable plastic razor.
Optional items for consideration
- Beanie
- Gloves either neoprene or fingerless sailing type
- Insect repellant small roll on
- Book to read
- Reading glasses
- Binoculars
- Down jacket
- Travel boardgames
- Cards
Please avoid wearing jewelry.
We would just feel bad if you lost something precious to you. Leaving it at home is the safest place for it to be.
Beverages
We supply a range of teas and coffee as well as juices. You are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages. Please note however that we do expect our guests to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly.
Smoking
It is against the law in Australia to smoke in National Parks. If you are a smoker, please consider nicotine patches as an alternative solution for the time you are on the river.
Leave no trace
Everything we take into the National Park we must take out. Including toilet waste. Don’t worry we have a system for dealing with everything. Your guides will go through it all with you when we are in camp on the first day.
GRAB YOUR CAMERA
The images you see below have all been taken during the Watagan National Park Discovery Tour
Endless discoveries 
Mmmm where am I 
Breathtaking Views 
Learning to Navigate 
Amazing Rocks 
Rock Gullies 
Manmade wall 
Diamond Python 
See Giant Boulders