1 DAY

LOW SEASON

$95.00

WATAGAN NATIONAL PARK

High Season

$110.00

8 years minimum

EVERYONE

FOCUS ON LEARNING BUSH NAVIGATION
HAVING FUN

WHERE

A short drive from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are the Watagan National Park. Our Watagan National Park Discovery Tour will provide you with an exciting day in the Australian bush right in the heart of the Watagan National Park.

We will take you to places even local people don't know about.

HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT

If you are thinking about doing a guided day in the bush  then you have come to the right place here's why:

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

We undertake to provide some basic 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.

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
•  Training included
• Engaging professional guides

WHY WE LOVE  OUR WATAGANS DISCOVERY DAY

The Watagan National Park discovery day  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.

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

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.

Key points, activity highlights

• Escape from stress
• Wonderful nature experiences
• The thrill of exploration
• Challenging yourself
• Fitness and exercise
• Companionship and social aspects, or for some, the solitude

MORE ABOUT THE PARK

Walking Rivers staff will assist you to recognize the exceptional beauty and diversity that abounds inside the boundaries of the Watagan National Park.

The Watagan National Park area was formally declared a National Park on the 1st of January 1999. It protects an area of 7750 hectares including the headwaters for both Dora and Gap creeks.

Slowly meandering along forest tracks provides many opportunities for a guide to engage with you in educational discussions and point out interesting features in the landscape.

Between the years 1830 and 1890 Cedar timber was cut from the area until its exhaustion. By the 1920 reports indicate that some of the forests in the area had all valuable timber removed.

Some evidence exists today of the logging history in the area.

General cultural information for the Watagan National Park

The traditional inhabitants of this area the Awabakal and Darkinjung people consider the park to be of significant cultural importance and there is some archaeological evidence that shows their history reaches back over eleven thousand years.

There are more than 40 recorded Aboriginal sites in the Watagans area. These sites include art sites, axe grinding grooves, and open campsites. The Watagan Range and surrounds once provided a delicious range of food items for the inhabitants.

Flora and Fauna

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, the park.

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

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, the food

• all included
• plenty to eat
• snacks and fruit
• diverse menu

      ITINERARY

Our Watagan National Park Discovery Day begins the moment we climb on board the bus. Sit back and relax, enjoy the journey as we take care of everything.

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:

Our approximate return time to Newcastle is between 4 -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. We can pick you up or drop you off at the Airport or from your house.

Items for consideration

water bottle
snacks
lollies
book to read
sunglasses
reading glasses
travel pillow
travel rug
clean underwear
change of clothes to wear home

These items should be in your general gear bag.

You will paddle wearing the items below.Our priority is protection from the sun it can be brutal in 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. Remember we are paddling whitewater and must wear head protection, so your hat needs to allow for a helmet to go over the top of it.

Sunglasses

Should be attached to a strap. We recommend taking a spare pair.

Short 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.

Long synthetic thermals

 A pair of shorts over the top of synthetic thermals are ideal for your legs.

Footwear

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 jumper 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. Your  guide will carry this in case you misplace or lose yours. Lousy weather can also cause delays so having additional means you are safe.
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 bushwalking.

Waterproof camera

Lightweight waterproof digital cameras
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.

WHAT TO BRING FOR CAMPING

Snacks

 We do supply snacks but if you have some favorites then bring them with you

Head Torch

A small hand-held torch will suffice but it is much better to get a head torch so as to be able to free your hands up for tasks. A good Head torch also allows you to read in bed at night if you wish.

Extra thermals

One set of synthetic thermals (we keep dry) for wearing in camp or sleeping in if it gets cold. You will not need any more clothes.

Underwear

We will let you decide how much of these you need.

Sleeping bag

 We recommend A 3-season synthetic bag. Down bags will work, but please take extra care to waterproof. To waterproof your sleeping bag line a compression sack with a heavy duty garbage bag. Press the air out of the bag with your knee and then keep it compact with the compression sack. Its also helps keep your bag small for travel.

Inflatable pillow

A pillow is always nice but for the diehards who don't mind roughing it you can always stuff your jacket and spare thermals into a dry bag and use it as a pillow.

Swimmers

Often people just swim in their paddling clothes. Either way is successful.

Footwear around camp

Thongs or sandals for walking around camp work well and don't take up much space in the Kayak

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 on the river.

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 and strictly enforce a no alcohol on the water policy.

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.