WATAGAN NATIONAL PARK
ONE DAY BUSH
ADVENTURE
A DISCOVERY TOUR
THAT WON'T DAMAGE YOUR WALLET
LENGTH
1 DAY
LOW SEASON
$95.00
LOCATION
WATAGAN NATIONAL PARK
High Season
$110.00
WHO
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
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, getting there
- convenient departure points
- regular breaks
- onboard movies
- making friends
Bushwalking
For those who haven’t tried it, the Watagan Discovery Day bushwalk is a casual meander through the bush on exiting tracks with only a slight bit of physical exertion required on some of the moderate inclines.
- reconnect with nature
- relaxing environments
- time to reflect the day's activities
- feeling free
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
WE INCLUDE
- Professional guiding service
- Morning tea and Lunch
- National Park Fees
- Bus travel both ways from Newcastle
WE DON'T INCLUDE
- Not included in the tour cost are accommodation before or after the tour completion
- Flights, airport transfers, ferries, taxis
- Travel/medical insurance
- Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
Let us know if you are you are bringing any of your own equipment. After checking the list of what to bring lets us know
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.
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We want you to enjoy your trip with Walking Rivers. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to call us on 0438563307 or email info@walkingrivers.com
We have tried to make out tour dates coincide with the best times of the year. In all of our trips, the water is warm enough for swimming. We do not run this tour through the winter months as often the roads are impassable due to snow. Additionally not running trips in winter also means we do not need to wear wetsuits, these can be uncomfortable on long paddles.
Unfortunately for this trip, the answer is a definite yes you do. You don't need you to be an Olympic swimmer, but we would like you to at least be capable of swimming 25 meters in some fashion. Breaststroke, doggy paddle, freestyle anything it doesn't matter. You need to be comfortable in the water as there is a good chance at some point you will tip the boat over. When this happens, you may have your face under the water for a few seconds even though you will be wearing a PFD (personal floatation device). We will train you what to do if this happens so don't worry.
While height is not an issue being considerably overweight may be. This is an adventure activity and as such a medium level of fitness and agility is required. You will need to be able to paddle for approx six hours a day, scramble up the sand river bank in addition to climbing over rocks and being very active. If you have concerns, please contact us directly.
No problem, we cater for vegetarians every day.Some of our guides are vegetarian. Before all of our multi-day trips, there is a pre-trip questionnaire covering medical and dietary requirements.Please call our office +61 438563307 if you have any concerns you would like to discuss further.
Like all wildlife, we can not guarantee to see them however they are very active in spring. In particular, during spring the males are aggressively seeking out the females.We recognize and photograph many more platypus during this time.
Our Snowy trip is one of our bigger adventure trips, so we do like people to have some fitness level as well as good health. You need to be reasonably agile and capable of climbing over rocks on the portage sections of the river. Its ok not to be paddling fit as the river is flowing downstream and the boats will drift downstream even without paddling.More important is an adventurous spirit and a willingness to have a go.
Everyone who is participating in one of our multi-day trips
will be asked to complete our medical questionnaire. Very few medical conditions will prevent you from taking part.
Our guides do need to be informed however in case something goes wrong and you need their assistance.
Bring two sets of medications one as a spare that the guide will carry for you just in case you lose yours. We will be a long way from outside assistance, so we need to take every precaution possible to be self-sufficient.
Pregnant women are not able to participate as the risk is too high.
Yes, you can. However, we do recommend a sports strap or tie. Because of the nature of the adventure, we can’t guarantee the safety of your glasses. If they are vital to your vision, then we recommend bringing a spare pair with you. Two pairs of sunglasses are also recommended as the glare of the river can be quite blinding without them.
Tipping is not part of Australian culture. If you would like to show your appreciation, we would be more than happy with a good review on our website, or trip advisor.
Yes, however waterproof or throwaway cameras are best. Also if you are bringing big cameras think about battery life as charging can often be difficult. There is a risk your pride and joy camera may get wet or damaged. Our guides have waterproof cameras that take reasonable good quality photos. We are happy to give you a dropbox link to the pictures at the end of the trip.
Yes, please contact us on 0438563307 for information on group discounts.
Walking Rivers P/L caters to all ages of adventurers. Although we do prefer a minimum of 12 years for our multi-day tours, we like to assess each case individually. Family tours are available for younger children, and those concerned with being in ‘their older years’ are welcomed to contact us to discuss their physical abilities.
PACKING
On the Barrington Tops Bushwalking Adventure, we will be packing everything into our packs each day to travel to our next campsite. While we recognize space is limited, please be assured we know you will be comfortable if you follow our guidelines below.
You will need to bring two bags:
1. your bus bag, a small backpack or similar
2. your general gear bag, these items will be packed into your backpack.
Please remember the saying "when bushwalking less is more"
Travelling on the bus
Your bus bag only needs to fit items you may wish to have with you while we are traveling.Your bus bag stays with the bus. After we exit the bus at our camp, your bus bag travels without you to our exit point. You may also leave extra items you wish to have with you for the drive home in your bus bag.
For traveling, wear anything you feel comfortable in for a long drive.
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
Small bus bag
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.
Watagan National Park Discovery Tour
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
secluded 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.
