Watagans, New South Wales, offers a variety of attractions for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Watagans National Park, located just an hour from Newcastle, is renowned for its stunning rainforest scenery. Visitors can explore the park's numerous walking tracks, such as the Circuit walking track, which leads to picturesque spots like Gap Creek Falls and Monkey Face and Gap Creek lookouts. The park also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with over 40 Aboriginal sites and remnants from previous forestry operations, providing insight into the area's settlement history.
For those interested in camping, Watagans National Park offers the Bangalow and Gap Creek campgrounds, complete with free barbecue areas and picnic tables, providing a comfortable overnight stay surrounded by nature. Additionally, the park is a haven for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and 4WD tours, making it an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts.
In addition to the national park, the State Forests of the Watagan Mountains, which include Watagan, Olney, Heaton, Awaba, Ourimbah, and Wyong State Forests, offer a range of nature-based activities such as bushwalking, four-wheel driving, and mountain biking. The forests are also home to treetop adventures, paintball games, and various recreational facilities, making them a nature lover's playground.