Werakata National Park

Werakata National Park is a national park in the Hunter region of New South Wales. In the 1800s when European settlers came, most of this park was destroyed due to the large scale timber industry. Forestry commenced and sawmills were established in and near area the area of the park (most of the timber going to local mines for pit props). The park now remains as a measure to protect what is left.

Understand

Flora and fauna

Before the establishment of the national park, it was found that the predominant eucalyptus species "Spotted Gum" (Corymbia maculata) was still underrepresented in the system of protected areas.

Various endangered animal species can also be found in the park.

Visitor information

• Park website

Get in

The park is about a fifteen-minute drive from the nearby town of Kurri Kurri via the Sawyers Gully Road and Old Maitland Road. If you're coming from Newcastle, then use the M15 Hunter Expressway and then exit onto Main Road.

Fees and permits

As of November 2021, there are no fees and/or permits for this park.

See

• 1 Cessnock Forestry Hut (Forestry Hut). This hut was used as a base when the main industry in the park once upon a time was the timber industry. Today, not a lot of it remains, but the area is now more rather a bird watching spot. (updated Nov 2021)

Do

• Deadmans mountain bike loop. A 8 km (5.0 mi) mountain bile trail and loop that takes about an hour to do, passing through the bushlands of the park 

Buy, eat, drink, and sleep

There are no services in the park and you're on your own. The only facility in the park is a picnic area. No places to sleep, nor are there any designated camping areas.