The Fernleigh Track | Discover 15km Cycling and Walking Adventure
- WCP Media
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Discover 15 kilometres of peaceful bushland cycling and walking along one of the Hunter region's most beloved trails... The Fernleigh Track.
The Fernleigh Track stands as the Hunter region's most popular shared pathway, offering visitors an exceptional outdoor experience that seamlessly blends natural beauty, local history, and family-friendly recreation. This remarkable 15-kilometre trail (approximately 15.5km, depending on the exact start and end points) follows the route of a former coal-haul railway line, transforming industrial heritage into one of Lake Macquarie's most treasured assets.
A Journey Through Time and Nature
Built on a former railway line with construction completed in March 2011, the Fernleigh Track winds through diverse landscapes that showcase the best of the Lake Macquarie region. The route passes through the suburbs of Adamstown, Kahibah, Whitebridge, Redhead, and Jewells. It ends near Belmont TAFE, taking in the Glenrock State Conservation Area, Awabakal Nature Reserve and Belmont Wetlands State Park.
The track's crown jewel is the historic brick-lined Fernleigh Tunnel under the Pacific Highway.
Sources vary on its exact length, with some citing 180m and others 181m, but this heritage feature offers both historical significance and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. This curved tunnel marks the transition between Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, creating a memorable highlight for every journey.
Perfect for All Ages and Abilities
What makes the Fernleigh Track truly special is its accessibility. Fifteen kilometres of easy cycling or walking on a paved pathway through peaceful bushland and wetland means families with varying fitness levels can enjoy the experience together.
The track welcomes a diverse range of users, including parents with prams, children on bikes, joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists of all experience levels.
Distance markers are a nice touch, telling you how many kilometres you have cycled and how many are left, making it particularly encouraging for children as they count down the kilometres to their destination.
Where to Start Your Adventure
Most experienced visitors recommend starting at Belmont, where you'll find convenient facilities including cafes, toilets, and drinking fountains near the trailhead. Going from Belmont to Adamstown is much easier – especially if cycling with small kids, as this direction provides a gentler gradient and rewards you with the tunnel experience toward the end of your journey.
For those wanting a shorter experience, multiple access points along the route allow you to customise your adventure to suit your group's needs and energy levels.
Natural Wonders Along the Way
The track offers much more than just exercise. As you journey through the various sections, you'll experience:
Belmont Wetlands: Peaceful wetland areas perfect for birdwatching
Awabakal Nature Reserve: Scribbly gum bushland as the track heads to its highest point at Whitebridge Station
Glenrock State Conservation Area: Leafy forests with long sections of the old railway line left in situ
Heritage Features: Preserved train station signs and railway remnants that tell the story of the region's coal mining past
Wildlife enthusiasts should bring binoculars, as the Fernleigh Track is home to possums, bandicoots, echidnas, and a variety of native birdlife.
Beyond the Original Track
The adventure doesn't end with the original Fernleigh Track. The Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) is a scenic extension that opened in 2024, offering a peaceful route through the stunning Belmont Wetlands State Park and Belmont Lagoon Reserve. Together, the Fernleigh Track and the FAST provide a 27 km shared pathway from Murrays Beach to Adamstown.
Essential Tips for Your Visit
What to Bring:
Water bottles (water fountains available for refills along the track)
Sunscreen and hats
Comfortable walking shoes or bikes
Swimmers and towels in a backpack for side-trips to nearby beaches
Snacks for energy
Camera for the tunnel and scenic spots
Safety and Etiquette
The track is shared by many users, so courtesy is essential. Stay left, be aware of faster cyclists, and step off the path when stopping. There are water stations for drinking or refilling water bottles along the track at regular intervals, and toilet facilities are available at strategic points, including Redhead and Belmont.
A Community Celebration
Each October, the track hosts the Fernleigh 15 event (scheduled for October 19, 2025), where runners and walkers can complete the entire length of the Fernleigh Track in a dedicated running event, offering either a 15-kilometre individual challenge or a 1.5km kids race option.
Plan Your Lake Macquarie Adventure
The Fernleigh Track represents everything wonderful about Lake Macquarie: natural beauty, community spirit, and accessible outdoor recreation. Whether you're seeking a gentle family outing, a fitness challenge, or simply a peaceful escape into nature, this remarkable trail delivers an unforgettable experience.
The Fernleigh Track is a joint project of Lake Macquarie City Council and the City of Newcastle, demonstrating the region's commitment to creating world-class recreational facilities that bring communities together and showcase the natural beauty that makes Lake Macquarie such a special destination.
Start planning your Fernleigh Track adventure today – 15 kilometres of pure Lake Macquarie magic awaits!
