Cycleways

START – NOBBYS BEACH

6.5 km, easy, family-friendly, flat, partly shaded with minimal street crossings.

KEY DESTINATIONS

• Honeysuckle Dining Precinct
• Pirate Ship & Islington Park Playgrounds
• Newcastle Fishermen’s Co-op & Yacht Club
• Carrington Mangroves

DESCRIPTION

This popular ride follows along the south edge of Newcastle Harbour and continues upstream to the mangrove-lined Throsby Creek. There are plenty of spots along the way to stop for a bite to eat or to let the kids loose on a playground.

THE RIDE

Start at Nobbys Beach and ride along the shared pathway towards Horseshoe Beach Road. Cross Horseshoe Beach Road, pass the historic 'Cornish Dock' at the Port Authority, and continue along the car-free Tugboat Lane. From here you mainly share the promenade with pedestrians, however, just before you reach Queens Wharf you divert to the left to use the separated cycleway for a short section, before joining back with the shared path as you continue towards Honeysuckle. At Honeysuckle you will pass many cafes, restaurants, and pubs, so this is a great place to stop for a refuel. You will then continue past apartments and the Pirate Ship Playground towards Wickham and the 'Tree of Knowledge'. Continue north past Newcastle Yacht Club's floating marina and the Fishermen's Co-op. Historical signage tells you the tales of these waterways and you can learn some Awabakal language along the way. Just past the co-op, use the old wooden bridge, often lined with fishermen, to pass under Carrington Bridge and continue north past Linwood Estate and around Throsby Creek. The trail then takes you across Hannell Street at the traffic signals. Artworks adorn this section at  the end of the streets in Maryville, before you cross William Street towards the final section to Islington Park, riding between the gorgeous gum trees and tranquil water.

START – CNR MINMI RD & COWPER ST

Approx. 5.2km (4km on track, plus street riding), familyfriendly, long gradual slopes, partially shaded, several road crossings.

KEY DESTINATIONS

• Rest stops on Tramway Track
• Wallsend town centre
• Wallsend Park (including skate park)

DESCRIPTION

Following the old tramway that operated between Wallsend and Glendale from 1912 to 1930, this historic rail trail with rural views and beautiful bushland links Newcastle with the great riding opportunities in Lake Macquarie. Hint: take the train home from Booragul Station.

THE RIDE

Riding from the corner of Cameron Street and Minmi Road in Wallsend, head down the path from the traffic signals towards Kemp Street (an access road). Follow along Kemp Street until you pass Nelson Street. Please note, this section of Tramway Track includes some street crossings and a bridge, so take care. Before the bridge into the shopping centre carpark, follow Tramway Track to the left and continue along Cowper Street. You will cross several streets before the path eventually moves away from the road, under the Link Road Tunnel, and towards some quiet bushland sections. After passing under the Link Road Tunnel, a gentle but constant grade takes you up towards views of farmland and bushland — keep an eye out for horses! — with various residences on your left. At the top of the ridge, you will see the cuttings made for the tramline, where the path then glides through the bush down towards the Glendale TAFE with a long straight towards the end. Wallabies are frequently spotted along this section of the ride, especially if you are riding at dusk, so ride with care and enjoy the views. The path between Wallsend and Glendale is peaceful and partly shaded, with more shade in the southern part of the track.

• Railway Tunnel 
• Glenrock State Conservation Area 
• Redhead Beach 
• Belmont Wetlands and Foreshore 

START – NOBBYS BEACH

7.5 km (including Macquarie Pier), hilly, family-friendly, limited road crossings. An alternative route is offered for those wishing to avoid hills, but are happy to ride on short sections of busy roads.

KEY DESTINATIONS

• Nobbys Lighthouse
• King Edward Park
• Skate Parks - South Newcastle & Empire Park
• Newcastle Baths, Bogey Hole & Merewether Baths
• Beaches - Nobbys, Newcastle, Bar, Dixon & Merewether

DESCRIPTION

Bathers Way commands sweeping views of Newcastle’s pristine coastline and provides access to all five patrolled beaches along this stretch of coast. You can also access the Newcastle Memorial Walk from Strzelecki Lookout.

THE RIDE

Start at Macquarie Pier, known to locals as 'the breakwall', where the path passes behind Nobbys Beach and Nobbys Lighthouse. Take in the views and then return along the pier to continue south around the coast towards Newcastle Ocean Baths and Newcastle Beach with Fort Scratchley overhead. Adventurous riders can detour through South Newcastle Skate Park before the Bathers Way takes you through the majestic King Edward Park. At this point, Bathers Way includes some hilly sections. So, if you would prefer to avoid hills, head through the tunnel at Newcastle Beach (alongside The Kiosk), which takes you to Pacific Park where you can take an alternative route through the streets of Newcastle. At the top of King Edward Park, and past the Bogey Hole, you will arrive at Shepherds Hill Cottage, before riding on to Strzelecki Lookout. This marks the high point of the ride. Bathers Way then descends towards Newcastle's southern beaches. First, you'll pass Bar Beach, and you'll know you've reached Dixon Park Beach after a short sharp uphill and downhill section. Keep riding towards Merewether Beach, where Bathers Way concludes shortly after at Merewether Ocean Baths.

START – DENNEY ST NEAR BROADMEADOW STATION

4.5 km, family-friendly, flat, several road crossings (mostly quiet roads or with signals), partly shaded.

KEY DESTINATIONS

• Wallarah Park (Skate Park & Fields)
• Lambton Park (Playground & Pool)
• Lambton Local Centre
• Jesmond Park (Playground & Disc Golf)

DESCRIPTION

Connecting Broadmeadow to Lambton & Jesmond through beautiful parks & bushland, this cycleway takes the path of a historic tramway with old railway cuttings softening the slope between Lambton & Jesmond.

THE RIDE

Start at Broadmeadow Train Station navigating your way along Denney Street, cross Curley Road, and join the shared path through Magic Park. After crossing the stormwater channel 'Styx Creek' turn left and follow the path, which takes you past sporting fields and McDonald Jones Stadium to your right. Cross Turton Road at the traffic signals and pass Wallarah Oval. You will then reach Wallarah Road, which you will need to cross, before continuing along the path, passing Arthur Edden Oval, New Lambton Skate Park, and Ford Oval. Just after the Richard Ford Netball Courts make a sharp left to cross Lambton Ker-rai Creek and ride along Tyrone Road to Hobart Road where you turn right towards Lambton Park. At the end of Lambton Park continue along Howe Street, which is a short but busy section of the path. Cross at the Croudace Street traffic lights and continue straight along the shared path, past Rudd Park and a street crossing at Robinson Avenue, towards Jesmond Park. At the end of Jesmond Park turn left onto Victory Parade, which you can follow through to Brickworks Park at Wallsend, featuring a 'Bird Hide' seating and viewing area in the centre of the park. 

START – VALE ST BRIDGE NEAR SHORTLAND WATERS GOLF CLUB

4.5km, family-friendly, hilly (some steep sections), minimal road crossings, partly shaded (through Jesmond Bushland & Park).

KEY DESTINATIONS

•  Newcastle University
• Jesmond Shops
• Jesmond Park & Bushland

DESCRIPTION

This ride connects two key destinations of Newcastle — the main university campus and the main hospital. Predominantly riding on a shared path, you will barely cross a road with some quirky bridges and underpasses along the way and beautiful bushland up to the hospital.

THE RIDE

Start at the shared path next to the Vale Street Bridge on the University side of Main Road (Newcastle Inner City Bypass), where the path follows along the fence line. This takes you through the bush that separates Ring Road on your left from Main Road on your right. As you pass the large carpark on your left, turn right to go through the tunnel under University Drive then continue to the next tunnel. Once you come out of that tunnel, turn right to continue parallel to Main Road (Newcastle Inner City Bypass). Continue past the Robert Street crossing until the path joins the end of Newcastle Road, which becomes Coles Street. Continue on Coles Street for about 100m, where you take the shared path to your right over the bridge through to Jesmond Park. Cross through Jesmond Park and ride around the oval. Once you pass the playground and basketball courts you will see a sign going up the hill. This part of the cycleway starts quite flat, but as you get closer to the hospital you will hit some hills. Follow the path through bushland, taking in the beautiful birdsong, and you will come out near the HMRI Research Centre behind the main John Hunter Hospital building.

START – STOCKTON FERRY WHARF

6.5 km, easy, flat, family-friendly, single road crossing (option to stop prior).

KEY DESTINATIONS

• Stockton Breakwater & Wharf
• Adolphe Shipwreck
• Fern Bay
• Stockton Local Centre
• Stockton Pool
• Stockton Sandspit
• Griffith Park Playground & Skatepark

DESCRIPTION

Take the Ferry to Stockton with your bike, cruising across the Hunter River. Sweeping around from the beach to the harbour and on towards the mangroves, the Stockton Foreshore path is a peaceful ride with magnificent panoramas of the city, the sea, and the river.

THE RIDE

Start from Stockton Wharf and ride on the shared path along the harbour towards Shipwreck Walk and the breakwall. On your right, you will have views of Newcastle, Macquarie Pier, and Nobbys Lighthouse. On your left, you will pass the Aldophe Shipwreck with a viewing platform and be able to look out across Stockton Beach. Loop back along the breakwall towards Stockton Wharf and Griffith Park where you will continue to Stockton Bridge. This section of the ride passes through parklands, provides excellent views of Newcastle's working harbour, and takes you along Mangrove-lined sections frequented by birdlife. As you approach Stockton Bridge, you can cross Fullerton Street near the roundabout and continue to Fern Bay past the Stockton Cemetery. Alternatively, you can return along the path to the Ferry Terminal or ride up Mitchell Street to treat yourself to a well-earned rest at the local pubs and cafés.

START – CNR MOUNTER ST & SELWYN ST

2km, flat, relatively quiet street, with some large trucks – less on weekends.

KEY DESTINATIONS

• Sculptures – Muster Point & Newcastle Steelworkers Memorial
• Old BHP Administration Building & Machinery
• South Channel of Hunter River

DESCRIPTION

This is a quick ride for those who are interested in our industrial heritage and views of a working harbour. The old BHP site is closed to the public, but you can catch glimpse of the beautiful old BHP administration building and machinery.

THE RIDE

Just off Industrial Drive in Mayfield North follow Selwyn Street with the railway to your right. You will pass under a bridge and then you need to give way and veer to the right to continue along Selwyn Street. Stop for a look at the Muster Point sculpture and views of the headquarters and old machinery of the BHP before continuing along Selwyn Street. There is also a chance you will see some large trucks, so be careful and pull over if you feel safer doing so. The road goes for 1.5km and you will see mounds of coal, coal loaders, trains, and cargo ships before becoming Dyke Road.

• Kotara Shops 
• Raspberry Gully Reserve with picnic areas 

• Reserves – Whistler Parade, Tumpoaba, Kurraka 
• Places of Aboriginal Heritage - Kauma Park & Yutiliko Park 
• Rest stops with views of the Hunter Wetlands 

START – CNR VERA ST & QUEEN ST

6.5 km, family-friendly (except road crossings), mostly flat, patchy shade, some difficult crossings, sections next to busy roads.

KEY DESTINATIONS

• University of Newcastle
• Maryland Drive Reserve
• Wallsend Local Centre
• Wallsend Pool & Active Hub

DESCRIPTION

This shared path follows the old tramline through bushland at the edge of the University campus through residential and commercial areas, towards the suburb of Maryland. Some parts of this route are adjacent to busy roads with some tricky crossings, but other parts offer long stretches away from traffic.

THE RIDE

Start from the shared path entrance at the corner of Vera Street and Queen Street, Waratah West. Travel along the path until you reach Wirra Crescent where you join a one-way road (with contraflow cycling) past the University's student residences. At the end of the road make a right, then left, to continue through the University carpark, past the 'turning bay only' sign along the path towards and across the Ring Road (follow power lines). Continue along the path keeping the carpark to your right and trees to your left and cross Kintaiba Road. You will cross a wide road at the University Main Entrance, which has a median and some tricky chicanes. Then head on the path toward a tunnel. After passing through the tunnel, get in a low gear to turn right and up a spiral path that takes you up and over the bypass and then twists to the right and down and then through a tunnel on the other side. Once you're out of the tunnel head along University Drive towards the roundabout at Blue Gum Road. Cross at the roundabout and continue along a long stretch of shared path. The path veers towards Wilkinson Avenue to cross Dark Creek and then moves back behind the residences and continues until you reach Tillie Street. This crossing can be busy, however, there is a refuge island to assist in crossing. From here it's straight to Minmi Road. Turn right after crossing at the Minmi Road traffic lights and continue down Minmi Road. Cross at the Macquarie Street traffic lights to continue on the other side of the road, taking you to Maryland Drive where the reserve will be on your right.

START – THE WELCOME WALK CARPARK

Up to 15 km, family-friendly, mostly flat, patchy shade, narrow path, minimal crossings, and some small sections on quiet streets. Limited access without a car (Hexham Station is 2.5km away with no cycleway).

KEY DESTINATIONS

• Riverside Park
• Milhams Farm Homestead
• Radar Station
• The Welcome Walk

DESCRIPTION

Ash Island gives you a variety of options, from a quick ride out to Riverside Park with the kids or a more challenging exploration of the various gravel roads that crisscross the island. Enjoy the abundant birdlife along the river and throughout the extensive network of lakes and creeks.

THE RIDE

Cross the Ash Island Bridge and if driving, park at The Welcome Walk carpark. From here head north along Scotts Point Way. It is a smooth gravel road with almost no cars, a rest area, and information boards about 1.5km into the ride. A further 1km along the river you will reach Riverside Park where you can take a narrow tree-lined path, called Farmhouse Walking Track, that takes you to Milhams Farmhouse where you can explore the ruins. Continue along the path to Milham Road. The Radar Station will be just to your left and from here continue to explore further afield by heading towards Ramsar Road where you turn right and follow until you reach Bell Frog Track on your left. Follow this track east until you reach Wagtail Way. Turn right onto Wagtail Way and follow the road to the far southeast part of the island. Wagtail Way eventually reaches Ramsar Road. Turn right and continue along the Hunter River to Cobbans Track. Join Cobbans Tracks and continue back towards Schoolhouse Road and The Welcome Walk where you started your adventure.