It’s one of our all-time favourite walking tracks, and now the Fernleigh Track continues all the way through to Blacksmiths. It’s enjoyed by cyclists, walkers and young families from Lake Mac and beyond. Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track offers a unique glimpse of a hidden part of Lake Macquarie. Explore this section of the Fernleigh Track today.
Arriving at the track
Just behind the TAFE at Belmont is the end of the Fernleigh Track. You’ll also find the beginning of this section called the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track. Head to Alick Street in Belmont, where you’ll find dedicated car parking, toilets, bubblers and a shipping container café!
Discovering Belmont Lagoon and Wetlands
You’ll travel along a concrete path amongst the paperbarks that merges onto a 400-meter elevated boardwalk. Weaving your way alongside Belmont Lagoon, stop at the observation platform or sit and enjoy the birdlife. It’s estimated up to 120 bird species frequent this area.
Local Aboriginal artists
Local Aboriginal artists Shellie Smith and Daniella Chedzey, along with fellow artist Julie Squires have created an artwork that recognises Belmont Lagoon as an important campsite for the Awabakal people. The artwork includes a ‘gunya’ shelter, bark canoe and other features representing an Aboriginal camp.
Cold Tea Creek Bridge
The elevated boardwalk section takes you across the wetlands to the spectacular Cold Tea Creek Bridge. The kids will love this bridge with its teardrop frame and bright orange colour. Continue over the bridge towards another bird-watching loop. After travelling past the cemetery and golf range at Belmont South, the track then links up with the Southern end, created in late 2023.
This section of the track has linked a continuous active transport route of 27km, stretching from Adamstown to Murrays Beach. Want to check out more walks, and places to visit in Lake Macquarie? Click through to our Out & About section.
