Wangi Point State Conservation Area is full of surprises. Its rocky platforms, countless coves & bays stretching south from Rathmines, provides a natural playground for the kids. Then the ‘seats of serenity’ perfectly positioned along the way, allows visitors to immerse themselves in their surroundings. We also loved the view of Pulbuh Island and walking through the eucalypt trees which towered over us.
Whether you decide to explore the short trail called the Botany Track or the full Wangi Point Circut, there’s so much to experience with your family. Bring your water bottles, sunscreen, plus snacks, and make a morning of it.
Wangi Point history
It’s believed that it’s meaning refers to a place of much water, many night owls or many dark green trees. History tells us that the Ababakal people used Wangi point as a campsite.
It was declared a reserve in 1897 and Wangi Point became a popular holiday camping area for miners. Miners from Cessnock would come down when the coal fields closed over the summer holiday period. At this time, locals also favoured visiting Cessnock more than Newcastle as new roads were provided for transport.
Getting to Wangi Wangi
Wangi Wangi is on the western side of Lake Macquarie. From Wangi Road, turn onto Donnelly Rd. Then you only have to make one turn right onto Dobell Drive and follow that right to the very end. There’s a designated parking area, which is very well signposted. You’ll find a tyre swing at the entrance, which is perfect for the kids to play on while you get organised. This reserve is one of Lake Macquarie’s State Conservation Areas and as such no dogs are allowed, open fires, camping or motorbikes.
Wangi Point walking tracks
There are quite a few different options for a family walk. You can choose one that best suits your family dynamic. If you’re after a smaller walk with a bit of adventure I highly recommend the Botony Track. This one is more of a pathway to the point and down to explore the rocky foreshore. My kids loved this and it’s not hard, although there are a few stairs. This can be anything from 20 min to a couple of hours, depending on what you want to do. You can pack some lunch and find a spot to sit and enjoy your gorgeous surroundings.
The full circuit track will take you on a trail through the gorgeous bushland. You’ll see first hand the work by Landcare, returning this area to its a natural state. This full circuit will take about an hour and a half and has a few steep inclines.You’ll love being immersed in the native trees that tower overhead. You can also enter this walk from the other end down near the Wangi Point Holiday Park.
Seats of serenity
One of our favourite finds was the gorgeous seats positioned throughout this walk so you can stop and appreciate what you see. Down at the water’s edge, at the lookouts and exactly where you’d like to sit and absorb the view. They’re obviously one of the hidden secrets for the locals to visit. It would be the best spot to have a deep conversation. You could solve world problems here! You’ll know what I mean when you find them. Sensational idea.
Pulbah Island
From the tip of Wangi Point, you’ll get the best full-length view of Pulbah Island. Known to the Awabakal people as Boroyirong, Pulbah is a sacred Aboriginal Island and the biggest one in Lake Macquarie. This island has a wealth of history. From the shell middens left from the original Aboriginal owners to the many attempts to develop the island by early settlers, including a zoo!!
Aboriginal legend tells of a monster fish referred to as Wau-wai, lived at the island and was known to terrorise them. Pulba, which means island in Aboriginal, was another name given to the land, however, early settlers added the ‘h’. Learn more about Pulbah Island here.
Exploring Lake Macquarie
Our lives are further enriched, every time we head out to explore another part of Lake Macquarie. Wangi Point and the entire headland is pristine bushland and yet again reminds us of how lucky we are. Living in Lake Macquarie is certainly a privilege.
To explore more of Lake Macquarie head to our Out & About section.
References:
Lake Mac Libraries: Palbah Island {Accessed 21/6/20}
Wangi Peninsula Landcare Study {Accessed 21/6/20}
