Car phone charger (note: mobile reception goes in and out).Warm clothes including gloves (forests can get cold, especially in the cooler months).Lots of food for the kids (snacks, lunch, more snacks).Toilet paper (you’ll find toilet facilities scattered throughout the park).Check your car is up to date with a service.We planned a round trip and took in 3 stops: When it’s heavy rain, the park’s roads will be closed for safety and that’s a good thing. The roads are dirt, so although very doable in a two-wheel drive, it will slow you down.
The intense smell and sheer size of the pine trees in a popular picnic area will leave you with an appreciation of just how small we are among these giants.ĭefinitely do some research and plan exactly where you are going for the day and how long it should take. This coastal rainforest is simply breathtaking with dense layering of ferns amongst the mossy rocks and the eucalyptus forests as you overlook our stunning Lake Macquarie. It’s said that the Aboriginal meaning of the word is “many ridges” and you’ll come to appreciate this as you plan your route through the Watagans state forest. You’ll be amazed at the diversity of flora and fauna you’ll discover during your experience in the forest. World War 11 depleted the area of even more timber and then again after the war for housing.Ĭonversations around conservation began in the late 2000s – 2001s by environmentalists concerned about the extinction of some of our local flora and fauna in the mountains. Logging started in the early 1800s and the industry thrived because of how close this area was to the coal industry and timber markets. Art and engravings have been found and are now protected throughout the forest. That feeling quickly turned to gratitude and appreciation as we breathed the crisp clean air and the adventure of our day.įor the Awabakal and Darkinjung people these mountains are of great significance. It gave me the feeling I was out of control simply because we were so immersed in the surroundings. I can honestly say at first I felt vulnerable because of how isolated and lost I felt in the natural world.
I hadn’t been to the Watagans since I was a child, and I’m guessing most locals who grew up here in Lake Macquarie would be the same. Might be good for some of us, but I’m more of a nature lover than skydiver these days. Well, unless you jump out of a plane that is.
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