Discover: Days out from Around Hermitage
Stay Another Day (or two) and Explore!
Why not grab a picnic from Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen or other Hunter Valley Deli and a bottle of your favourite wine from one of the Around Hermitage producers then head out for the day, here’s just a few of the nature based experiences on offer nearby.
Wallis Creek Water Garden (Mulbring)
Retail nursery and 5 acres of ornamental gardens
30 minute drive
Free entry
Walka Recreation and Wildlife Reserve (near Maitland)
Walka Water Works, as well as being a popular picnic and recreation area in the Maitland district, is also steeped in history that gives it a special place in the Lower Hunter’s heritage.
The complex features its pumphouse with striking chimney and ornate brickwork and is one of the largest and most intact 19th Century industrial complexes in the Hunter Valley. The large lake area with over 140 species of birdlife and walking trails surround the lake.
Picnic and barbeque facilities are available and there is a children’s playground area at the old pumping station built in 1887.
35 minute drive
Free entry
Kooragang Wetlands (near Hexham)
A great place to see restoration of fisheries, shorebird, frog and rainforest habitat. Walk, cycle, picnic, fish, birdwatch, discover the past.
Experience and explore the wide open spaces along 15 km of boardwalks, cycleways and walking tracks. Stop for a picnic or fish by the river. Meander through floodplain forest listening for birds and frogs and spotting spiders and their webs. Family groups, cyclists, fishermen, birdwatchers, walking and other community groups come to get away from the hustle and bustle of life on the other side of Ash Island bridge and to explore the walking tracks and cycleways of City Farm and its surrounding wetlands.
40 minute drive
Free entry?
Hunter River Reserve Walk (Greta)
Access via north end of Orient Street.
The Reserve provides spectacular views over Luskintyre and Lambs Valley, cradled between Lambs Mountain and the Moonabung Range. Containing one of the last remaining stands of intact native vegetation along the Lower Hunter River, endangered vegetation communities, a host of native wildlife, and direct river access via historic sandstone steps and pathways, the reserve is a treasure trove of environmental and heritage features. The views are fabulous from both the escarpment and the river flats.
17 minute drive
Free entry
Heuston (Apex) Lookout – Hunter River Walks – (Gowrie via Hambledon Hill Road)
Heuston Lookout Park was in the past farmland which was given to the group by the bequest of P.A. Heuston, particularly to be utilized as a lookout. The Apex Club of Singleton in relationship with Singleton Council built up the site for the both local people and guests to appreciate.
Viewing platform
Green Corps Loop Walk
River Walk
25 minute drive
Free entry
Check out our other Discover Blogs for more ideas
Around Hermitage is researching nature based experiences in the area that we can promote to visitors with the aim for them to extend their stay, if you know of any then please let us know!