Using an old abandoned coal and passenger train line running from Adamstown to Belmont the Fernleigh Track is now a dedicated cycle and walkway that provides a safe and scenic ride away from traffic and the everyday hustle and bustle of city life.
The track is used by all from competition cyclists and runners to the elderly walking their beloved pets with a strong emphasis on sharing the track so that everyone feels safe using it. As well as being used for recreation the track also passes through the suburbs of Kotara, Kahibah, Whitebridge, Dudley and Redhead residential and shopping areas so the track also makes a useful commute for locals looking for an alternative to motorised and public transport.
The original rail line was built in 1880 from Adamstown to Redhead with the extension to Belmont being built in 1916. The track has many of its original features showcasing Newcastle's industrial heritage including the old brick Fernleigh Tunnel which passes safely under the Pacific Highway. At the site of the old Kahibah Station the track is also crossed by the Great North Walk.
Fernleigh Tunnel
The Great North Walk is a 250 kilometre walking track starting from the Obelisk in Macquarie St, Sydney and ending at the queens Wharf Tower in Bicentennial Park, Newcastle. The walking track passes through other great sights like the
Watagan Mountains and the
Hunter Valley and is quite possibly the slowest but definitely the most scenic way to get from Sydney to Newcastle with the journey taking between eight and fourteen days.
Side tracks from the Fernleigh Track at Kahibah also lead down into
Glenrock Lagoon which is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and mountain bike riders with kilometres of bush tracks leading out to the coastline and the famous lagoon.
Being built on a grade suitable to run coal trains on, the Fernleigh Track makes for an easy ride or walk that is suitable for everyone from young children to the elderly and the scenic path with its heritage built rail remains and naturally beautiful bushland are truly an escape from hectic city living, encouraging a healthy lifestyle for Newcastle residents and visitors.
