The Fernleigh Track is a 15-kilometre shared path between Belmont and Adamstown in the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle region. It’s a sealed and mostly flat trail built on a former railway line. The track runs through bushland, wetlands and a 181-metre brick rail tunnel.
This is one of the best easy bike rides in NSW. Most of the path is separated from roads, and many sections are shaded by trees. The gentle slope makes it a great choice for families with children.
I enjoyed this trail right from the start. It feels peaceful and far from traffic. We rode the full 15 km with our kids and found it relaxing and easy. Our children especially liked the slow climb from Belmont and the long downhill toward Adamstown.
Is the Fernleigh Track Worth Doing?
- Best for: Relaxed family bike rides and long rides away from traffic.
- Great if you want: Sealed paths, bushland scenery and a gentle ride.
- Not ideal for: Technical mountain biking
About the Fernleigh Track
The Fernleigh Track was built on the old Adamstown to Belmont railway line. The railway opened in the 1890s to transport coal from Lake Macquarie mines to Newcastle. Passenger trains also used the line until the early 1970s. The railway was fully closed in 1991.
The shared pathway was built between 2003 and 2011 by Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Councils. Today, the track is used by cyclists, walkers, runners, families with prams and dog walkers.
The trail passes through wetlands, coastal heath and forest. Along the way you ride through paperbark swamps near Belmont, bushland near Redhead and forest around Glenrock State Conservation Area.
Some old railway features still remain, including former stations, railway sleepers and the rail tunnel near Adamstown.
There are six main access points:
- Belmont
- Jewells
- Redhead
- Whitebridge
- Kahibah
- Adamstown
Most people start at either Belmont or Adamstown and ride the full 15 km one way.
How Long Does the Fernleigh Track Take?
Cycling the full 15 km one way:
- A relaxed family ride with stops: 2 to 2.5 hours
- A steady casual ride without stops: 1 to 1.5 hours
- A faster experienced rider: 30 to 45 minutes
We took about 2 hours with the kids including a picnic and several rest stops.
Walking the full 15 km one way usually takes about 3 to 4 hours. Most people walk shorter sections instead.
Which Direction Should You Ride?
The Fernleigh Track follows the old railway alignment, so the gradient stays gentle for most of the ride.
I recommend starting at Belmont and riding toward Adamstown. The first half of the trail ascends gently, reaching its highest point just south of Whitebridge. After that, the path slopes downhill all the way to Adamstown.
Adults might not notice the climb much, but kids usually feel it.
The long downhill in the second half is a highlight for kids, as they can coast for long stretches without pedalling.
If you ride the full route one way, you’ll need to arrange how to get back to your car. Most people:
- ride back
- use two cars
- get picked up
- or take the train back
Sections of the Fernleigh Track
Belmont to Jewells (3.3 km)
This is the southern start of the track. The ride begins near the old Belmont railway platform and passes through wetland forest with paperbarks and swamp mahogany trees.
A raised timber boardwalk crosses Belmont Wetland State Park before the scenery changes into coastal bushland near 9 Mile Beach.
Facilities: Parking, toilets, cafés and a drinking fountain at Belmont. Parking and water at Jewells.
Jewells to Redhead (2.4 km)
This section is mostly flat and passes through low coastal bushland. The old Redhead railway station has been preserved along the trail.
Facilities: Water and parking at Jewells. Toilets, parking and shops near Redhead.
Redhead to Whitebridge (4 km)
This is the longest section and the main uphill climb. You’ll get glimpses of the ocean looking back toward Redhead as the trail rises through bushland.
The highest point on the Fernleigh Track is just south of Whitebridge.
Facilities: Toilets at Redhead. Water, parking and shops near Whitebridge.
Whitebridge to Kahibah (2 km)
This section becomes a gentle downhill ride through the forest of Glenrock State Conservation Area. Bell miner birds are common here and the bushland feels quieter and more shaded.
Facilities: Water, parking and nearby shops at both ends.
Kahibah to Adamstown (3.6 km)
The final section continues downhill through forest and small creek crossings. Wildlife is common here and people regularly spot possums, bandicoots, rosellas and honeyeaters.
The 181-metre rail tunnel marks the boundary between Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
Facilities: Parking and shops near Kahibah. Water and parking at Adamstown Station.
Cycling from Belmont to Adamstown
We started at Belmont. There are cafés nearby, as well as toilets and a drinking fountain near the start of the track.
For younger kids, the first half is the toughest because the trail slopes gently uphill. Adults might not notice, but it can be hard work for little legs.
Benches are placed along the path, making it easy to stop for snacks or a rest. These were really helpful with our kids, and we took several breaks.
From Belmont, the trail first passes through a wetland forest. Overhanging trees shade the path and the elevated boardwalk crosses the swamp. Most of the time, all you hear is wind and birds.
At Jewells, you can refill your water bottles before continuing north.
Further along the trail you pass through scribbly gum bushland near Redhead. A side road leads down to Redhead Beach, so it can be tempting to stop for a swim on warm days.
Around the halfway point, we noticed we had been climbing gently since the start. We hardly felt it, but our son was starting to get tired.
The climb ends just south of Whitebridge. After that, the trail descends toward Adamstown, and kids can coast for long stretches without pedalling.
The distance markers along the trail are a great feature. They show how far you’ve ridden and how much is left. Our kids enjoyed counting down the last few kilometres.
The last kilometre rolls down into the tunnel, which is the highlight of the whole ride.
The Tunnel
Near the northern end of the ride you reach the 181-metre rail tunnel beneath the Pacific Highway. It marks the boundary between Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
Kids find the tunnel exciting, and I have to admit, I enjoyed it as well.
The tunnel is curved and made of brick, surrounded by thick plants. The outside feels a bit spooky, but inside it’s well lit with yellow ceiling lights.
Riding downhill through the tunnel is one of the best parts of the whole trip.
Many people consider the section between Whitebridge and the tunnel the most scenic part of the Fernleigh Track.
Walking the Fernleigh Track
You don’t need a bike to enjoy the Fernleigh Track. The path is also popular with walkers and runners.
The full 15 km is too long for most people as a return walk, so shorter sections are more common.
Popular walking sections include:
Whitebridge to the tunnel and back – Around 4 km return and includes one of the most scenic parts of the trail.
Belmont to the wetlands boardwalk – About 3.3 km one way through wetlands and paperbark forest.
Kahibah to Adamstown via the tunnel – About 3.6 km one way with a gentle downhill slope.
The path is shared with cyclists, so stay to the left and listen for bike bells behind you.
Where to Park
There’s free parking at all six main access points.
The most popular are:
Belmont – Good starting point for the full ride. Toilets, water and cafés nearby.
Whitebridge – A good option for shorter rides and tunnel walks.
Adamstown – Parking near Adamstown Station with cafés nearby.
Most people start at Belmont because the parking is easier and the ride direction works better with the gradient.
Getting There by Train
Adamstown sits on the Sydney–Newcastle train line. You can catch the train from Central Coast stations like Gosford or Wyong.
Many people use the train to return after completing the ride.
If you start at Belmont, common return options include:
- train and bus
- rideshare
- or one person riding back for the car
We used the last option. My partner rode back to Belmont while the rest of us waited at a café. It turned out to be the easiest setup with kids.
Water, Toilets and Facilities
Belmont: toilets, water, parking and cafés nearby
Jewells: water and parking
Redhead: toilets, water and parking
Whitebridge: water, parking and nearby shops
Kahibah: parking and nearby shops
Adamstown: water and parking
Bring extra water if you’re riding in summer. Even with some shade along the trail, the distance can feel long on hot days for kids.
Tips for Families with Kids
We rode the full Fernleigh Track with our kids and learned a few things along the way:
- Bring bike bells for children because the shared path gets busy.
- Teach kids to stay left at all times because faster cyclists regularly pass.
- Bring more water and snacks than you think you’ll need.
- Plan regular breaks. The benches along the trail are useful for short rests.
- Start at Belmont, Whitebridge or Adamstown because they all have parking, toilets and water nearby.
- Organise your return trip before you start riding.
The Fernleigh Track has long stretches without road crossings, so kids can ride more independently than on many suburban bike paths.
Best Time to Ride the Fernleigh Track
Early morning is usually the best time to ride, especially in summer. The trail is quieter, cooler and full of bird sounds.
Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Autumn through spring is generally the most comfortable time to ride. Summer mornings also work well, but afternoons can become hot.
The trail stays rideable in light rain because the surface is sealed. However, the boardwalk near Belmont and some shaded sections can become slippery after wet weather.
Questions and Answers
Before you go, you can also check the official Fernleigh Track map and current trail information from the City of Newcastle.
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