a regional treasure The Fernleigh Track shared pathway is a joint project of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle City Councils. The former railway line stretches 15 kilometres from the southern suburb of Adamstown in Newcastle City to Belmont on the coastal side of Lake Macquarie. Redevelopment of the first three kilometres of the track as a shared pathway is now complete, and was funded by both Councils and the NSW Government.

First 3km of fernleigh track (completed section) Proposed next section of fernleigh track Proposed total length of fernleigh track once project complete I "discovered" the Fernleigh Track back in The opening of the first stage of the The Fernleigh Track is a unique Fernleigh - 1988 when reading the case for heritage Fernleigh Track represents an important recreational facility for cyclists and walkers On the right track listing of the then, "Colliery Line". It step towards the achievement of a grand in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle and like I have been involved with the development became a primary focus ever since. vision shared by Lake Macquarie City the Bathers Way, has great potential as a Council with Newcastle City Council and tourist attraction. It links the two major of the Fernleigh Track since its inception, Knowing of it was one thing – thinking of its the NSW Government. The vision - to join centres of the Hunter, provides access to with the railway corridor being set aside, potential was another, as I began to realise the two cities with a recreation and Glenrock and crosses the popular Great at my insistence, to ensure it would always as I walked it from Whitebridge to Jewells. transport link - brings back to life the old North Walk. The track is not only be used as a transport corridor. The vision of walkers, runners and cyclists, Adamstown–Belmont Railway Line. beautiful, it has a fascinating industrial on a vehicle-free, accessible, picturesque Now the tunnel has been transformed and Formerly a well–used and scenic rail link, heritage and character of its own. The link through scenic coastal lands from a shared cycleway and walking path runs the railway is now a cycling and walking tunnel itself is a remarkable piece of Belmont to Adamstown, was compelling. through the beautiful Glenrock State track. With an investment of $2.2m for the architecture and its restoration is the Recreation Area – one of the great It would provide a safe alternative to the first stage of this project, we now have a result of many years of dedication and projects with which I have been associated Pacific Highway and could become a geographic connection to many communities commitment from the community and in my thirty years as a Member of State significant part of our tourist infrastructure. and a link to the heritage of the cities. members of the Fernleigh Track Parliament. The Fernleigh Track will Committee. When completed, the Fernleigh Track can provide a safe and efficient cycling and The driving force behind this project is the become the beginning of an adventure trail walking link for the Newcastle and Lake Joint Committee, which includes elected With the completion of the first three that loops from Lake Macquarie to the Macquarie community and visitors alike and staff representatives from both kilometres of the track, we now look wine country, across the Watagan and will be known as one of the best Councils, the Newcastle Cycleways forward to further development of Mountains, into the Hunter Valley, and cycleways anywhere in Australia. Movement, the Northern Parks Fernleigh Track and hope to secure future reconnecting in Newcastle. This is a very Movement, and a community member funding for this remarkable project. I am pleased to say that the State exciting beginning for the Fernleigh Track from each City. The dedicated members Government’s 50% contribution to the and on behalf of the Fernleigh Track have ensured that the project meets the Cr John S Tate development and historical transformation Committee, I would like to thank all those needs of residents in both cities and keeps Lord Mayor of Newcastle of this area, will provide opportunities for involved, past and present, in the the process ‘on track’. the community to escape, learn and to rehabilitation and construction of the reflect our cultural history. shared pathway. Cr John Kilpatrick OAM, Mayor of Lake Macquarie The Hon J Richard Face MP Cr John Jenkins Member for Charlestown Chair Fernleigh Track Committee Minister Assisting the Premier Lake Macquarie City Council on Hunter Development

1 2 Geography

The last scheduled steam train ran in The route passes mainly through a 1967 before switching to diesel and the range of bushland settings, with links History last passenger train ran in 1971. During along the way to adjoining residential communities. The former railway line that once the 1980’s coal mines along the snaked it’s way fifteen kilometres from corridor began to close down and the From the main line station at Adamstown to Belmont was originally line ceased to be used in 1991 with the Adamstown, it rises along the curved constructed in the late 1880’s. It was closure of the Lambton B Colliery. 180 metre long Fernleigh Tunnel to used to transport coal from mines in The railway closed in 1991, and the two Kahibah, adjoining the open forests of the Lake Macquarie area to the Port of Councils completed the purchase of the the Glenrock State Recreation Area, Newcastle. Evidence of some of the corridor in 1994. Shortly after, the managed by the NSW National Parks mines is still visible from the track. Fernleigh Tunnel (having survived two and Wildlife Service. At this point the corridor crosses the Great North The Adamstown to Belmont rail line earthquakes in 1925 and 1989) was closed to public access following an Walk, a walking path between helped contribute to the development and Newcastle. of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. It assessment of its structural condition. has a rich history for the area and along Some of the rail line has remained as From Kahibah, the track continues to with coal haulage, it was used as a part of the refurbishment of Fernleigh rise, but more gently to the highest passenger service between Belmont and Track and serves as a reminder of the elevation at Whitebridge. Newcastle with stations at Kahibah, historic nature of the corridor. From Whitebridge, it then falls with a Whitebridge and Redhead. In 1999 the Councils adopted an constant grade through bushland with The train trip took around an hour and implementation plan which proposed ocean views to the seaside suburb of was used frequently for weekend the development of a shared cycle and Redhead. excursions. The cost of the passenger walking pathway. From Redhead, south to Belmont, the service was subsidised by the coal right: emerging from corridor is virtually flat, passing through service and when coal transportation the Fernleigh tunnel sandy heath, bushland and swamp. began to drop off so did servicing and maintenance of the line.

3 4 The Future The challenge to the NSW Government, Involvement and the two Councils, is to continue the Development of the Fernleigh Track has vision for the development of the A regional treasure taken a decade of work from many pathway through to Belmont and beyond. people. The following people are The Fernleigh Track is a unique regional resource for the following reasons: Further developments of Fernleigh current committee members involved Track can provide a genuine new in the project. The Fernleigh track is an easy, The track provides the transport route to link the communities peaceful and safe transport route opportunity for escape and provide a safe alternative for Current Committee Members The track is long, direct, relatively The track looks and feels different to a commuters currently using the Pacific Cr Barry Scully continuous and flat. There are very few park or reserve. It’s historical Highway. Cr Hans Tol transport corridors like this left for background is industrial yet romantic. It It will provide an opportunity for people Cr Bill Hanley non-motorised traffic in urban and is built yet lacks conventional to appreciate and participate in the Ms Janice Walsh suburban . developments. It passes through semi- longer term conservation of the natural and natural environments and heritage of the site, and the natural Cr John Jenkins The track links places and people this is great for people who want to environment. Cr Gordon Hughes The track is perceived as a central spine escape, discover and learn. Cr Laurie Coghlan that links a range of natural and built It reflects our cultural heritage. Mr Ian Broadfoot attractions and other transport routes. Mr Ian Taylor The track reflects changes in activities within the region and how the lifestyles Mr Doug Lithgow of workers and nearby residents have Mr David Bennet changed over time. For further information about the Fernleigh Track please contact LMCC Community Planning Department 4921 0476 or visit us at: www.lakemac.com.au Newcastle City Council 4974 2409 or visit us at: www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

5 6