Fishing spots
Riverside Park
Wheelchair access: medium
Assistance may be required to access this area.
What better place to set up for a day of exploring than Riverside Park? Located at the northern end of Ash Island, near Newcastle, it’s a blissfully peaceful spot with sheltered picnic tables and a large deepwater jetty. What to bring with you? The kids, their bikes, a good pair of walking shoes, a fishing line, and your binoculars.
With its relaxing outlook over the Hunter River, you could easily open the Sunday papers and take it easy while the young at heart frolic on the large expanses of grass. But go for a walk and explore some of the other nearby landscapes – there are wetlands nearby, as well as remnants of coastal rainforest. The roads here are especially suitable for cyclists of all levels and take you all over the island, including to the old World War II radar station. Take some time when you pedal past the river foreshore to stop and birdwatch, as this is a popular spot for pelicans and white-faced herons.
Activities: walking, recreational cycle/shared paths, fishing, birdwatching, picnics and barbecues
Getting there: Riverside Park is in the Ash Island precinct of Hunter Wetlands National Park. To get there from Newcastle:
- Follow the Pacific Highway north towards Hexham
- Turn right onto Ash Island Bridge
- Follow the signs to Riverside Park
Road access: Unsealed road/trail - 2WD vehicles.
Facilities: picnic tables, flush toilets
Other facilities: Jetty
Scotts Point
This picnic area is on the foreshore of the Hunter River (northern arm), at the north western end of Ash Island.
Activities: fishing, picnicking, playing and socialising
Getting there: Park at the end of Scotts Point Road and walk along the unsealed track to the grassy picnic area.
Road access: Unsealed road/trail - no motor vehicle access.
Facilities: picnic tables
Contact:
Newcastle, Phone: 02 4946 4100
