Love to wander? Escape to the Watagans

Let’s face it, we all want the world to know we are ‘living the dream’, even if our regular lives can be somewhat… boring! A visit to Watagans National Park is your chance to enjoy some escapism from the mundane and return home with a pocketful of tales to brag about after your trip. 

Here's five reasons to go wandering in the Watagans.

There are native animals - big and small - everywhere. From the moment you open the car door you hear (before you see) the sounds of wildlife. Massive, dinosaur-like monitor lizards keep a watchful eye on new arrivals, whether that be perched on a log, roaming across Gap Creek campground or planted on the trunk of a blue gum tree.

But it's the wallabies, possums and abundant birdlife that take centre stage here, making regular appearances around camp. The campground crew of currawong birds and wallabies are very ‘friendly’, so ensure you protect your supplies and please don't feed any of the wildlife – it only encourages bad behaviour and is bad for their health!

Choose your own level of hiking intensity in the Watagans – all tracks come signposted. Try traversing the steep descent to Gap Creek Falls to be rewarded with cool air and refreshing waterfalls (sometimes a trickle). Take in spectaular views over the lower Hunter Valley on the 12km one-way Great North walk to claim your trophy photo. Walk the 20-minute easy Circuit track to get home décor inspo with the Watagans' own moss wall. Or capture the ultimate sunset snap with an evening picnic at Monkey Face lookout.

No social media, no phone calls and no point to even unload technology from the car! An easy 2 hours north from Sydney and you'll get that whole retro vibe of life before virtual interaction. Okay, so if you wander around or go for a decent hike up a big hill (try Turners walking track), there is the occasional ‘ding’ notification from the outside world. Reception usually doesn’t last long enough for a reply call, but you might just have enough time for a quick upload of a braggy post from the rustic and charming Bangalow campground.

Ahhh, that whole ‘connection with nature’ thing - there’s actual scientific studies that have found that being in nature is good for your mental health and overall wellbeing.

Get that awestruck feeling at one of the park's epic lookouts. With wicked views of Hunter Valley towns (like Qurrobolong, Paxton, Ellalong, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri), The Narrow Place lookout is a favourite amongst photographers and hikers. You’re bound to feel happy, inspired and free at this spot. As a plus, you might even catch endangered brush-tailed rock wallabies sunbathing below.

Romance should never be only for lovers! Who doesn’t want to embroil themselves in the romantic notion of an adventure in the wilderness? The allure of conquering parts of the Great North walk is only half the fun. It’s the stuff you tell your future grandkids, with all the fervour and devotion to adventure, that makes your camping trip a legendary tale. The Watagans are bound to create a passion to seek out escapades that challenge your everyday reality.