The Fernleigh Track consists of three basic sections:

Adamstown to Whitebridge (6 km)

Access the trail alongside Adamstown Station on the Newcastle Central Coast line, or ride in from Newcastle CGD along well-signposted routes. The offroad portion starts at the junction of Park Ave and Bailey St, and climbs on a slight gradient up to the 180m brick lined Fernleigh Tunnel (2.1 km) under the Pacific Highway. (Take care crossing the busy connector between Park Ave and Brisbane Water Road, 700m from the start.) It then runs through bushland in the Glenrock State Recreation Area, before crossing Burwood Road (3.5 km) at traffic signals.

Considerable traces of the original railway and the coal mines it serviced can be found along this stretch, including Kahibah Station (where the trail crosses the Great North Walk). Burwood Colliery Dam, etc. Interpretive signage tells the story of the mines and railway.

Water and toilets are available at Whitebridge Station (5.5 km). This is the peak of the trail profile.

Whitebridge to Redhead (4.5 km)

From Whitebridge the trail gently descends to Redhead through native bush. The restored station platform at Redhead is a major feature of this section. Here ‘up’ and ‘down’ traffic take different sides of the platform!

Turn left at Cowlishaw St (9.5 km) to ride down to Redhead Beach (signposted), for shops and cafes. There is water available at Liles Oval near the turnoff.

Redhead to Belmont (5.5 km)
This section is basically flat and the scenery predominantly coastal bushland, the highlight being the boardwalk across wetlands. Kalaroo Rd must be crossed (11.9 km) just prior to reaching the Jewells Station platform, where water is available.

The platform and surrounds at Belmont (15.5 km) have had considerable landscaping and interpretive signage.

The rail trail finishes in Railway Parade, a few hundred metres from the picturesque Lake Macquarie harbour at Belmont. Lake Macquarie City is extending the trail to the south towards Blacksmiths, in a project called the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST – under construction). While not a former railway, it will provide off-road access for much of the journey south to the Swansea Bridge (22 km) and Caves Beach (25 km).

Belmont is the best place along the trail to buy refreshments, with a range of places to eat and drink close to that end of the track. There are also shops and cafes at Redhead and Adamstown.

Adamstown to Whitebridge (6 km)

The trail climbs on a slight gradient passing through the 180 m brick-lined and fully lit Fernleigh Tunnel beneath the Pacific Highway, then runs through bushland in the Glenrock State Recreation Area.

• From the south side of the Adamstown railway station, head southwest along Park Ave to the roundabout and the start of the trail.
• Follow the trail through the tunnel and then across Burwood Rd.

Whitebridge to Redhead (4.5 km)

The restored station platform at Redhead is a major feature of this section. Here ‘up’ and ‘down’ traffic take different sides of the platform.

• From Whitebridge the trail gently descends to Redhead through native bushland.
• From Collishaw Street it is 1.5 km to Redhead surf beach.

Redhead to Belmont (5.5 km)

This section is basically flat and the scenery predominantly coastal bushland, the highlight being the boardwalk across wetlands. The platform and surrounds at Belmont have had considerable landscaping, making it quite a feature.

• The rail trail finishes in Railway Pde, a few hundred metres from the picturesque Lake Macquarie harbour at Belmont.
• From this point, connections can be made south to Swansea and west to the Lake Macquarie shoreline.