Cooranbong – the gateway to The Watagan Mountains
If you love nature, walking trails, picnics or forest drives, then the Watagan Mountains, a mere 15 minutes’ drive from Cooranbong and west of the Lake, needs to be on your list of things to see and do.
The National Park is full of rich history and stunning views.
To start with there are over 40 Aboriginal art and engraving sites in the Watagan Range which is particularly rare and of great significance to the Awabakal and Darkinjung People. By the 1820’s, a timber industry was established, and you can see log chutes and old saw mill sites throughout the forest.
From the Monkey Face lookout over Martinsville Valley and the 180-degree panoramic view toward Cessnock, the Hunter Valley Vineyards and beyond. Nearby from the Narrow Place lookout, you’ll experience more breathtaking scenery toward the Barrington Ranges toward the north.
If you believe that wishes come true, then visit the Wishing Well Picnic Area and walking trail. You’ll find an actual wishing well (it used to produce a spring that supplied the timber workers) where you can sit down for some lunch and walk it off afterwards. There are plenty of picnic areas, dams, wildlife, birds and history to explore so take your time and enjoy the fresh air and your surroundings.
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