Heaton State Forest
North west of Toronto on the NSW Central Coast, Heaton State Forest is bordered by Awaba and Watagan State Forests and Watagans National Park. The Great North Walk runs through Heaton State Forest.
Forests in this area have been harvested for timber for many decades – some for over 150 years. The forests you see today are regrowth forests which means they have been harvested many times over and grown back. Today's forest management practices protect biodiversity, soil and water quality and cultural heritage sites while also allowing for sustainable timber production. NSW State Forests – here today, here tomorrow. Find out more about sustainable forest management.
Forests NSW received a bronze winner award in the tourist attraction category of the 2011 Hunter and Central Coast Awards for Excellence in Tourism for Awaba, Heaton, Onley, Ourimbah, Watagan and Wyong State forest – known as the Watagans.
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Recreational facilities
Heaton Forest Park
Named after Richard Heaton, an English convict who became a timber cutter in the area, Heaton Forest Park contains a picnic area and nearby lookout. The magnificent coastal and mountain views provide a majestic backdrop for having a picnic. Two walking trails also commence from the forest park including the Heaton Loop Trail and the Watagan Trail.
Heaton Lookout
Named after Richard Heaton, an English convict who became a timber cutter in the area, Heaton Lookout provides magnificent coastal and mountain views and a picnic area.
PICNICHunter Lookout
Breathtaking views of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin Range and the mountain ranges of the lower Barringtons can be seen from Hunter Lookout. Small mining towns of the Hunter Valley, Sugarloaf Range and views of the surrounding Watagan Range can also be had. These views provide a great backdrop for having a picnic.
McLeans Lookout
Breathtaking views of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin Range and the mountain ranges of the lower Barringtons can be seen from McLeans Lookout. Some of the small mining towns of the Hunter Valley, the Sugarloaf Range and views of the surrounding Watagan Range can also be had.
Watagan Headquaters
During the 1940s, Watagan Headquarters was the site of a camp for workers constructing forest roads. It was later used as a camp barracks for maintenance crews who were trucked into the forest on Monday morning and out again on Saturday morning. The headquarters is on the route of the Great North Walk, a 250 kilometre walking track from Sydney to Newcastle. The camping area is open and grassed, surrounded by native forest and blue leaved stringybark plantations.
Staying Safe
- Important information when visiting state forests
- Call '000' in a bushfire emergency (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au)
- Total Fire Ban and Current Fire Danger Map (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au)
- Find out more about bushfires (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au)
- Find out more about emergency and safety (www.nsw.gov.au)
View from above – Heaton Lookout overlooking the rural districts of the Lower Hunter Valley.
Breathe in the cool forest air as you gaze across the valley and ranges beyond.
Contact us for more info
Call the Forests NSW State-wide Information Line
1300 655 687 or 02 9871 3377 Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm
Visit the Forests NSW Visitor Centre
95 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125