Heaton State Forest

Walking track:Yes
Walking track: Yes
Designated horse track:No
Designated horse track: No
Four wheel driving tracks: Yes
4WD tracks: Yes
Designated cycling track:No
Designated cycling track: No
Power boats / boat ramp:No
Power boats / boat ramp: No
Camping:Yes
Designated camping area: Yes
Two wheel driving:Yes
Two wheel drive access: Yes
Caravan site:No
Caravan site: No
Cabin or hut:No
Accommodation: No
Picnic area:Yes
Picnic area: Yes
Toilets:Yes
Toilets: Yes
Fireplace/BBQ:Yes
Fireplace/BBQ: Yes
Canoeing/kayaking:No
Canoeing/kayaking: No
Wheelchair access:No
Toilets & wheelchair access: No
Adventure:No
Adventure: No

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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.

Lookout:Yes
Lookout : Yes

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.

PICNIC
Toilets area:Yes
Toilet : Yes
BBQ:Yes
Fireplace/BBQ : Yes
Lookout:Yes
Lookout : Yes

Hunter 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.

Toilets area:Yes
Toilet : Yes
BBQ:Yes
Fireplace/BBQ : Yes
Lookout:Yes
Lookout : Yes

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.

Lookout:Yes
Lookout : Yes

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.

BBQ:Yes
Fireplace/BBQ : Yes

View from above – Heaton Lookout overlooking the rural districts of the Lower Hunter Valley.

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.

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