Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd)
Awabakal & Worimi Country

50 min to 1 h

2 km
circuit

↑ 93 m
↓ -93 m

Moderate track
This quiet and secluded walk is an easy amble through attractive rainforest. This walk circumnavigates Rainforest Creek and takes the walker into cool dense forest. You are likely to see flying foxes in the trees and if you are lucky, a Powerful Owl. Accessed from the quieter Lookout Road car park, this walk escapes the crowds well. A recommended walk, particularly on a hot day. Let us begin by acknowledging the Awabakal & Worimi people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Lookout Road Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Sign and large tree in Lookout Road Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Open gate at Lookout Road Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Closed Toilet at Lookout Road Car Park in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Road down to the end of Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Seat next to Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Small picnic area in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Track to Rain Forest in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Beautiful large tree at the end of Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
A clearing under a large tree near Lookout Rd in the Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Track to Rain Forest in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Timber sign in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Timber fence over Rain Forest Creek in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Timber fencing over Rain Forest Creek in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Timber fence by bridge over Rain Forest Creek in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Sign and trail at the Rain Forest Picnic Area in the Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Trail at Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Flying Foxes nesting in trees at the Rain Forest Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
The Rain Forest Picnic Area at Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Views of the sky through trees in the Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Forest trail in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Tall Rain Forest in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Dense forest close to the Rain Forest Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
A minor intersection in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
A small picnic area at the Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
A small pond and picnic area at the Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Small picnic area in the Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Closed toilet block in the Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Sealed trail in the Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Old picnic area in the Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Sealed Trail upto the ridge in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Sealed trail looking towards Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Old brick building at the end of Lookout Road in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Old brick building in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Shelter at Lookout Road Picnic Area in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
Lookout Road turning vehicle turning circle in Blackbutt Reserve. | Photo by admin, 2011.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-32.9338616,151.6910085)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Charlestown Road, A37
  • Turn on to Lookout Road, A37 then drive for 520 m
  • Turn left and drive for another 140 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the Lookout Road Recreation Area(off Lookout Rd, New Lambton Heights), this walk passes through metal gates and follows the 'Lower Carpark' sign and road moderately steeply downhill, while leaving the picnic area behind and to the right. This walk continues for about 300m, becoming gently downhill, until coming to a three-way intersection, with a trail and 'Sensory Trail (return)' sign on the right.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is water tap (about 25 m back from the start).
Lookout Road Recreation Area (about 15 m back from the start).
Lookout Road Recreation Area
Lookout Road Recreation Area

The Lookout Road Recreation Area in Blackbutt Reserve has picnic tables, a drinking fountain, shelter, picnic tables and car parking. There is ample, free car parking. The car park is open from 7am to 5pm, or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. For further information phone: 02 4904 3344.
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The Lookout Road Recreation Area in Blackbutt Reserve has picnic tables, a drinking fountain, shelter, picnic tables and car parking. There is ample, free car parking. The car park is open from 7am to 5pm, or 7am to 7pm during daylight savings. For further information phone: 02 4904 3344.

After another 15 m head through/around the gate.
After another 265 m turn right.
After another 500 m come to the "Flying Foxes" (on your left).
After another 295 m continue straight, to head along Rainforest Walk.
After another 110 m veer left.
After another 50 m pass the water tap (6 m on your right).
Then pass the BBQ (15 m on your left).
After another 45 m veer left.
After another 55 m pass the water tap (8 m on your left).
After another 20 m pass the BBQ (7 m on your right).
After another 45 m continue straight.
After another 190 m pass the BBQ (20 m on your right).
After another 40 m pass the water tap (15 m on your right).
Continue straight.
After another 25 m continue straight.
After another 320 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Rod Earp Rain Forest Circuit (from Lookout Rd)


Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length 2 km
Time 50 min to 1 h
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
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Articles
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Reviews & Feedback
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Weather & Alerts
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