Blackbutt Reserve
A free bushland reserve within the city, where you can see koalas, kangaroos, and wombats up close, with picnic areas and trails.
Blackbutt Reserve covers about 180 hectares of native eucalyptus forest preserved on the city's outskirts, named after the blackbutt eucalypt. The free wildlife area near the Conlon Avenue entrance keeps koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, emus, and many species of birds and reptiles. Keepers give talks at set times, and at certain times you can pay for a close-up koala experience. Inside the forest are about 20 km of trails, streams, and picnic areas with barbecue facilities, making it a favorite weekend spot for local families. It is about 10 km from the city center.
Opening hours
Wildlife area 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Glenrock State Conservation Area
- Hunter Wetlands Centre
- Merewether Ocean Baths & Beach
- Darby Street
- Newcastle Museum
- Newcastle Art Gallery
- Newcastle Memorial Walk
- King Edward Park