Tucked away in the Wyong hinterland, for the most part the Watagans are crisscrossed by 'tourist' roads that play host to all types of two-wheel drive cars, from campervans to sports cars. The four-wheel drive opportunities consist of brief 'spur trails' that branch off these well-maintained dirt roads - and some of the diversions are doozies, particularly if it's been raining. (Then, even the major tracks become extremely slippery, and to avoid environmental damage, should not really be used.)
In dry weather, dust can be a problem, so avoid travelling too close to any cars in front of you.
There's really no set route to a Watagan adventure. Half the fun is in exploring to find the locations and natural beauties you most enjoy. Make sure you carry accurate maps, though. Some of the trails simply end in the middle of forests, a legacy of timber-getting that still goes on today. (If you don't have maps, keep an eye on the fuel gauge, bearing in mind that the nearest petrol is in Kulnura, Central Mangrove and Cooranbong.)
Because the Watagans are still home to forestry operations, it also pays to be on the lookout for timber jinkers, which rightly or wrongly, give way to no-one.
While the southern flank of the mountains abound in walking trails (watch out for leeches), the scenery becomes more spectacular on heading north along the main forest road. Again, it's best viewed from walking tracks, though you can drive right up to Heaton Lookout, which offers sweeping vistas across the Central Coast to the sea. Further on, both Macleans Lookout and Hunter Lookout provide panoramas over the inland, including the southernmost edge of the rich Hunter Valley wine areas.
For day trippers, there are plenty of picnic-style facilities dotted throughout the State Forest. Wishing Well is on the Martinsville Road, which leads through to Cooranbong, so is well patronised by locals. At Heaton Lookout, picnic tables, barbecues and toilets are provided.
For those wishing to extend their day trip, plenty of camping areas are easily accessible. In the south is The Basin, with level sites, pit toilets and barbecues. At the T-junction marking the end of Walkers Ridge Road, three camping grounds are adjacent to one another. Named after tree species, The Pines, Turpentine and Casuarina all offer the same facilities, including pit toilets and barbecues, with Casuarina - the least shaded - offering the driest camp sites. These are very popular spots on weekends, so try and make your visit midweek if you're after a little seclusion. You'll also see more of the wildlife when it's quiet, with lyrebirds, wallabies, lace monitors and a host of bird species to enthrall the photographer and nature lover.
You'll also see plenty of evidence of the old timber cutters, with square holes cut into the sides of ancient tree stumps. These supported the planks the sawyers stood on as they worked, with cedar, turpentine and mahogany all crashing regularly to earth. The latter types were used extensively for wharf pilings because of their unparalleled water resistance.
NSW National Parks can be closed at times of bushfire and bushfire danger. It is advisable to check with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before you set off. Either phone 1300 361 967 (within NSW) or (02) 9253 4600 or visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.
Hop out of the car and get closer to nature. A great way to explore this part of the world is by horse back. Trail rides of all levels help you see a side of this range you wouldn't otherwise. The trail rides start at Cooranbong. Vanessa, Alice Springs.
4WD
