Werakata National Park

On the fringes of Cessnock in the Lower Hunter, a national park protecting rare remnant bushland of the Hunter Valley floor, with sections of endangered habitat. Birdwatching is the calling card: the threatened swift parrot and regent honeyeater both feed here, along with several species of robin. In spring the trails line with acacias and banksias in purple, orange and yellow. Deadmans loop gives mountain bikers an easy eight-kilometre circuit, and Astills picnic area anchors the walking side of the park.

May close in poor weather or fire danger — check NSW National Parks local alerts.