Fernleigh Track
The Fernleigh Track is a disused railway corridor stretching 15.5 kilometres between Adamstown and Belmont.
It provides a walking and cycling track through bushland settings with links along the way to adjoining residential communities.
Stage two of the track has recently been completed in a joint venture between the Roads and Traffic Authority, and Lake Macquarie and Newcastle City Councils. The full length of the track is now 5.5km from Adamstown to Whitebridge.
Community values
There are four key values the community holds for the Fernleigh Track.
The track is an easy, peaceful and safe transport route in the heart of suburbia.
The track is unusually long, direct, relatively continuous and flat. There are very few transport corridors like this left for non-motorised traffic in urban and suburban New South Wales.
The Fernleigh Track links places and people.
The track is perceived as a central spine that links a range of natural and built attractions and other transport routes. A road network does not directly connect some suburbs along the track, so a series of other active and inactive railway corridors combine to offer a useful pedestrian network.
The track provides the opportunity for escape, personal discovery and learning.
The track looks and feels different to a park or reserve. It's historical background is industrial yet romantic. It is built yet lacks conventional developments. It passes through semi-natural and natural environments and this is an enticing combination for people seeking an opportunity to escape, discover and learn.
It reflects our cultural heritage.
The track reflects changes in activities within the region and how the lifestyles of workers and nearby residents have changed over time.
History of the track
The former railway line that once snaked its way fifteen kilometres from Adamstown to Belmont was originally constructed in the late 1880's. It was used to transport coal from mines in the Lake Macquarie area to the Port of Newcastle. Evidence of some of the mines is still visible from the track.
The Adamstown to Belmont Rail line helped contribute to the development of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. As well as being used for coal haulage, it was used as a passenger service between Belmont and Newcastle with stations at Kahibah, Whitebridge and Redhead.
The last scheduled steam train ran in 1967 before switching to diesel and the last passenger train ran in 1971. During the 1980's coal mines along the corridor began to close down and the line ceased to be used in 1991 with the closure of Lambton B Colliery.
The railway closed in 1991, and the two Councils completed the purchase of the corridor in 1994. Shortly after, the Fernleigh Tunnel (having survived two earthquakes in 1925 and 1989) was closed to public access following an assessment of its structural condition.
Some of the rail line has remained as part of the refurbishment of Fernleigh Track and serves as a reminder of the historic nature of the corridor.
For more information on Fernleigh Track contact the Sports and Recreation Coordinator on 02 4974 2811.
