Fernleigh Track

Fernleigh Track pathway with surrounding vegetation along the former railway line.
Outdoor exercise equipment (dip bar station) along the shared path.
Looking south along The Fernleigh Track from near Adamstown railway station

The Fernleigh Track is a multi-use rail trail near Belmont, New South Wales. The track was constructed in the way of the former Belmont railway line. The project is a joint venture between Newcastle City Council and City of Lake Macquarie. The track extends from Adamstown to Belmont over a distance of 15.5 km (10 mi). The railway closed in December 1991. The first section between Adamstown and Burwood Road opened in 2003. Construction continued in stages with the final section between Jewells and Belmont completed in March 2011.

The first section of the Belmont railway line opened in 1882 to Redhead, with the line being extended to Belmont in 1917. At one stage, there was talk of extending the line to Swansea.

A feature of the conversion of the former railway to a multi-use trail is the retention of many industrial heritage features. The trail passes through the brick-lined Fernleigh Tunnel under the Pacific Highway.

At the site of the former Kahibah station, the cycleway is crossed by the Great North Walk, a 250 km (155 mi) walking trail connecting Newcastle and Sydney. The track also passes through the centre of the Glenrock Lagoon catchment.

The track is used by cyclists, wheelchair users, walkers, runners, and dog walkers. Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, are prohibited on the track. It also hosts community events such as the annual Fernleigh 15 running race, which is held along its full length.

Track details

Station/platform (distance)

  • Adamstown
  • Fernleigh: (2.82 km (1.75 mi))
  • Kahibah: (3.78 km (2.35 mi))
  • Dudley Junction: (4.59 km (2.85 mi))
  • Burwood Platform: (5.09 km (3.16 mi))
  • Whitebridge: (5.77 km (3.59 mi))
  • Redhead: (9.27 km (5.76 mi))
  • Redhead South: (10.56 km (6.56 mi))
  • Jewells: (12.13 km (7.54 mi))
  • John Darling Platform: (12.39 km (7.70 mi))
  • Belmont: (15.51 km (9.64 mi))

History of the line

Fernleigh Tunnel

The Fernleigh Tunnel is one of the most significant historic features of the track. It is located between Adamstown and Belmont and passes beneath the Pacific Highway, serving as a connection point between Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region.

South portal of the Fernleigh Track Tunnel
Brick-lined interior of the former railway corridor.

Constructed in the early 1890s and opened in November 1892 as part of the Belmont railway line, the 180 metres brick-lined tunnel has a curved alignment to maintain acceptable railway gradients while passing beneath the Pacific highway. By 1992, the tunnel ceased to be a railway tunnel and was reopened as part of the Fernleigh track by 2003 for cyclists and pedestrians. Lighting has been installed inside the tunnel to improve visibility and safety. The Fernleigh Tunnel has been featured in several Australian television commercials.

References

  1. 1 2 Lambton Colliery closure causes abandonment of rail line Railway Digest February 1992 page 51
  2. 1 2 "Fernleigh track fully complete and open". ABC Newcastle. 12 March 2011. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2011.
  3. ↑ Fernleigh Track City of Lake Macquarie
  4. ↑ Fernleigh Track Brochure City of Newcastle
  5. ↑ "Why you need to hit the Fernleigh Track this year". visitnewcastle.com.au. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
  6. 1 2 3 "Fernleigh Track". NewcastleCorporate. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
  7. ↑ "Fernleigh15 Run 2026 | Newcastle, NSW". Running Calendar Australia. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
  8. ↑ "Fernleigh 15 | NSW Holidays & Accommodation, Things to Do, Attractions and Events". www.visitnsw.com. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
  9. 1 2 Belmont Branch NSWrail.net
  10. ↑ Belmont Passenger Service to be Withdrawn Railway Transportation April 1971 page 6
  11. ↑ Ferneligh Track Railtrails Australia
  12. ↑ Fernleigh Track could soon stretch all the way to Central Coast Newcastle Herald 26 June 2024
  13. ↑ "Why you need to hit the Fernleigh Track this year". visitnewcastle.com.au. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
  14. ↑ "Work set to begin to maintain long-term future of historic recreation destination". NewcastleCorporate. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
  15. ↑ Jones, Callum (22 September 2025). "Preserving Past for the Present: Fernleigh Tunnel Renewal". Duratec Limited. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
  16. ↑ "Fernleigh Track rail trail – Rail Trails Australia". 17 October 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2026.
  17. ↑ Goeldner, Oli (12 May 2025). "Preservation work to begin on Fernleigh Track tunnel". Newcastle Weekly. Retrieved 25 June 2026.