Blackbutt ReserveFreyberg St, New Lambton NSW 2305

Wickham to Blackbutt Reserve, pickup at Hamilton & Adamstown

Join us for a free, leisurely guided bike ride plus a walk through the reserve, with morning tea halfway at Blackbutt Reserve cafe. Fresh air, nature, wildlife, and community—all rolled into one relaxed adventure.

Start at either Wickham (15km return), Hamilton (12km return), or Adamstown (4km return). When you register, you’ll be asked where you’ll start.

This is an easy, flat ride at a slow, relaxed pace—perfect for building confidence and discovering quiet, bike-friendly routes through the inner city. We avoid busy roads and stick to quieter streets and shared paths.

It’s all about enjoying the outdoors, connecting with others, and showcasing the best of Newcastle’s low-traffic cycling paths.

Grade: VERY EASY

Map: Komoot Route

New people always welcome. Any questions? Don’t hesitate to ask.

What we’ll do:
Using bike-friendly routes made up of low-traffic streets and shared paths, we cycle from Wickham to Richley Reserve, New Lambton. Our route takes us through quiet backstreets of Hamilton, Broadmeadow, Adamstown, and New Lambton. At Richley Reserve, we lock up our bikes, then walk 1km through the bush along a hilly sealed path to Blackbutt Reserve cafe. We pass by wildlife enclosures with wallabies and emus, and enjoy morning tea at "Durk's Cafe & Eatery", overlooking the reserve picnic area and pond. You can also bring your own food. Then we walk back through the reserve, pick up our bikes, and cycle back to Wickham.

For those starting at Wickham:

  • Start/finish point: Tree of Knowledge Park, Hannell St, Wickham—the little park next to the outdoor carpark, at the corner of Honeysuckle Dr & Hannell St
  • Start time: Meet at 8:45am for a 9am start
  • Finish time: Approx 12:30pm
  • Distance: 15km total cycling + 2km total walking
  • Pedaling time: Approx 40 minutes each way

For those starting at Hamilton:

  • Start/finish point: Corner of Everton St & Lawson St
  • Start time: 9:20am
  • Finish time: Approx 12:15pm
  • Distance: 12km total cycling + 2km total walking
  • Pedaling time: Approx 30 minutes each way

For those starting at Adamstown:

  • Start/finish point: The Gates Hotel, 660 Glebe Rd, at the corner of Glebe Rd & Park Av, opposite the train station
  • Start time: 9:40am
  • Finish time: Approx 12pm
  • Distance: 4km total cycling + 2km total walking
  • Pedaling time: Approx 15 minutes each way

Blackbutt Reserve: https://newywithkids.com.au/blackbutt-reserve/

Pace: Slow and leisurely, max 15km/hr—we stick together.

Topography: Flat, except for three short mild hills, plus one 30-metre steep hill; the walk includes a 400-metre steep hill in each direction.

You’ll need:

  • Helmet
  • Bike with good working brakes & tyres pumped
  • Bike lock(s)—important, as we park our bikes before walking through the reserve
  • Water bottle
  • Phone, in case of mechanical issue/puncture
  • A repair kit if you have one (spare tube, tyre levers, pump)
  • Snacks, if you like

Indemnity and release of liability
By participating in this activity, you unconditionally indemnify the organiser/host against any and all claims, demands, losses, injuries, damages, liabilities, or other costs, whether present or future, relating to your participation and/or dealings with Bike About Town - Newcastle, including any accident, loss or damage to property or death or injury to any person.

Getting there

If the weather looks unfavourable, check the comments below for updates; heavy rain may result in cancellation.

One of the missions of this group is to showcase quiet inner-city routes and demonstrate safe cycling principles for everyday urban cycling—cheap, quick, fun, and healthy transport for those everyday trips to work, school, shops, or the beach 😁

Transform your journey—ride & drive more safely:

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Komoot: https://www.komoot.com/tour/1831416099?ref=itd

Free