Blackbutt Reserve is six kilometres from Newcastle’s Central Business District, nestled in the suburbs of New Lambton and Kotara.

The main entry points into the Reserve are from Carnley Avenue, Lookout Road and Freyberg Street (Richley Reserve entrance).

1.  Download map of Carnley Ave (172kb)
2.  Download map of Richley Reserve (851kb)

The Reserve has easy parking at various locations. Access to visitors with disabilities is available via the Carnley Avenue and Richley Reserve entrances. A park conservation fee has been introduced to assist with improvements and future conservation of the reserve. The fee of $4 a day per vehicle only applies to the carparks at the Richley Reserve and Carnley Avenue picnic areas. Lookout Road and Mahonoy Drive areas are fee free.

Download the Blackbutt Reserve brochure with map (1.98Mb)

Opening Hours

Wildlife Exhibits open 9am to 5pm every day (closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and before 1pm ANZAC Day).

Picnic and recreation facilities open from:

• 7am to 5pm
• 7am to 7pm during daylight savings

Entry is FREE

Please Note: Car parks located at Carnley Ave and Richley Reserve attract a fee of $1.20 per hour or $4 per day

How to get there

By Car: There are four main entrances into Blackbutt Reserve. These include off Carnley Ave (Black Duck Picnic Area), Freyberg Street (Richley Reserve), Queens Road and Lookout Road.

By Bus: Buses pass by Orchardtown Road and Lookout Road. These buses are the 317 and 224.

By Train: The closest train station is Kotara. From here it is only a short walk to the Carnley Ave Black Duck Picnic Area.

What captive animals can I see at Blackbutt Reserve?

Blackbutt Reserve exhibits a range of native Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and birds. Visit more.

What activities can I do at Blackbutt Reserve?

Blackbutt Reserve offers a range of activities to enhance your visit including:

• Have a barbeque at one of our five picnic areas
• Hire a barbeque shelter for a private function
• Experience an animal encounter
• Join us for Spotlight Adventures
• Bring the kids along to the Junior Ranger Program
• Visit our Information Cottage and feed the emus
• Go on a relaxing bush walk along the 10km of walking tracks.

Contact us

Blackbutt Reserve
C/- Rangers Cottage

Carnley Avenue, Kotara NSW 2289
Telephone: 02 4904 3344
Facsimile: 02 4904 3355
Email: blackbuttadmin@ncc.nsw.gov.au