Olney Headquarters

Welcome to Olney Headquarters, located in Martinsville, New South Wales, Australia. Situated in the City of Lake Macquarie, Olney Headquarters is nestled within the stunning Olney State Forest, part of the breathtaking Watagan Mountains. This institution offers a range of amenities and activities, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Olney State Forest is a popular visitor area, bordered by Wyong State Forest, Watagan State Forest, and Watagan National Park. Along with Heaton State Forest, it serves as the main hub for visitors to State Forests on the Central Coast. In fact, the State Forests of the Watagan Mountains have been recognized for their excellence in adventure tourism, winning the Gold Award for three consecutive years in the Hunter Central Coast Tourism Awards. This achievement earned them a place in the Tourism Hall of Fame. They also received a bronze award in the tourist attraction category in 2011 and a silver award for adventure tourism at the NSW Tourism Awards in 2013.

The forests in this area have a rich history of timber harvesting, spanning over a century. However, the forests you see today are regrowth forests, having been harvested multiple times and grown back. Forest management practices prioritize the protection of biodiversity, soil and water quality, and cultural heritage sites, while also allowing for sustainable timber production. Discover more about sustainable forest management during your visit.

At Olney Headquarters, you'll find various accommodation options to suit your preferences. The Casuarina Camping Area, nestled amongst forest oaks and a variety of eucalypts, offers space for caravans, trailers, and individual campers. Just a short walk away, the Pines Camping Area is shaded by large slash pine trees, remnants of trial plantings from the early 20th century. Turpentine Camping Area, surrounded by beautiful turpentine trees, is ideal for smaller groups or families. Each camping area provides easy access to walking tracks and picnic areas.

Speaking of walking tracks, Olney State Forest offers several scenic trails to explore. The Abbotts Falls Walking Track takes you from the Pines Picnic Area through dry eucalypt forest, moist gullies of bluegum and rainforest, and finally to Abbotts Falls Lookout. The Rock Lily Walking Track, starting from the Basin Camping Area, showcases rock lilies, geebungs, and ferns as it winds through rainforest gullies and climbs into dry eucalypt forest. The Pines Walking Track, also starting from the Pines Picnic Area, follows Dora Creek and unveils pockets of moist eucalypt forests and rainforest, with a refreshing rock pool along the way.

For day visitors, the Old Mill Picnic Area offers a spacious grassed area surrounded by forest, perfect for family sports and activities. Please note that camping is not permitted at this site.

Olney Headquarters itself is a fantastic spot to rest and refuel during your visit. Named for its previous use as a forestry building, it provides camping facilities, barbecues, picnic tables, and toilets, including disabled access facilities. It's an ideal place to set up camp for the night or enjoy a quick break before continuing your adventure.

If you're a mountain biking enthusiast, you'll be pleased to know that the Hunter Mountain Bike Association manages a mountain bike track in Olney State Forest. Check out their website for more information on the track and membership details.

Before embarking on your journey, make sure to check for any current closures or notices to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Your safety is paramount, so we encourage you to read our information on forest tips and staying safe.

Please note that some areas of the forest are designated for authorised hunting. If you're interested in hunting, find out more about the licensing and permit application process.

Lastly, we urge all visitors to practice sustainable tourism. Learn how to minimize your impact and contribute to the preservation of this beautiful natural environment.

Come and experience the wonders of Olney Headquarters in the Olney State Forest. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Watagan Mountains, explore the diverse walking tracks, and create lasting memories in this remarkable Australian destination.