There's a lot to love about Blackbutt!

Blackbutt Reserve is one of our city's most loved natural areas. Located in New Lambton, six kilometers from Newcastle city centre, it occupies 182 hectares of land consisting of natural bushland, 12 kilometers of walking trails, playgrounds, wildlife exhibits, picnic facilities and more.

It is a place for nature, connection and learning. We want to make sure it continues to meet the needs of the community into the future.

What's happening now?

We're starting early conversations to help guide the future of Blackbutt Reserve.

A Plan of Management (PoM) is a strategic roadmap for how a place is cared for, used and improved over time. For a much-loved natural area like Blackbutt Reserve, it helps ensure that the things people value are protected and looked after properly.

Many of the actions identified in the current PoM have been completed over the last 10 years, including construction of the adventure playground at Richley Reserve and upgrades to the wildlife exhibits and Carnley Avenue recreation area.

With the new multi-purpose community facility and café now open, a major milestone of the current PoM, it's the perfect time to start planning for the next decade.

  • Get involved!

    We know you love Blackbutt Reserve. That's why we are asking for your ideas, stories and suggestions for to help shape its future.

    Your feedback will help us guide the planning for an update of the PoM. When a draft of the updated PoM is available, it will be placed on public exhibition, where you'll have another opportunity to have your say.

    Feedback closes 3 August 2025.

How do you envision Blackbutt Reserve?

Share your ideas on what you'd like to see over the next ten years!

Stories? Photos? Ideas?

Share what you love about Blackbutt or a big idea for it's future! You can pick one of the categories or let us know if there is something else we have missed!

Do you have a number of ideas to help improve Blackbutt? Take a few minutes to complete the quick survey.