Another tourist activity has launched in Lake Macquarie with CoastXP set to expand its offerings from the water to land and begin guided walking tours in Wallarah National Park.
The adventure-tourism business, which launched in mid-2018 mainly offering whale-watching tours out of Newcastle Harbour, will on Saturday start 8.5 kilometre hikes along the coastline south of Caves Beach.
CoastXP owner Dominic May said on the two-and-a-half-hour hike participants would explore the rugged wilderness and gain an insight into the area's cultural and environmental significance.
"For people that are after a local, active, COVID-safe experience with just a small group, and want to get out and about and are physically fit, I think it's the perfect way of seeing your own backyard and having someone who knows the area," Mr May said.
The National Parks-approved hikes, which cost $55 per adult, will depart from the lookout above Caves Beach and extend to Pinny Beach before returning.
They will initially be run in the afternoon on Fridays and Saturdays.
Similar to the association it has with 8 at Trinity restaurant in Morisset Park as part of its Lake Macquarie boat tours, CoastXP has linked with Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows to conclude the hikes at the hotel. The ticket cost includes a drink.
Mr May hopes to run a combined boating/walking experience in the future and has recruited an environmental scientist and wildlife expert to help run the hikes.
"The hikes are probably the most COVID-safe experience you could participate in because people can easily socially distance, it's outdoors and in fresh air," he said.
"People may have heard of the Wallarah National Park or they don't know where to go or what is there, so to have someone show them the way, know the trail and key points of interest that they can share with them - that's what turns it into an experience beyond just going on your own or with family or friends.
"And we will finish up at Caves Beach hotel, so it's a bit of a social experience as well."
For faster access to the latest Newcastle news download our NEWCASTLE HERALD APP and sign up for breaking news, sport and what's on sent directly to your email.
IN THE NEWS:
.jpg?w=600)
