The middle section of this route is subject to closures due to major construction work for the Newcastle Inner City Bypass motorway that will include a bridge and underpass for the rail trail leading to Jesmond Park. Be prepared for detours. 

The scene of frenetic tramway building in its early days, Newcastle had both steam and electric trams at one stage. The first route from the city to Wallsend was build in 1887 and extended to West Wallsend and Speers Point in 1910. Parts of the route were saved thanks to their bush location to become a rail trail.

The limited climbing capacity of steam trams makes the route relatively easy for cyclists. The surface is predominantly asphalt and concrete.

There are three sections:

Glendale to Wallsend (4.5km): A pleasant climb from above Winding Creek, hugging the hill contours before reaching the urban area and station site.

Wallsend to Jesmond (3.5km): Lots of suburbia and major roadworks to get to Jesmond Park during 2025.

Jesmond to Lambton (2km): After cruising through Jesmond Park with pristine bushland to the south and then Rudd Park, the serenity comes to an abrupt at Howe St

Glendale to Wallsend (4km)

• Access: The trail, branded here as the Tramway Tk, starts from the northern end of Frederick St, Glendale, after #16 on the left. There’s parking at the TAFE campus opposite
• From a nondescript entrance, the shared path climbs on a slight gradient skirting bushland and then runs through grassland behind retirement villages
• The trail winds over gentle hills and then loops east to an underpass at Newcastle Link Rd (A15)
• You have to cross several roads and pass the Wallsend shopping centre before passing the goods shed, which is enjoying a second life.

Wallsend to Jesmond (3km)

• Access: There is parking at the station site after Nelson St, off Cowper St. Much more at the shopping centres.
• This section is basically flat and follows the route of colliery lines and a tramway
• It runs along Kemp St, crossing Newcastle Rd at traffic lights, before reclaiming the tramway corridor
• Take care crossing roads on the way to Jesmond
• At Minmi Rd, there is a diversion in place due to the widening of Cameron St as part of the Western Corridor Upgrades. This is part of the R5 cycleway.
• Cross at the traffic lights to the southern side of Cameron St and you’ll reach a replacement concrete path from Neals Park along Stapleton St built to handle the cycling commuter traffic diverted from Cameron St
• This route shaves precious seconds off our trip to Mordue Pde and the Jesmond Cycle Path along a former tram route to the CBD.

The Jesmond Cycle Path is subject to detours due to the construction of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass. Please watch for signs and obey directions.

Jesmond to Lambton (2km)

• Access: Jesmond Cycle Path runs along the eastern side of Illoura St. There are picnic tables and toilets in Jesmond Park
• After entering the park, there’s a long embankment before the tram route climbs over a cutting on Lambton Hill
• Take care crossing the uncontrolled Robinson Ave intersection, especially if heading downhill
• The shared path ends at the Howe St traffic lights but it’s worth continuing to Lambton Park for lunch. There are extensive gardens, toilets, play equipment and interpretive signs and several cafes and a hotel near there

CONNECTING PATHS 

Glendale to Speers Point Park (2.5km): Connects the rail trail to Speers Point Park on a shared path close to a steam tramway route that ran along Cockle Creek. This connects with the Watagan Cycle Track

Lambton to CBD (8km): This ride can be extended from Lambton by picking up cycleways that pass through Broadmeadow parks and then Hamilton to the Newcastle CBD.