Mark Callaghan replied:

Hi Andrew
The Watagans are a great spot for a day trip. The area is a working forest so always be on the lookout for timber jinkers. The other thing i would suggest is that you watch out for dirt bikes. They are usually pretty good but you never know - I usually stop the first rider to check how many others are following. KEEP YOUR LIGHTS ON AND YOUR EYES OUT. The area gets very slippery when wet due to the soil types. I always suggest that you take whatever recovery gear you have - no good to you at home. .
The good stuff-
Great birdlife, animals, tracks, lookouts
Now for the plug - why not come with us on a tag-along?? email at inquiries@4wdadventuretours.com.au, ph 0413 480460

Narelle replied:

We have done several trips to the Watagans - most on weekends and yes, we never have it to ourselves. There are lots of trail bikes and a couple of times we have encountered horse riders. Coming from Sydney, we have accessed them from Palmdale and also from Wollombi - the scenery both ways is great. All of the camping areas we have been past on weekends have had people staying in them but I wouldnt call it crowded. A good map to have is the Central Coast Forest Map, available from the State Forests of NSW, Newcastle - tel: 02 4926 5796. It shows all the tracks and lists the various camping/picnic areas. Its about $9 and good to have if you intend to go more than once. Hope this has been helpful. Re: recovery gear - you should always take whatever youve got eg. at least a snatch strap and shackles - the roads are really quite good but I have avoided driving on them in wet weather. Happy travels!