Permanent Courses

Welcome to Newcastle Orienteering Club

Orienteering is a competitive or non-competitive recreational activity in which participants use a detailed map, and usually a compass, to navigate between checkpoints on an unfamiliar course in bush terrain, parkland or urban areas.

If you like a physical and mental challenge while exploring the outdoors, orienteering is the sport for you!

NEW TO ORIENTEERING? Click here for more information.

See what's on by clicking on the Club Event Series buttons below or see all orienteering events by going to Eventor, the orienteering event calendar.

Classic "forest" orienteering for all in the great outdoors. Run or walk, compete against yourself or others, or a fun family day out. (Mar-Sept)

Navigate the suburbs. Run or walk to as many checkpoints as you can within a 45 minute time limit. How many points can you get? (Oct-Feb)

A great introduction to orienteering with fun courses in suburban parks & reserves. Also includes a night event. (Mar-Apr)

Navigate bush tracks & trails on your mountain bike. Bike Orienteering Summer Series offers 75 minute score & line+score events. (Oct-Mar)

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Try orienteering for free

Newcastle Orienteering Club has permanent courses in three locations.

Brickworks Park - Wallsend. Free. Print a copy of the map here.

Blue Gum Hills Regional Park - Minmi (in conjunction with NPWS). Free. The course is available to use whenever the park is open. Print a copy of the map here.

Hunter Wetlands Centre - Shortland (admission fees apply). The orienteering course is included as part of your Hunter Wetlands Centre admission fee. Print a copy of the map from their website here or grab one at the Wetlands Centre reception.

These permanent courses have checkpoint markers (orienteers call them "controls") set in place at various locations on the map. You decide in what order you visit the controls. You can visit them in numerical order, aim for the shortest route to visit them all, or set your own course.

Already had a go at one of the permanent courses? If you have any feedback or you have spotted an issue (eg. you find that there is a control marker missing) please let us know by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Newcomers are also eligible for discounted entry fees at Newcastle Orienteering Club events if it is their first time at orienteering.