OVERVIEW
The Bouddi coastal walk is considered one of the most beautiful coastal walks in NSW and offers the perfect long weekend escape for active Sydney-siders. Book a 2-3 night stay arriving the night before you set off at either Putty Beach or Macmasters Beach. Once you've finished your walk, relax at your chosen beach/bush house and enjoy a night or two of pure serenity.
The 8km trail runs from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach and boasts beaches, boardwalks and birdlife. This relatively easy hike is characterised by sweeping views, shady rainforest and inviting picnic spots. There are plenty of photo opportunities on the Bouddi coastal walk so don't forget to take your camera for those Insta worthy snaps - migrating whales, wildflowers, ship wrecks and deserted beaches.
Prefer a shorter walk? Break the walk into shorter sections - Putty Beach to Maitland Bay (three kilometres); Maitland Bay to Little Beach (3.5 kilometres); or Little Beach to MacMasters Beach (1.7 kilometres).
The 8km trail runs from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach and boasts beaches, boardwalks and birdlife. This relatively easy hike is characterised by sweeping views, shady rainforest and inviting picnic spots. There are plenty of photo opportunities on the Bouddi coastal walk so don't forget to take your camera for those Insta worthy snaps - migrating whales, wildflowers, ship wrecks and deserted beaches.
Prefer a shorter walk? Break the walk into shorter sections - Putty Beach to Maitland Bay (three kilometres); Maitland Bay to Little Beach (3.5 kilometres); or Little Beach to MacMasters Beach (1.7 kilometres).
MAP & PARKING
START AT PUTTY BEACH:
If you start the Bouddi coastal at Putty Beach, you can park at the Putty Beach picnic area (parking fees apply) and walk 300m along the sand to the eastern end of Putty Beach where the track starts. For free parking, street parking is available just before you enter the National park. This will add around 5-10 minutes to your walk. START AT MACMASTERS BEACH If you start the walk at Macmasters Beach, park near the Surf Life Saving Club on Marine Pde (enter 100 Marine Pde in your GPS). To get to the trail from Marine Pde in Macmasters Beach, climb the stairs located between houses 85 and 87, follow the path and turn left onto Macmaster Pde – the track begins at the end of the road. |
TIP: Once you've reached the end of the trail, grab a ride back to your beach house with either Uber or Central Coast Taxis and enjoy a relaxing evening (or two) in your chosen beach abode. If you're travelling in group with more than 1 car you can drop one car off to the end of the trail so it's there when you finish your walk...just don't forget to take the keys in your day pack!!
ACCOMODATION
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WHERE YOU STAY IS ALL PART OF THE BOUDDI EXPERIENCE..... Getting a good nights sleep before you hit the trail is always a good idea so check out these local homes catering to couples right through to larger groups. All are located within easy access of the start of the trail at either Putty Beach or MacMasters Beach. Once you've finished your walk you'll return to the comfort of hot showers, comfortable beds with quality linen and a fully equipped kitchen to whip up that well earned dinner. Our homes are all surrounded by natural beauty, wildlife and with easy access of the beach so the beautiful Bouddi experience continues on well after you've left the track. If you can't find a home to suit your needs here, just give us a call on 0418 262 454 for information on more holiday homes. |
MORE FAMILY FRIENDLY BUSHWALKS.....
If one walk wasn't enough then we have a treat for you. There are over 15 beautiful bushwalks in the Bouddi National Park for you to choose from. Here's a look at our favourites:
Hawke Head Drive to Box Head
3.2km Return | 45mins | Moderate difficulty This easy walk winds through bushland to the Box Head lookout, offering scenic views across the Hawkesbury River and cross Broken Bay and Lion Island to Sydney. Amble along the park’s most southern ridge, taking in breathtaking water views over the Tasman Sea and Hawkesbury River as you go. Beginning at the end of Hawke Head Drive, Box Head track alternates between rugged bushland and open windswept heath. For more information |
Flannel Flower Walking Track
3.6KM Return |1.15hr | Moderately difficult The best time of year to visit has to be spring; the flannel flower is in full bloom and the sight of their white petals are simply beautiful. Running between Hawke Head Drive and Lobster Beach, the track meanders through towering angophora forest. Stand a moment in the shade of these mighty red gum trees before continuing on to the magnificent Lobster Beach lookout. For more information |
Little Beach Trail
1.3KM Return | 15mins | Moderate difficulty rating Little Beach track is an easy 15-minute walk for young families down to a stunning secluded beach. The golden-sand cove feels wild and remote and makes you feel a million miles from anywhere. Kids will love exploring the rocks and collecting driftwood to create cubbies. There’s also a shallow creek running down to the ocean where toddlers can splash about without worrying about being bowled over by waves. For more information |
Maitland Bay Track
2.2Km Return | 1HR | Hard difficulty rating Maitland Bay track is one of the central coast's most popular bushwalks. Park at the Maitland Bay Information Centre. This short, steep walk takes you downhill to the beautiful Maitland Bay and its shipwreck. Stop to swim, look for shells or simply dip your feet in the water. Allow 15–20 minutes to walk down the hill and 30–40 minutes to get back up For more information |
Lobster Beach Walking Track
2km Return | 45mins | Moderate difficulty rating Lobster Beach is a sheltered beach fringed with natural bushland, offering opportunities for picnicking, swimming, snorkelling, birdwatching, fishing and boating. Park the car on Highview Road, Pretty Beach and follow the track through stringy barks and banksias along the way, before arriving at this secluded beach accessible only by foot or by boat. For more information |
FUEL UP ON LOCAL FOOD
LOCAL EVENTS
Bouddi Coastal Run
Bouddi Coastal Run includes a 14km and 21km looped course, perfect for the seasoned athletes and beginners alike. The 1km Kids Beach Run will be held on the beach and offers the kids a chance to also get involved. The event is held within Bouddi National Park, a stunning coastal reserve on the NSW Central Coast, located only 1.5hrs north of Sydney or 2hrs south of Newcastle. Come for the run and stay the weekend! For more information |
Bouddi Aboriginal Walking Tour
Your tour begins with an Acknowledgement of Country and sharing of our creation story. From there you’ll be guided through the National Park to significant Aboriginal sites. View rock carvings, hear ancient stories and participate in a smoking ceremony to cleanse the mind and body. With each step you will gain a progressive understanding of Aboriginal history as your guide shares stories and ancient knowledge, providing insight into the oldest living culture on earth. For more information |
Words on the Waves Writers Festival
Words on the Waves Writers Festival is a celebration of words and ideas set on the scenic Central Coast, NSW, Australia. With author talks and panels, as well as evening conversation events, a cinema screening, literary cruise, family fun day, schools program and more, the festival offers a diverse range of high quality literary events for both the Central Coast community and visitors to the area. For More Information |
5 Lands Walk
The 5 Lands Walk is a unique Australian event, a collaboration between the Aboriginal peoples and the broader communities of Darkinjung Country. It is a free, day-long celebration where people from diverse walks of life and cultural backgrounds connect through walking together and experiencing Aboriginal culture, live music, art exhibitions, sculptural installations, and more. For more information |