I set myself a few goals this year, and one of them was to explore more of Australia by going on more bush walks!  A few weekends ago (and after 25 years of living on the coast) I finally did the Bouddi National Park coastal walk. (Update we have now done the walk 5 times we just love it)

If you’re searching for one of the best bush walks on the Central Coast, look no further than the Bouddi Coastal Walk. Located on the NSW Central Coast, 1.5 hours north of Sydney, the beautiful Bouddi National Park offers spectacular diverse landscapes.

This stunning track winds its way through Bouddi National Park, offering breathtaking ocean views, secluded beaches, and a healthy dose of adventure.

Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or adding it to your Central Coast itinerary, this walk ticks all the boxes for natural beauty and outdoor fun.

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Bouddi Coastal Walk

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About Bouddi National Park, NSW

The NSW Central Coast can be found nestled between Sydney and  Newcastle. The popular holiday destination is noted for its fantastic beaches and its beautiful natural areas – including Bouddi National Park which was one of the first NSW national parks established. The Bouddi National Park is a protected national park that is located near Killcare and covers around  1,532-hectares of national park.  A section of the national park extends into the Tasman Sea, creating fully protected land, shore and marine habitats.

According to Wikipedia Bouddi is the authenticated aboriginal name of the most conspicuous feature of the district and appears on maps as early as 1828. Bouddi is an indigenous word for the heart.

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What to See and Do in Bouddi National Park

Bouddi National Park is a hidden gem on the Central Coast that serves up a variety of outdoor activities beyond the famed coastal walk. Expect everything from secluded beaches and sheltered bays, to scenic lookouts and historic Aboriginal sites.

Whether you’re after a swim, a paddle, or a panoramic view, Bouddi delivers. The park is home to a wide array of native flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with plenty of opportunities to spot sea eagles, kookaburras, and lorikeets.

Bouddi Coastal Walk Summary

The Bouddi Coastal Walk stretches approximately 8.5 km one way (or 17 km return), but you can easily break it into smaller sections. The path winds through a mix of shaded forest, rugged cliffs, and coastal heathlands with stunning vistas along the way.

There are many walks on offer at Bouddi National Park, the most popular however is the Coastal walk that runs from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach.  Boasting views for days, boardwalks and wildlife it’s known as one of the most beautiful central coast walks! Although a relatively easy hike most people opt for doing it in sections. We decided to do the Putty Beach to Maitland walk which is around 6km return.

Break the Bouddi Coastal Walk into shorter sections:

• Putty Beach to Maitland Bay (3km)
• Maitland Bay to Little Beach (3.5km)
• Little Beach to MacMasters Beach (1.7km)

The map below shows the different tracks you can take or head over to the National Parks website for more information.

Bouddi Coastal Walk

Putty Beach to Maitland Bay

Putty Beach is the most popular starting point for the Bouddi Coastal Walk. It has a large car park and picnic facilities, plus Putty Beach Campground if you want to camp. The beach itself is beautiful and great for a swim before or after your walk. This spot sets the tone for the adventure ahead, with golden sands and clear waters.

If you start your journey at Putty Beach you can park in the car park for $8.00 a day or just outside on the road for free. You will then walk straight onto Putty Beach to begin your walk.

There’s a photo opportunity around every corner on Bouddi coastal walk. With dramatic changes in scenery from wildflowers, lush rainforest, coastal cliffs and if you are lucky you might even spot whales from the lookouts.

One of the most gorgeous parts of the coastal walk is seeing the rock platforms and formations. The patterns that mother nature has created in this national park are really something.

The journey is largely boardwalk is also well-signposted; you won’t need to carry a map. Just make sure you follow the signs for the Coastal Walk and avoid taking one of the trails branching off the sides.

The path journeys in and out from the coast at different sections so you are able to embrace and experience the diverse range of vegetation Bouddi National park as on offer.

This walk has so many wonderful views – a breathtaking vista around every corner. Sheer cliffs rise above while the ocean crashes on the rocks below. Boardwalks lead you right beside these cliffs from where you can see up and down the coast. The Gerrin Point Lookout marks about half way and has a viewing platform. From there you can look north to Maitland Bay which was named after a terrible shipwreck in 1898 which killed 27 people.

Best Beaches on the Bouddi Coastal Walk:

• Lobster Beach
• Maitland Bay
• Tallow Beach
• Little Beach.

Camping at Bouddi National Park

Little Beach campsite is a small grassed area, wedged between the hills and set back from the beach. The campsite has six designated sites, a composting toilet, rubbish bins, Gas BBQ’s and a shelter. There is no drinking water onsite and the beach is only 20m away.

Bushwalking in Australia

Bushwalking is a classic Aussie pastime, but it’s important to be prepared. Stick to marked trails, let someone know your plans, and always carry plenty of water. The Bouddi Coastal Walk is well-marked and maintained but can be steep in parts, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

What to Pack for Australian Bushwalking

For your Bouddi Coastal Walk (or any bushwalk in Australia), be sure to pack:

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Plenty of water (at least 2L per person)
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Swimwear and towel (if you plan to swim)
• Camera or smartphone for those highlights of the Bouddi Coastal Walk
• A small first aid kit

Where to Stay on the Central Coast NSW

If you’re planning to spend a night or two exploring Bouddi National Park and its surroundings, there are plenty of Central Coast accommodation options to suit every budget.

• Luxury: Check out Bells at Killcare, a boutique retreat offering fine dining and spa experiences.
• Mid-Range: The Quarters at Forresters Beach offers modern, coastal-style accommodations.
• Budget: There are plenty of caravan parks and campgrounds, including Putty Beach Campground inside Bouddi National Park itself.

Wherever you choose to stay, you’re only a short drive from the start of the Bouddi Coastal Walk.

Central Coast Walks

If you fall in love with the Bouddi Coastal Walk, there are plenty of other amazing Central Coast walks to check out! Some favourites include:

• The Coast Walking Track in Wyrrabalong National Park
• Patonga to Pearl Beach walk
• Brisbane Water National Park trails like Pindar Cave and the Great North Walk

The Bouddi Coastal Walk is a must-do for nature lovers and one of the best hikes on the Central Coast NSW. With its mix of coastal views, beaches, and bushland, it offers something for everyone. Whether you do the entire track in one go or break it up into smaller adventures, this walk promises unforgettable highlights of Bouddi National Park. Add it to your Central Coast itinerary, and you won’t be disappointed.

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