Best trails in Bouddi National Park
Bouddi National Park is located in the Central Coast region of New South Wales on Guringai land. Its landscape consists of beautiful white sand beaches, heath, Eucalyptus forest and grassy woodland. It is thus a great place to hike, camp, fish, swim and snorkel. Wildlife that can be found includes microbats, greater gliders, lace monitors, green tree snakes, water dragons and over 150 species of birds.
There are extensive facilities at many of the trailheads.
Top trails
- (677)·Moderate·8.7 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrThis is an incredible coastal walk within reach of Sydney along the central coast. This route can be done in either direction, but most people follow the route shown here. It can also be a point-to-point trail if you leave a car or find a ride from MacMasters Beach. From Putty Beach, head down along the coast towards Bullimah Beach and Gerrin Point, lookout where sweeping views beg for a quick photo stop. Continue along the coast past a cave and onto the idyllic sands of Maitland Bay beach...
- (550)·Moderate·3.6 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrSweeping ocean vistas and unique geological wonders define this coastal journey along the fringes of Bouddi National Park. Starting from the golden sands of Putty Beach, the track leads you along a clifftop boardwalk where you can admire the intricate patterns of the Tessellated Pavement. As you wander through the lush bushland, the path transitions between gravel sections and wooden stairs, offering plenty of shade under a canopy of smooth-barked apples and red gums. Seasonal visitors...
- (365)·Moderate·5.0 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrBreathtaking coastal vistas and pristine, secluded sands define this stunning journey through Bouddi National Park. Starting from the quiet cove at Little Beach, the route meanders through a diverse landscape of coastal heath and lush forest, offering constant views of the shimmering Tasman Sea. You will find yourself wandering across the golden sands of Maitland Bay and passing unique geological features, such as the tessellated pavement, as you approach the final stretches toward Putty...
- (311)·Moderate·3.9 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrStarting near the Maitland Bay Information Centre, where there is a large car park on Scenic Road then take the Allen Strom Trail to Dingledi picnic area, this could be an alternate trailhead. Then follow Mount Boudi Track to Maitland Bay From this vantage point there are views across the South Pacific Ocean to Barrenjoey and Avalon headlands. Then walk along the beach and return to car park via Maitland Bay Track. Although the track is quite steep in places with lots of steps, it's a...
- (253)·Moderate·2.7 miSweeping coastal panoramas and a touch of rugged adventure make this loop a standout in Bouddi National Park. Starting from the Maitland Bay Information Centre, the track connects the well-formed coastal path with the wilder Bullimah Spur, offering diverse perspectives of the ocean, Maitland Bay, and beyond, including the Sydney skyline. While much of the route follows established boardwalks and bush trails, the connection between Bullimah Outlook and the coastal track is the real wild card....
- (159)·Moderate·2.0 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis walk delivers one of the biggest rewards for the least effort, ending with spectacular panoramic views. From the lookout, you can see south across the mouth of the Hawkesbury River to Pittwater and Barrenjoey Headland. It's an easy, mostly flat walk following a fire trail through the bush. This is a fantastic coastal bushwalk for any time of year, with different things to see each season. The lookout is an excellent spot for whale watching, with the humpback migration occurring between...
- (150)·Moderate·6.3 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrOffering a spectacular blend of high-cliff panoramas and secluded beach exploration, the Bouddi Coastal Walk to Mount Bouddi is an out-and-back trek that captures the very best of the NSW Central Coast. Starting from Putty Beach, this trail guides you past some of the park's most famous landmarks, including the fascinating tessellated pavement rock formations and several pristine swimming spots. It is an epic coastal experience where the bush meets the sea, providing a rich habitat for...
- (190)·Moderate·3.9 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrSpectacular coastal scenery and the chance for a refreshing saltwater dip make this route a favourite in Bouddi National Park. Starting from Turo Reserve in Pretty Beach, the journey winds through native bushland where you might spot local wildlife or see gums shedding their bark to reveal fresh colours underneath. The track surfaces vary quite a bit, shifting from fire trails and concrete paths to rougher dirt sections. The final stretch out to Box Head gets a bit steeper and involves some...
- (129)·Hard·3.1 miAn enjoyable and adventurous walk exploring the beautiful Box Head on the east coast of NSW, not too far from Gosford. There are lots of lovely lookouts along the way with stunning views of the coastline. Expect some places where the trail isn't well marked and a few steep bits with the potential for being slippery after rain. Descending from Box Head and traversing the rocky shore is best timed with low-tide - if the tide is high it's recommended to return via the Box Head trail and take the...
- (69)·Easy·2.0 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrSpectacular ochre-colored sandstone cliffs and expansive turquoise ocean views define this iconic stretch of the Bouddi Coastal Walk. This short, family-friendly section begins at the northern end of Putty Beach and winds its way up onto the headland. As you traverse the well-maintained boardwalks, keep an eye out for the Tessellated Pavement, an incredible natural rock formation where the sandstone has eroded into a perfect honeycomb-like grid. The journey culminates at the Gerrin Point...
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Frequently asked questions
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Attractions
- Beach trails in Bouddi National Park
- Easy trails in Bouddi National Park
- Forest trails in Bouddi National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Bouddi National Park
- Lake trails in Bouddi National Park
- Long trails in Bouddi National Park
- Moderate trails in Bouddi National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Bouddi National Park
- Short trails in Bouddi National Park
- Trails with views in Bouddi National Park
- Wildflower trails in Bouddi National Park
- Wildlife trails in Bouddi National Park
Suitability
Points of interest
- Little Beach
- Bullimah Beach
- Box Head
- Lobster Beach
- Tessellated Pavement
- Marang Lookout
- Little Beach Camping Area
- Mourawaring Point (Second Point)
- Putty Beach
- Daleys Point Aboriginal Site
- Maitland Bay
- Mount Bouddi
- Bullimah Outlook
- Bouddi Point
- Little Tallow Beach
- Tallow Beach
- Gerrin Point Lookout
- Bouddi Lookout
- Tallow Beach Campground
- Putty Beach Camping Area