Spring is one of the best times to hit the trails around Sydney, with warmer temperatures, colourful wildflowers and plenty of lush scenery making a strong case for a weekend outdoors. But if you’re struggling to choose from the many walks within easy reach of the city, one spectacular coastal trail offers plenty of compelling reasons to visit this season. The Bouddi Coastal Walk winds through Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast, combining turquoise ocean views, secluded beaches and rugged headlands across its 8.5km route. Spring is an especially delightful time to visit with colourful wildflowers blooming the surrounding bushland, and a good chance of seeing migrating humpback whales offshore as they make their way along the coast. Here’s everything you need to know about the Bouddi Coastal Walk.
What to expect on the Bouddi Coastal Walk
The walk begins at sheltered and shallow Putty Beach, where the track climbs away from the sand before reaching Gerrin Point Lookout, one of the best stops along the route. The elevated platform looks across Maitland Bay and the protected waters of the Bouddi marine extension. During migration season, this elevated lookout is also one of the best places along the walk to watch for humpback whales, so keep an eye on the horizon before continuing towards Maitland Bay.
The descent to Maitland Bay brings you to one of the real highlights of the walk. The sheltered beach is a lovely place to stop for a picnic or swim before seeking out a fascinating piece of local history at its eastern end. At low tide, the rusting remains of the PS Maitland can still be seen among the rocks, more than a century after the paddle steamer was wrecked here in 1898.
From Maitland Bay, the track continues through coastal bushland and across several headlands before reaching Little Beach. The beach is backed by littoral rainforest and has a small six-site campground close to the water, with facilities including barbecues, picnic tables and toilets.
The final stretch continues towards MacMasters Beach, with more elevated coastal views along the way before emerging beside the ocean once again. You don’t have to tackle the entire route either: the walk naturally breaks into shorter sections between Putty Beach, Maitland Bay, Little Beach and MacMasters Beach.
Key features
- Location: Bouddi National Park, Central Coast
- Distance: 8.5km one way
- Time: Around 3.5–4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Grade 3, with short steep sections, occasional steps and some obstacles
- Route: Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach
- Camping: Putty Beach and Little Beach campgrounds are located along the route; bookings are required
- Shorter options: Putty Beach to Maitland Bay (3km), Maitland Bay to Little Beach (3.5km), or Little Beach to MacMasters Beach (1.7km)
- Entry: Park entry fees apply in the Putty Beach area
- What to bring: Water, sunscreen, a hat, snacks and suitable walking shoes
Read more about the Bouddi Coastal Walk on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Getting there
Bouddi National Park is around a 90-minute drive north of Sydney on the Central Coast. If you’re starting the walk at Putty Beach, take the M1 towards Gosford before continuing through Woy Woy, Kincumber and Killcare Heights to Putty Beach Road. Parking is available at the Putty Beach picnic area, with the trail beginning at the eastern end of the beach. The route finishes at MacMasters Beach, so you’ll need to arrange a second car or pick-up if you plan to complete the entire route.
