NSW boasts some truly spectacular coastal trails, from the iconic Spit to Manly track to the recently opened Southern Headlands Walk, and from the short and sweet White Sands Walk to the far more challenging Great North Walk. With so many options, choosing the best is no easy feat. Yet, the 8km Bouddi Coastal Walk has long been hailed by hikers as one of the most picturesque walks in the state. Sprinkled with wild beaches, tranquil ocean views, ancient rock engravings, and beach campgrounds, the coastal trail is a local treasure. With the tail end of summer here, it’s time to get out, hit the road, and make the most of the season. Here’s what you need to know about the Bouddi Coastal Walk.
Bouddi Coastal Walk, NSW
Located near Gosford on the Central Coast, just a stone’s throw from Sydney, the walk stretches from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach in the Bouddi National Park (or the other way around). Much of the walk is a relatively easy to moderate hike with a low-impact boardwalk but you can also break it down into smaller sections to suit your pace. Specifically from:
Putty Beach to Maitland Bay (3km);
Maitland Bay to Little Beach (3.5km);
or Little Beach to MacMasters Beach (1.7km)
The well-travelled path is packed with varied and ever-changing vistas, from shady rainforest to pure coastal scenery, hidden coves with caves, and even a 19th-century shipwreck. You’ll often hear the crash of waves against the rocks, and the call of birds and smell the scent of saltwater in the air along the route. Highlights of the trail include the stunning Gerrin Point lookout, a short walk from Putty Beach with postcard-perfect views of Maitland Bay, and a fail-safe spot for whale watching in winter. At the eastern end of Maitland Bay, you’ll come across the wreckage of the S.S. Maitland, a paddle steamer that was destroyed on the rocky shores during a storm in 1898. It’s worth spending some time on the beach here, you might even get it all to yourself.
The best way to experience one of NSW’s most wonderful coastal walks is to stay overnight — options include the Putty Beach Campground which offers barbecue facilities, picnic tables, and showers or the serene Little Beach Campground, just steps from the beach.
Read more about the Bouddi Coastal Walk and plan your visit on NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Key features:
Where: Bouddi National Park
Distance: 8km one way
Total time: 3.5 hours to 4 hours
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Skill level: Grade 3 or intermediate
Parking: There’s a carpark at the start of the walk at Putty Beach. Parking is $8
How to get there
The Coastal Walk is just a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney and 1 hour 45 minutes from Newcastle. Take the M1 Pacific Motorway and exit at Gosford. Alternatively, you can catch a train from Central to Gosford, then transfer to the 65 bus heading towards Wagstaffe to reach Bouddi. Plan your journey on Transport for NSW.