Living in Sydney means having easy access to some of the country’s most spectacular national parks, from the dramatic clifftop trails of the Royal National Park to the turquoise lagoons of Booderee, all just a stone’s throw from the city. Bouddi National Park, just north of Sydney, is a long-time favourite among locals, with opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing and some of the best coastal trails in NSW. If you’ve already ticked off the park’s famous coastal walks, there’s a new way to experience it this autumn — and it’s not your usual day hike. A two-day guided coastal walk is coming to the park this April, pairing scenic clifftop bushwalking with beachside camping, hands-on workshops and even a bush sauna under the stars. Here’s everything you need to know.
What to expect on the coastal walk
The experience will unfold over two days, guiding walkers along a curated route through some of Bouddi’s most picturesque stretches, winding past elevated clifftop trails to lush bushland and wild, secluded beaches. While the tracks are well-established, the format strings them together into a new guided, small-group journey, with guides leading the way.
The event is being hosted by global hiking collective Highlander, which is bringing the format to Australia for the first time. It will be split into three formats to suit a range of fitness levels: Highlander Lyra, Lyra PLUS and Orion. Lyra is a shorter, single-day option aimed at beginners, while Lyra PLUS includes an overnight camp. Orion is the full two-day experience, covering the complete route with a night camp on the trail.
The route will span roughly 35kms across two days wth highlights including Cave Bay, Pretty Beach, Marang Lookout and the panoramic views from Box Head with a mix of rugged coastal terrain and gentler boardwalk sections. Along the way, walkers can expect regular stops for swimming, wildlife spotting and taking in some of the Central Coast’s most dramatic coastal scenery.
Those opting for the overnight formats can look forward to a camping-style dinner, including vegan and gluten free options, evening activities like yoga and stargazing, and a unique bush sauna experience, complete with a cold plunge. While guides will handle the logistics on the ground, walkers will need to carry their own day pack and overnight gear, including essentials like sturdy hiking shoes, weather protection and camping equipment. While the trail is fairly accessible, a reasonable level of fitness is recommended for the two-day hike.
Key features
When: April 18 and 19, 2026
Where: Bouddi National Park, Central Coast NSW
Format: One-day and two-day options available
Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Price: Range from $155, $299 and $449, depending on the format
Includes: Guided hiking, meals and camp experiences
For more details, FAQs and backpacking checklists, visit the Highlander website.
Getting there
Hikers will need to make their own way to Bouddi National Park, with check-in located near Maitland Bay within the park. No shuttle transfers are provided, so driving is the easiest option, with the Central Coast roughly 1.5 hours from Sydney depending on traffic. Public transport is possible via train to nearby Central Coast stations followed by a taxi or rideshare, though driving is recommended. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.