If you’re looking for a scenic walk to squeeze in before winter ends, this spectacular coastal trail on the Central Coast offers the perfect excuse to lace up your hiking shoes. Winding past lush forest and dramatic clifftop scenery in Wyrrabalong National Park, The Coast walking track pairs turquoise ocean views with some of the season’s best natural spectacles. Late winter is a particularly good time to visit with whales migrating past the coastline and the first native wildflowers of the warmer season beginning to add splashes of colour to the landscape. Better yet, the relatively short trail makes for an easy day trip from Sydney without needing a full day of hiking. Here’s everything you need to know about The Coast walking track.
The Coast walking track, Wyrrabalong National Park
Stretching between Bateau Bay and Forresters Beach, The Coast walking track follows a scenic route along the eastern edge of Wyrrabalong National Park. Much of the trail winds through coastal heath, forest and woodland before emerging onto exposed headlands, with glittering ocean views stretching across the Pacific. Keep an eye out for secluded beaches, rocky coves and dramatic sandstone cliffs as you make your way along the coastline.
A major highlight of the walk is Crackneck lookout, one of the Central Coast’s best-known vantage points. Perched high above the ocean, the lookout boasts a vast sweep of coastline with plenty of space to stop and enjoy the view before continuing along the trail. There are several other lookouts along the route, so expect a variety of scenery along the trail.
The terrain is varied, with sections of formed track mixed with steps, hills and rougher ground, but you won’t need advanced hiking experience to tackle it. You can walk the route in either direction, although organising transport at the opposite end is worth considering if you don’t want to retrace your steps. Allow some extra time for stops along the way, particularly around the headlands where the views are worth lingering over.
Key features
- Where: Wyrrabalong National Park, Central Coast
- Route: Bateau Bay to Forresters Beach
- Distance: 3km one way, around 6km return
- Time: Around 1–2 hours one way
- Difficulty: Grade 3
- Track type: One-way trail, with the option to return the same way
- Best time to visit: Late winter and spring for whales and wildflowers
- Entry: Free
- Dogs: Not permitted in Wyrrabalong National Park
Find more information about the Coast walking track here.
Getting there
Wyrrabalong National Park is around 1.5 hours from Sydney via the M1. For The Coast walking track, you can start from either Bateau Bay or Forresters Beach, with parking available near both ends of the route. Public transport is available but less convenient, with trains to the Central Coast followed by connecting bus services. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
