Bouddi coastal walk

Bouddi National Park

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Overview

Located near Gosford, Bouddi coastal walk is known for its beaches, boardwalk and birdlife. Go whale watching, picnic or swim at Maitland Bay, or simply absorb the ocean views.

Distance
8.5km one-way
Time suggested
3hrs 30min - 4hrs 30min
Grade
Grade 3
Trip Intention Form

It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.

Entry fees

Park entry fees apply in the Putty Beach area only

What to
bring
Sunscreen, hat, snacks, drinking water, suitable clothing

The 8km Bouddi coastal walk runs from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach. Boasting beaches, boardwalks and birdlife, it’s known as one of the most beautiful central coast walks. This relatively easy hike is characterised by sweeping views, shady rainforest and inviting picnic spots.

There’s a photo opportunity around every corner on Bouddi coastal walk. You might see wildflowers or migrating whales from Gerrin Point lookout, along with the Bouddi National Park Marine Extension and the PS Maitland shipwreck at the eastern end of Maitland Bay. Stay overnight before you set off at Putty Beach campground or stop along the way at Little Beach campground.

Prefer a shorter walk? Break the walk into shorter sections:

  • Putty Beach to Maitland Bay (3km)
  • Maitland Bay to Little Beach (3.5km)
  • Little Beach to MacMasters Beach (1.7km)

Take a virtual tour of Bouddi coastal walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Along the way:

  • People nearby tents located at Little Beach campground, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE.

    Little Beach campground

    Wake up with the waves at Little Beach campground, near Gosford on the NSW Central Coast. You can go surfing, bushwalking or fishing while camping right by the sand.

  • The wooden platform  and ocean views Gerrin Point lookout. Photo credit: Nick Cubbin. <HTML>&copy; DPIE

    Gerrin Point lookout

    Experience stunning views at Gerrin Point Lookout, a short walk from Putty Beach in Bouddi National Park on the NSW central coast. Enjoy whale watching during the winter months, birdwatching or just absorb the view.

  • Group of friends camping at Putty Beach campground. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE

    Putty Beach campground

    Discover Putty Beach campground in Bouddi National Park for your next camping trip. This great central coast campground is a top spot to fish, swim or bushwalk.

Map


Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/bouddi-coastal-walk/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Bouddi coastal walk.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

8.5km one-way

Time

3hrs 30min - 4hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Bouddi coastal walk begins at Putty Beach picnic area, located in the Putty Beach precinct of Bouddi National Park.

    To get there:

    • Turn into Wards Hill Road at Empire Bay
    • Turn right into The Scenic Road at Killcare Heights
    • Turn left into Putty Beach Road and continue past the campground to the picnic area
    • The walk commences approx 300m away at the eastern end of Putty Beach

    Parking

    Parking is available at Putty Beach picnic area.

    Best times to visit

    Spring

    Take the Bouddi Coastal walk to be amazed by the colourful wildflowers on display in spring.

    Summer

    Cool off with a dip at one the park's gorgeous beaches or try snorkelling at Maitland Bay Surf the popular coastline between MacMasters Beach and Box Head .

    Winter

    Grab the camera and spot humpback whales as they migrate north between May and July.

    Weather, temperature and rainfall

    Summer temperature

    Average

    20°C and 26°C

    Highest recorded

    42.4°C

    Winter temperature

    Average

    9°C and 17°C

    Lowest recorded

    3.4°C

    Rainfall

    Wettest month

    January to March

    The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

    246mm

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Prohibited

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Visitor centre

    Learn more

    Bouddi coastal walk is in Bouddi National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    A coastal gem

    Mount Bouddi walking track, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Located south-east of Gosford, the park spans over 1,500 hectares, including the fully-protected Bouddi National Park Marine Extension area. As well as offering pristine beaches and marine habitat, the park's coastal position boasts million-dollar ocean views, which are best enjoyed from one of its lookouts.

    • Bouddi coastal walk Located near Gosford, Bouddi coastal walk is known for its beaches, boardwalk and birdlife. Go whale watching, picnic or swim at Maitland Bay, or simply absorb the ocean views.
    • Bouddi coastal walk and Caves Beach tour Explore the magical coast of Bouddi National Park on this guided tour with China Travel Service Australia.
    • Bouddi group trail running sessions Ignite your passion for running with these guided trail sessions by RunFit 2260. You’ll get fit, get out in nature and enjoy the company of others who love to run.
    • Gerrin Point lookout Experience stunning views at Gerrin Point Lookout, a short walk from Putty Beach in Bouddi National Park on the NSW central coast. Enjoy whale watching during the winter months, birdwatching or just absorb the view.
    • Guided bushwalks in Bouddi National Park Enjoy a gentle guided walk in Bouddi National Park with Bells at Killcare. You’ll trek through lush rainforest bordered by spectacular ocean views on scenic coastal tracks near Gosford.

    A natural paradise

    Daleys Point walking track, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

    A variety of animals and birds live in Bouddi National Park, enjoying its quiet beaches and native vegetation as much as its visitors do. Remember to take your camera as you may be lucky enough to spot a resident sea-eagle, echidna or tree frog. Plus, photos of the park's fascinating rock formations provide excellent memories of your visit. The 300-hectare Bouddi National Park Marine Extension protects the park’s diverse marine life and is one of Australia’s earliest Marine Protected Areas. The park also offers great whale watching opportunities from one of its many lookouts– spot humpback whales between May and July and again in September and October and southern right whales from late July.


    • Bouddi coastal walk and Caves Beach tour Explore the magical coast of Bouddi National Park on this guided tour with China Travel Service Australia.
    • Box Head track This easy walk winds through bushland to the Box Head lookout, offering scenic views across the Hawkesbury River and cross Broken Bay and Lion Island to Sydney.
    • Gerrin Point lookout Experience stunning views at Gerrin Point Lookout, a short walk from Putty Beach in Bouddi National Park on the NSW central coast. Enjoy whale watching during the winter months, birdwatching or just absorb the view.

    Culturally fascinating

    Bouddi Ridge Explorer, Bouddi National Park. Photo: Kevin McGrath

    The park and surrounding area contain numerous Aboriginal sites, more than 100 significant sites have been recorded, with more still likely to be found. Rock shelters adorned with engravings and Aboriginal art, grinding grooves, middens and other archaeological deposits are fascinating to behold, and make a visit to Bouddi National Park a very special experience.

    • Bouddi guided Aboriginal heritage tours Join Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences for a fascinating 3hr tour. You'll discover timeless Aboriginal culture and heritage in beautiful Central Coast landscapes near Gosford.
    • Daleys Point walking track Daleys Point walking track offers easy walking, spectacular views and a place to take in the natural beauty and unique Aboriginal cultural heritage of Bouddi National Park.

    So many outdoor activities

    Gerrin Point lookout, Bouddi National Park. Photo: Nick Cubbin

    Bouddi National Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors – both in water and on land. From abundant walking tracks, mountain biking trails, fishing spots, campsites, picnic areas and beaches just waiting for swimmers, surfers and snorkellers, this park really does have it all. You can even join an adventure tour.

    • Bouddi coastal walk Located near Gosford, Bouddi coastal walk is known for its beaches, boardwalk and birdlife. Go whale watching, picnic or swim at Maitland Bay, or simply absorb the ocean views.
    • Bouddi Ridge explorer Try the awesome Bouddi Ridge Explorer mountain biking trail in Bouddi National Park near Gosford. Looping several smaller track the 10km trail offers great variety and scenery.
    • Maitland Bay track Maitland Bay track is one of the central coast's most popular bushwalks. This short, steep walk takes you downhill to the beautiful Maitland Bay and its shipwreck.

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • White-bellied sea eagle. Photo: John Turbill

      White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

      White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.

    • Superb fairy wren. Photo: Rosie Nicolai

      Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)

      The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.

    • Sugar glider. Photo: Jeff Betteridge

      Sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps)

      The sugar glider is a tree-dwelling Australian native marsupial, found in tall eucalypt forests and woodlands along eastern NSW. The nocturnal sugar glider feeds on insects and birds, and satisfies its sweet tooth with nectar and pollens.

    Plants

    • Wonga Wonga vine. Photo: Barry Collier

      Wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana)

      The wonga wonga vine is a widespread vigorous climber usually found along eastern Australia. A variation of the plant occurs in the central desert, where it resembles a sprawling shrub. One of the more common Australian native plants, the wonga wonga vine produces bell-shaped white or yellow flowers in the spring, followed by a large oblong-shaped seed pod.

    • Smooth-barked apple. Photo: Jaime Plaza

      Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)

      Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark.

    Environments in this park

    Education resources (1)