Little Beach campground

Bouddi National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

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.

Accommodation Details
Number of campsites 6
Camping type Tent, Remote/backpack camping
Facilities Picnic tables, barbecue facilities, toilets
What to bring Drinking water, cooking water
Entry fees

Park entry fees do not apply at Little Beach campground but may apply in other areas.

Bookings Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online.
Group bookings This campground is not suitable for group bookings.
Please note
  • It’s a 750m walk along a gravel management trail to reach the campground.
  • This access trail has some short uphill sections, especially at the beginning near the gate at Grahame Drive. 
  • You'll need to carry all your camping equipment and drinking water from the carpark to your campsite.
  •  Check in 2pm, check out 10am.
  • Sites are marked.
  • The campground is in a remote location so please arrive well prepared.

The small but popular Little Beach campground offers beachfront tent camping ideal for surfers and nature lovers.

The campground is tucked into a pretty cove and surrounded by littoral rainforest. It’s equipped with sheltered barbecues and toilets, but beyond that it’s just you and the great outdoors.

Be prepared for the walk there and back with your gear. From the carpark at Grahame Drive it's a 750m walk through the bush with some uphill sections. Your effort will be rewarded – the Little Beach surrounds are hard to beat.

Bring your surfboard to make the most of the early morning swell at Little Beach, or start the day with a swim and a wander along the beach’s rocky shore. See if the fish are biting or pull on your hiking shoes – there are several lovely walks to enjoy in the area, including the lovely Bouddi coastal walk. When the day is done and you’re ready to relax, cook up a feast on the free gas barbecues while the sun sets and share stories about your spectacular day at Little Beach.

Take a virtual tour of Little Beach campground captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Nearby

  • Two walkers approaching an impressive lookout with ocean views on Bouddi coastal walk. Photo: Jared Lyons © DPE

    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.

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/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/little-beach-campground/local-alerts

Bookings

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Little Beach campground.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Little Beach campground is in the Little Beach precinct of Bouddi National Park. To get there from Gosford:

    • Follow the Central Coast Highway towards Erina.
    • Turn right onto Avoca Drive and continue through Kincumber.
    • Turn right at Empire Bay Drive.
    • Turn left into Cochrone Street and then right onto The Scenic Road.
    • Continue through MacMasters Beach and turn left at Grahame Drive to the end where the track starts.
    • From the carpark at the end of Grahame Drive it’s a 750m walk along a gravel management trail to the campground. This trail has some short uphill sections.

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    Parking is available in the carpark 750m from the campground. You'll need to carry all your camping equipment and drinking water from the carpark to your campsite. Don't leave valuables in your car. 

    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

    Facilities

    • Campsites are marked, unpowered and suitable for tents only
    • All sites are suitable for either 1 large tent (4–6 people) or 2 small tents (2–3 people), with a maximum of 6 people per campsite
    • No power or water is available
    • Rubbish and recycling bins are available.

    Toilets

    • Non-flush toilets

    Picnic tables

    Barbecue facilities

    • Gas/electric barbecues (free)

    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.

    Camping safety

    Whether you're pitching your tent on the coast or up on the mountains, there are many things to consider when camping in NSW national parks. Find out how to stay safe when camping.

    This is a remote campground, located 750m from the carpark, so please make sure you arrive well-prepared.

    Fishing safety

    Fishing from a boat, the beach or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing safety tips.

    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).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - no wheelchair access

    Permitted

    Fishing

    A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

    Prohibited

    Little Beach is a family friendly campground. Please be considerate of others during your stay: 

    • For the comfort of all campground visitors, we ask that you keep noise to a minimum.
    • Noise restrictions apply after 10pm.

    Amplified music

    Amplified music is not permitted, fines apply.

    Camp fires and solid fuel burners

    Wood fires are not permitted at this campground.

    Gathering firewood

    Generators

    Generators are not permitted, fines apply.

    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

    Little Beach campground 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 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.
    • Junior ranger: Bouddi coastal adventure tour Embark on an outdoor adventure with a NPWS discovery ranger these school holidays. You’ll explore coastal bushland and scan the horizon for marine wildlife in Bouddi National Park, 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.


    • 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.
    • Junior ranger: Bouddi coastal adventure tour Embark on an outdoor adventure with a NPWS discovery ranger these school holidays. You’ll explore coastal bushland and scan the horizon for marine wildlife in Bouddi National Park, near Gosford.

    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)