Lobster Beach bushcare
Bouddi National Park
Overview
A group of volunteers works in Bouddi National Park to reduce weed invasion and restore natural vegetation along the shore of Brisbane Water. Whether you live in the area or visit from time to time, you’re welcome to join in as a regular or occasional volunteer.
- Work
- Bush regeneration, weed and pest management
- When
Various times throughout the year.
- Grade
- Medium. Steep stair access to beach
Help reduce weed invasion and restore natural vegetation in the blackbutt forest along this lovely part of NSW coastline. Particpate in volunteer work at Lobster Beach in Bouddi National Park.
Enjoy fresh air, scenic views, like-minded company and a bit of exercise while helping to protect Australian native plants.
Training in plant identification, weeding and planting will be provided. We also have an annual barbecue and boating day for all volunteers. NSW National Parks and Lobster Beach bushcare group look forward to having you along. Please contact us for more information on this exciting volunteering opportunity.
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/volunteer-activities/lobster-beach-bushcare/local-alerts
Park info
- in Bouddi National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Bouddi National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept both card and coins, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Lobster Beach bushcare.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Lobster Beach is within Bouddi National Park and near Brisbane Water National Park. To get there:
- From Gosford, take Central Coast Highway and then turn right onto Avoca Drive.
- Follow Avoca Drive through Kincumber and then turn right onto Empire Bay Drive
- Follow Empire Bay Drive and then turn left onto Wards Hill Road
- Turn right onto The Scenic Road and follow to Hardys Bay
- Turn left at Araluen Drive, follow until Pretty Beach, and then turn left onto High View Road.
- Access to Lobster Beach walking track is signposted and on the left
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- No vehicle access
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Street parking is available nearby on High View Road.
Maps and downloads
Visitor centre
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Maitland Bay Information Centre
174 The Scenic Road, Bouddi NSW 2251 - Weekends and public holidays only, 11am to 3pm
- 02 4320 4200 Girrakool office
Learn more
Lobster Beach bushcare is in Bouddi National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A coastal gem
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
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
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
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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.