Back to previous page

Bouddi coastal walk

Bouddi National Park

Open, check current alerts 

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

Tours and events at this location

  • Two walkers on a Bells at Killcare guided tour in Bouddi National Park. Photo: Lisa Haymes © Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

    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.

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.

 

Subscribe to Naturescapes

Subscribe to our Naturescapes e-newsletter which is packed with the latest information, experiences and events in NSW national parks. Your next park adventure starts here.

A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

 

Download our app

The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.

Hand holding a phone with NSW National Parks app on screen. Photo: Branden Bodman/DPIE