If you want to escape to nature and essentially kill all your cares - this is the perfect place for you! Killcare is one of the hidden gems of the Central Coast, offering explorers one of New South Wales' most popular national parks, alongside luxury accommodation, charming small cafes, bakeries, art galleries, restaurants and pizzerias. For action, head to Hardys Bay marina to hire a watercraft and explore Broken Bay and connected waterways. The social hub of this secluded seaside hamlet is also Hardys Bay, a strip of foodie spots and creative boutiques.

Killcare sits on the Bouddi Peninsula, along with Hardy's Bay, Wagstaffe, Pretty Beach and Lobster Beach. This is a truly unspoilt area bordered by national park and protected marine habitat, so when it comes to exploring the local beaches, you’re really spoilt for choice!

Killcare Beach is 1.6km of golden sand (plus a shallow rock pool), patrolled by ‘Killy’ Surf Life Saving Club from September through to the end of April. A great spot for swimming, snorkelling or fishing, with public amenities, water refill station and a food kiosk. The beach shares its northern shore with the paradisiacal Putty Beach (with a dog-friendly section), also a starting point for one of the most beautiful hikes in NSW – Bouddi Coastal Walk.

Tallow Beach and Little Beach are two of the most isolated but breathtaking beaches on the Central Coast. Located deep within Bouddi National Park, they are unpatrolled and accessible only by walking tracks, with the opportunity to camp on a small site run by NSW National Parks.

To properly escape into nature, visit the sheltered Lobster Beach, framed by bushland with stunning vistas across Broken Bay. Just a short stroll from the carpark, you can set up a picnic, watch for wildlife (especially dolphins), snorkel or easily go boating.

The Bouddi Coastal Walk is one of the most popular and rewarding bushwalks in New South Wales. Starting at Putty Beach, the 8km hike to Macmasters Beach tours national park, pristine beaches, a shipwreck and scenic lookouts. For a shorter adventure follow the 2.4km trail to Gerrin Point lookout for sweeping ocean views and whale watching.

Box Head Track is an easy bushwalk through red gums emerging at a headland with sweeping views across the Hawkesbury River, Broken Bay, Lion Island and to Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Or take the Flannel Flower walking track that runs between Tallow Beach and Lobster Beach.

The Peninsula is known for its epic lookouts, so don’t miss stopping by the wheelchair accessible Marie Byles lookout (right near Bells at Killcare), or Allen Strom lookout on the Rocky Point Trail, which is also a great mountain biking route, as part of the longer Bouddi Ridge Explorer 10km hiking or biking trail.

Explore Aboriginal cultural heritage sites with Girri Girra, a 100% Aboriginal-run organisation who provide guided walking tours of the area and share its storylines.

At Killcare Marina you’ll find Boat Bike & Paddle Hire Central Coast, with kayaks, BBQ boats and tinnies available for an adventure on Brisbane Water.

Hardys Bay Yacht Charters invites you to explore the local waterways of Broken Bay, Brisbane Water, Hawkesbury River and Pittwater aboard their luxury yacht or Catamaran, with full-day skippered tours and overnight stays available.

For a secluded neighbourhood, Killcare offers an impressive handful of foodie options, from fresh pastries, pies and coffee, to Asian-style street food, award-winning wine lists and 5-star fine-dining experiences.

For brunch, pick a pie from the award-winning range at The Fat Goose Deli and Bakery. If you’re the type that likes a family picnic, Hardy’s Bay offers several tables on a grassed, waterside reserve, with The View Pizza available for tasty, woodfired takeaway options.

Venture to Hardys Bistro Cafe & Bar (the old Killcare Store) for the perfect Saturday evening watching the sun set across the bay. For world-class hospitality featuring locally sourced produce try The Wild Flower Bar + Dining. Internationally renowned chef Sean Connolly crafts a seasonal menu from their kitchen garden, starring freshly shucked oysters and crayfish caught off Macmasters Beach.

Located on the traditional lands of the Guringai and Darkinjung peoples, the Bouddi Gallery - Contemporary Aboriginal Lifestyle Art specialises in products crafted by Aboriginal-owned Art Centres, including unique gifts, books, jewellery and homewares.

Killcare Cellars & General Store is your go-to for deli goods, craft beer and a posh wine selection, while nearby Wagstaffe General Store is also good for groceries and provides a local postal service.

Have a browse, or a “mooch”, around the inspiring gallery and design showroom Moochinside at Hardys Bay, an eclectic collection of boutique clothing, gifts and unique objects.

Choose from a variety of accommodation in Killcare, from absolute luxury to holiday rentals, bed and breakfasts, to camping under the stars.

Pretty Beach House is one of Australia’s most luxurious places to stay. Situated in the heart of Bouddi National Park, this premium and private lodge made Condé Nast’s list of Top 100 hotels in the world.

Bells at Killcare is a boutique hotel offering suites, villas and cottages with a Hamptons design vibe, plus on-site restaurant, day spa and pool.  The Nest @ Killcare is a great family-friendly option, with modern essentials and sea breezes, surrounded by nature. Granny’s Cottage offers quaint accommodation near Putty Beach, within walking distance of the Bouddi Coastal Walk and Hardys Bay boutiques.

Camping is available at Putty Beach and Tallow Beach campgrounds, just make sure you book in advance as there’s a limited number of pitches available, and check whether you need to bring water with you as these plots are super rural!

The Killcare Surf Life Saving Club has a beachside function space available to hire for community groups, meetings or small events, including a balcony overlooking the shore. 

The Conservatory of Bells at Killcare is a purpose-built event space and boutique Central Coast wedding venue complete with a garden ceremony, deluxe accommodation options, and day spa for the bridal party. The Library is also available for group meetings, alongside conference packages and team building events.

Killcare is located on the Bouddi Peninsula of the Coast, along with the neighbouring seaside villages of Hardy's Bay, Wagstaffe (with a ferry connecting to Palm Beach), Pretty Beach and Lobster Beach. The creative hub of Ettalong is a short drive around the bay, with Empire Bay and Booker Bay en route.