Bouddi National Park: Coastal trails and secluded beaches

Bouddi National Park is where two of the Central Coast’s natural wonders collide – a stunning meeting point of pristine coastline and thriving native bushland filled with wildflowers.

Stretching from the charming towns of Killcare, Pretty Beach and Hardy’s Bay all the way to MacMasters Beach, there’s so much to uncover within this diverse landscape. Here’s a snapshot of how to explore Bouddi National Park:

A man looking out at a coastline covered in bushland from a boardwalk
Bouddi Coastal Walk
Destination Central Coast x Ross Long
A mum and daughter walking through bushland with native white wildflowers blooming either side of the trail
Flannel Flower Walking Track
Image by Bowie Brown Photography

Bouddi Coastal Walk

It only makes sense to start off with the most iconic experience within Bouddi National Park – the Bouddi Coastal Walk. This 8-kilometre trail showcases the park at its finest, winding past secluded beaches, clifftops, and bushland. Don’t miss a stop by Gerrin Point Lookout and take in the scenery that this trail offers. For more information on this incredibly scenic walk, visit the National Parks website.

Flannel Flower walking track

Running between Tallow Beach and Lobster Beach, visit during Spring and you’ll see why it’s called Flannel Flower walking track. As wildflowers bloom across the region throughout springtime, this track quickly becomes filled to the brim with native Flannel Flowers.

A couple walking along the golden sands of a beach
Putty Beach
Image by John Yurasek/DPE
A small terracotta brick building with two people entering.
Maitland Bay Information Centre
Image by Nick Cubbin/DPE

Putty Beach campground

Book a stay within grounds of Bouddi National Park at Putty Beach campground. Situated on the southern starting point of the Bouddi Coastal Walk, take a short walk from Putty Beach Road to the campground and relax in the surrounds of nature. Park entry fees and camping fees apply. To stay up to date on booking Putty Beach campground, visit the NSW National Park’s website.

PLEASE NOTE – Putty Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.

Maitland Bay

If you’ve embarked on the Coastal Walk, you’d have come across the stunning Maitland Bay. This secluded little slice of paradise is a great spot for a midway dip or picnic along the sand. If you’re up for a challenge, take on Maitland Bay track for a short, yet invigorating walk. This walk will take you to the top of Maitland Bay car park. Venture right from the carpark to visit the Maitland Bay Information Centre (open Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays), and while you’re up there, don't forget to stop and grab a coffee from Arnie's Espresso Bar nearby.

PLEASE NOTE – Maitland Bay Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.

A red tent sitting on a green grounds overlooking a beach
Little Beach campground
Image by John Spencer/DCCEEW
A rock overhang overlooking winding waterways and bushland cliffs
Allen Strom Lookout
Image by Nick Cubbin/DCCEEW

Little Beach campground

Tucked just off the Bouddi Coastal Walk, Little Beach campground is another secluded camping spot, perfect for a weekend getaway. Nestled just metres away from the shoreline of Little Beach, it’s ideal for those looking to fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean. Park entry fees and camping fees apply. To stay up to date on booking Putty Beach campground, visit the NSW National Park’s website.

PLEASE NOTE – Little Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.

Allen Strom Lookout

For a scenic view without a long hike, visit Allen Strom Lookout. Head along Wards Hill Road and continue 50m to the gravel carpark on the left, then follow the signage along Rocky Point trail to the lookout. This lookout shows off immaculate views of Hardys Bay, all the way to Wagstaffe and Ettalong and as far as Brisbane Water National Park.

Avid National Park visitor?

Check out the annual NSW All Parks Pass that will give you vehicle entry to all of the National parks on the Central Coast, and the rest of New South Wales including Kosciuszko National Park!

To stay up to date on any closures or safety alerts for each activity within Brisbane Water National Park, please check NSW National Park’s website ahead of your visit.