Coast Track

Stretching for 8.5 kilometres along the wild, windswept edge of Bouddi National Park, the Coast Track is one of the Central Coast’s most exhilarating coastal walks. Carved into sandstone cliffs that plunge into the Tasman Sea, this Grade 3 trail delivers non-stop ocean views, secluded beaches, and a sense of being a world away from Sydney’s hum, just an hour north. It’s a walk that rewards every step with a new vista – from the weathered sea stacks of Gerrin Point to the sheer drop at Maitland Bay.

Highlights & What to See

• Maitland Bay – a stunning, sheltered cove where you can scramble down to the sand (track dependent) and spot the wreck of the SS Maitland just offshore.
• Gerrin Point Lookout – the track’s dramatic high point, offering panoramic views from Broken Bay to Norah Head; a prime spot for whale watching during migration season (May–November).
• Putty Beach – the northern trailhead, with a patrolled swimming beach and picnic facilities; the perfect place to start or finish your walk.
• Bouddi Aboriginal Art Site – a short detour leads to a small, protected rock shelter with ancient hand stencils, offering a tangible link to the region’s Indigenous heritage.
• Diverse coastal heath – the track winds through Banksia scrub and wildflower-studded heath, alive with honeyeaters and the scent of eucalyptus.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most walkers allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the one-way track from Putty Beach to Maitland Bay (or vice versa). You can extend the experience by adding a swim at one of the beaches or a picnic at a lookout. For a full day, combine the walk with a return via the Bouddi Coastal Walk extension or arrange a car shuffle so you don’t have to retrace your steps. The track is best tackled in the cooler months (April to October) to avoid heat and summer crowds; early mornings also offer the most dramatic light on the cliffs.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bouddi National Park – explore more of this protected peninsula, including the Bouddi Ridge walk and the quiet shores of Lobster Beach.
• Killcare & Hardys Bay – charming waterfront villages with excellent cafés, boutique galleries, and calm waters for kayaking or paddleboarding.
• Avoca Beach – a classic Central Coast surf beach with a lively café strip and the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre for a retro movie night.
• Terrigal – the region’s bustling hub, with a long beach, coastal walk, and a great selection of restaurants and bars.
• Gosford – the Central Coast’s main town, home to the Australian Reptile Park and the scenic Brisbane Water, ideal for a relaxed lunch by the water.

Please check official sources for current details.