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The new Central Coast hike with camping, workshops and a bush sauna

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
A new two-day guided hike is coming to the Central Coast in April, and you’ve got one chance to experience it.

A new multi-day hike is hitting the Central Coast this year, inviting guests to experience Bouddi National Park like never before. Hosted by international trekking company HIGHLANDER , the overnight adventure goes beyond racking up steps, turning into a mini eco-friendly festival after dark.

What’s involved?

Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast, NSW
The new HIGHLANDER hike explores Bouddi National Park in NSW. (Image: Destination NSW)

The guided walk is part of the brand’s first-ever offering Down Under, with previous global events held everywhere from the Himalayas in Nepal to Costa Rica’s El Camino. The Aussie launch includes just two hosted hikes, the first taking place this March in Victoria’s Alpine National Park. Spanning five days, it’s tailored more towards experienced adventurers.

The second walk is more beginner-friendly, swapping the mountainous terrain of Mount Hotham for the gentle coastal tracks of Bouddi National Park. And while guests can opt in for the full two days, it’s also offered in a range of formats to suit different abilities: Highlander Lyra, Highlander Lyra PLUS and Highlander Orion.

Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast, NSW
Clearly marked boardwalks and trails make the hike beginner-friendly. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

Lyra includes a single day on the trail and suits first-time hikers who aren’t keen on overnight camping, while Lyra PLUS adds a night under the stars. For the full experience, Orion includes the camp-out, as well as both hiking days.

No matter which option you choose, you’re in for a treat. Bouddi National Park is home to some of the best bushwalks on the Central Coast, complete with coastal views at every turn – and HIGHLANDER is taking full advantage of the postcard-perfect location.

The hike covers 35 kilometres in total, with route highlights including Cave Bay, Pretty Beach, Marang Lookout and Box Head. During the day, you’ll explore clifftops, bushland and hidden beaches, stopping for wildlife encounters, dramatic lookouts and ancient Indigenous rock art.

Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast, NSW
Along the way, guests will be treated to uninterrupted coastal views. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

As the sun sets, your guides will set up camp before preparing a nourishing and energy-packed dinner. But this is more than just a place to rest your head – it’s a space of inspiration and celebration, where you can connect with others through live music, workshops, and interactive activations.

Guests can join a range of hands-on activities at camp, from nature talks and stargazing sessions to yoga and breathwork classes. Those who make it to the finish line can also look forward to a relaxing Bush Sweat Sauna session, followed by a refreshing cold plunge.

It’s all part of a recent rise in wellness tourism, a travel trend that focuses on improving and maintaining personal health. But the beauty of the HIGHLANDER experience is that it combines multiple facets of wellbeing, from physical and spiritual to mental and emotional – all designed to enhance your life in one truly unforgettable sweep.

Need to know info

Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast, NSW
Guests are responsible for carrying their own day pack and camping gear.

What’s one of the best things about HIGHLANDER? It does all the heavy lifting for you. While guests are responsible for bringing their own equipment, your guides take care of the rest. You’ll only need to carry your backpack and personal gear (other luggage can be stored) and transport is taken care of.

Be sure to bring hiking boots, a head torch, water bottle, eating utensils, rain jacket, compass and first aid kit. Camping gear like tents, swags and sleeping bags are also not provided, so be sure to pack your own or share with a friend.

Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast, NSW
Safety remains a top priority for the HIGHLANDER team throughout the experience. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

Everything else, including gas cartridges, maps and locator tags are supplied. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in registration – all prepared by Offgrid Provisions . You’ll also be provided with snacks along the way that will fuel your body, from electrolyte drinks to collagen bars and beef biltong.

Safety is always a top priority for HIGHLANDER – guests can rest assured knowing that 24-hour medical staff are available throughout the entire hike. The experience also includes participant injury insurance, public liability coverage and sweepers that close the track to ensure no one is left behind.

The new Central Coast HIGHLANDER hike will run from 18–19 April 2026. Registration is now open, with prices ranging from $155pp for Lyra, $299pp for Lyra PLUS and $449pp for Orion.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,  the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.