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

Taylah Darnell 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 tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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 ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

    The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

    It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

    If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

    Savour the summer dining scene

    Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
    Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

    The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

    Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

    Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

    Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

    And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

    Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

    Dive into ocean pools

    ocean pool on the sutherland shire
    The ocean pools beckon.

    Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
    swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

    Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

    Experience local arts and culture

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
    See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

    Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

    Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

    Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

    a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
    Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

    The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

    If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

    Get into nature

    Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
    Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

    You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

    Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

    If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

    Hit up the beautiful beaches

    aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
    Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

    If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

    Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.