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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.

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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 check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

    As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

    Slip, slop, slap.

    And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

    Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

    1. Underwater worlds

    two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
    Get a chance to swim with the locals.

    There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

    Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

    Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

    2. Farm-to-table dining

    table spread at Potager restaurant
    Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

    Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

    The award-winning Potager Restaurant, part of The Hinterland Collection, is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

    Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House. This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

    3. Water wellness

    Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
    Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

    You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

    If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

    4. Restorative seaside stays

    woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
    Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

    The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

    While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

    5. Tasty drops

    Husk Farm Distillery
    Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

    The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

    6. Rail trail adventures

    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
    Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

    Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

    Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

    7. Linger longer

    surfer at fingal heads the tweed
    Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

    Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

    Tweed Holiday Parks
    Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

    Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au.