From Bush to Beach: 12 of the Most Scenic Central Coast Walks

From bushwalks to coastal views and waterfalls, these Central Coast walks will deliver you to the region’s most scenic spots.

The Central Coast lays claim to pristine beaches, extensive coastal estuaries, lush hinterland and beautiful seaside villages – all of which are best explored on foot. From accessible strolls to day-long wilderness expeditions, here are our picks of the best walks and hikes on the Central Coast.

1. Bouddi Coastal Walk

Where: Bouddi National Park
Distance: 8.5 kilometres one way
Difficulty: Hard

Details: Sydney has the Bondi to Bronte, Melbourne has the Thousand Steps and the Central Coast has the Bouddi Coastal Walk . It is home to numerous Aboriginal sites, one of the country’s first protected marine areas, and plenty of ancient landscapes to marvel at.

View of tessellated pavement on the Bouddi National Park coastal walk on the Central Coast — Spot the Tessellated Pavement shortly after departing from Putty Beach. (Image: Katie Carlin)

The walk delivers sweeping ocean views, whale-spotting opportunities, and plenty of deserted beaches to stop at for a swim. Don’t miss the remains of the SS Maitland shipwreck at Bouddi Point.

Looking down from the trail along the Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk — Sweeping coastal views. (Image: Katie Carlin)

While the 17-kilometre round-trip can be done in a day, those who aim to complete the journey should note it can take up to eight hours. The track begins at Putty Beach picnic area and includes a mix of beach walking, steep stairs, formed tracks, and rocky platforms. It ends at Macmasters Beach, where walkers can exit the walk or opt to make the return journey.

Coastal walk in Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast — (Image: Nikki To)

You don’t need to tackle the entirety of the coastal walk in one day. Breaking it up into shorter distances is just as rewarding. For some shorter routes try:

Putty Beach to Maitland Bay (3 kilometres)
Maitland Bay to Little Beach (3.5 kilometres)
Little Beach to Macmasters Beach (1.7 kilometres)

Putty Beach is the start of the Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk — Walk the loop from Putty Beach (pictured) to Maitland Bay and back. (Image: Katie Carlin)

2. Girrakool Loop Track

Where: Brisbane Water National Park
Distance: Two-kilometre loop
Difficulty: Easy

Details: Traverse tranquil bushland past colourful wildflowers along the Girrakool Loop Track. This easy, signposted trail begins and ends at the Girrakool picnic area – it’s the ideal way to walk off lunch. There are two lookouts to pause at along the trail: the Andamira lookout for views of the tree-shrouded waterfall and the picturesque Illoura lookout. Don’t miss the Aboriginal rock engraving site at the start of the walk and take your time to breathe in the fresh air as you wind your way through the bush.

Waterfall, Girrakool Loop Track from Andamira Lookout — A tranquil waterfall along the Girrakool Loop Track from Andamira lookout. (Image: John Yurasek/DCCEEW)

3. The Ridge to Rainforest Track

Where: Strickland State Forest
Distance: 2.1 kilometres one way
Difficulty: Easy

Details: Strickland State Forest packs a punch when it comes to diverse walking tracks despite its modest five-square-kilometre size. One of the most popular options is the Ridge to Rainforest track . Begin the walk near the entry road to Banksia Picnic Area and follow the track lined with tall gum trees past mossy rocks and hoop pines along the ridge until you reach the gully of the rainforest. The Arboretum Track – which heads in the opposite direction from the picnic area – is popular for its suspension bridge.

Strickland State Forest was the site of the first government forest nursery (1886-1890) and the first national forestry training school (1920 – 1927). Aptly, remnants of native and exotic tree plantings are now among the oldest in Australia and can be admired as you walk along the trail.

4. Coast to Lake Walk

Where: The Entrance
Distance: 7.6-kilometre loop
Difficulty: Medium

Details: This self-guided walk takes in the best of The Entrance and surrounding areas. Get a first-hand look at the landmarks, attractions and scenery that this popular pocket on the Central Coast has to offer.

Begin your journey at Memorial Park and follow the boardwalk along the coastline to The Entrance Surf Life Saving Club. After picking up a kiosk coffee, continue past the Ocean Baths and Edith Ring Rest lookout onto Toowoon Bay Surf Club. Follow the shared pathway from Long Jetty to Memorial Park in the Entrance. As you pass through Picnic Point, make use of the skate park, fitness station, picnic shelters and BBQs.

Some sections of the walk are fully accessible to all abilities, prams and bicycles. Some sections require beach access and rock platform walking.

The Coast to Lake walk takes in the best of The Entrance and surrounding areas.

5. Patonga to Pearl Beach

Where: Brisbane Water National Park
Distance: 3 kilometres one way
Difficulty: Hard

Details: It may be shorter in distance than some of its local counterparts, but the Patonga to Pearl Beach hike trails through some rather challenging terrain.

Tessellated Rock Pavement between Patonga and Pearl Beach.

Follow the signs to the national park at the end of Patonga Beach to begin the walk. The steep trail will lead you through sandstone caves adorned with natural hanging ferns, past red gums and towering eucalypts.

Patonga to Pearl Beach Trail, trailhead and rainforest — One of many secluded spots to stop along the Patonga to Pearl Beach Trail. (Image: John Yurasek/DCCEEW)

Stop at the Warrah lookout for panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River and Pacific Ocean. Your exit will be marked at Crystal Avenue. From here you can follow the sounds of crashing waves to emerge from the bush onto Pearl Beach. Linger here for a well-earned swim before taking advantage of the cafes nearby.

Scenic aerials overlooking Pearl Beach on the Central Coast. — The beauty of Pearl Beach from above. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

6. 5 Lands Coastal Walk

Where: Macmasters Beach, Copacabana, Avoca Beach, North Avoca and Terrigal
Distance: 9 kilometres one way
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Details: The 5 Lands Coastal Walk is so good that there is even a festival in its honour. It happens every year, just after the winter solstice toward the end of June. Thousands of people – young and old, fit and unfit – take part.

Sunny day at Macmasters Beach and ocean pool on the Central Coast. — The walk begins at Macmasters Beach. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

Stretching from Macmasters Beach to Terrigal, the trip gets its name from the stunning selection of suburbs it traverses, each possessing its own one-of-a-kind characteristics. From Macmasters Beach, Copacabana, Avoca Beach, North Avoca and Terrigal, soak up the atmosphere of each one.

The 5 lands Coastal Walk — The 5 Lands Coastal Walk is so good that there is even a festival in its honor.

Walking the full route will take from four to six hours, but allow plenty of time to enjoy the views, visit the exhibitions, witness the Aboriginal ceremonies and ethnic cultural displays and spot some whales if you’re lucky.

View of the coastline from the water at Terrigal Beach on the Central Coast — Terrigal Beach marks the end of the 5 Lands Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Kincumber to Terrigal (via Glasson’s Trl)

Where: Kincumba Mountain Regional Reserve

Distance: 4.5 kilometres one way

Difficulty: Moderate

Details: Enjoy a front-row seat to the beauty of Kincumba Mountain Regional Reserve.

Explore the diverse landscapes and natural attractions along the Kincumber to Terrigal trail. You’ll pass by cave walls etched with ancient rock art, trail through rugged forest tracks, constructed paths and some challenging steep sections that reward hikers with incredible clifftop views and a variety of flora and fauna – including seasonal wildflowers, soaring grass trees, a plethora of birds and wildlife.

Start at Glasson’s trail and head towards Honeman’s Rock, a large outcrop with a neighbouring picnic area. After a rest, navigate the inside of a large cave on Kanning Walk and continue to the views at Colin Watters Lookout. The journey ends at Terrigal’s Sandringham Close.

8. Somersby Falls

Where: Brisbane Water National Park
Distance: 800 metres
Difficulty: Moderate

View from above Somersby Falls on the Central Coast — The beautiful Somersby Falls from above. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Details: This might be a short walk, but it’s one of the most spectacular in the region for what you’ll find at the end. From Somersby Falls picnic area , this walking track winds steeply down three levels of the cascading Somersby Falls with lookouts at each of the three tiers. The bottom section is magical, particularly after heavy rains when the falls cascade down into deep emerald pools.

Woman sits under the waterfall at Somersby Falls on the Central Coast — Cool off under the waterfall or take a dip in the shallow pools. (Image: Katie Carlin)

The walk itself is steep and comprises many steps, which can be slippery in parts. Take your time and look around the hyper-green rainforest as you go, as you may spot the water dragons, frogs and goannas that call this place home.

9. The Coast Walking Track

Where: Wyrrabalong National Park
Distance: 6 kilometres return
Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult

Details: You can start this coastal walk from either the Bateau Bay picnic area or the gate at the top of Cromarty Hill Road in Forresters Beach.

The track traces clifftops, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and epic whale-watching vantage points. You’ll walk through native scrub, past blackbutts and under spotted gums, and during spring, the landscape is dotted with wildflowers, including flannel flowers and ground orchids. It’s a pretty walk that covers sandy ground, pathways and staircases, with some steep sections.

Along the way, Crackneck Lookout is a great place to take a break and enjoy a picnic. Keep your eye out for whales and dolphins and watch the paragliders take flight when conditions are right.

10. Terrigal Lagoon to Terrigal Haven

Where: Terrigal
Distance: 3 kilometres return
Difficulty: Easy

Details: This scenic loop begins at the edge of Terrigal Lagoon – on Pacific Street – and crosses the bridge over the lagoon into Terrigal. As you walk over the hill into town, you’ll have views of the lagoon and the beach, which is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

You’ll walk along the beach, past the surf club and cross Terrigal Boardwalk into the Haven. The boardwalk is built into rockpools, and you’ll often be able to see crabs as they dart about on the rocks below. During a big swell, you might get wet from the sea spray, which is welcome on hot days!

Families swimming in the rock pool at Terrigal Beach on the Central Coast — Kids are at play in the rock pool alongside the boardwalk connecting Terrigal Beach to the Haven. (Image: Katie Carlin)

The Haven comprises a small beach and a bay filled with fishing boats. Walk around the headland, which has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and is home to a dog park where furry friends are allowed off-leash. Be sure to add the climb to the top of the Skillion for even more incredible views before looping back and returning the same way.

Friends walking to the lookout at the top of The Skillion inTerrigal. — Friends climb the Skillion with views of the Haven below. (Image: Destination NSW)

11. Ettalong Beach to Umina Beach

Where: Ettalong / Umina
Distance: 2.8 kilometres one-way
Difficulty: Easy

Start this walk at Ettalong waterfront, which is home to the BOX on the Water, a restaurant and kiosk, and a kids’ playground. Along the waterfront, there’s a shared pathway that stretches to the neighbouring suburb of Umina.

Sunrise at Lion Island, Broken Bay on the Central Coast — Soak up views of Broken Bay towards Lion Island along the trail. (Image: Destination NSW)

The path is flat the entire way, making it a great one to walk, scoot or ride bikes. Soak up views of Broken Bay towards Lion Island and the Pacific Ocean the entire way. You’ll pass both Ocean Beach and Umina Beach surf clubs along the way, both of which have kiosks for snacks and drinks.

The path ends at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct, an epic beachside playground and sporting area, where you’ll also find a café and the popular NRMA Ocean Beach caravan park.

Aerial view of the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday resort in Central Coast, Australia — NRMA Ocean Beach caravan park is a popular spot come summer. (Image: Christopher Flaxman)

12. Norah Head Lighthouse Loop

Where: Norah Head
Distance: 2.2-kilometre loop
Difficulty: Easy – moderate

Views of the beach as the walk from Norah Head Lighthouse to Norah Head Beach — Begin or end your walk at Norah Head Lighthouse. (Image: Katie Carlin)

This walk starts at the car park at Bush Street Reserve in Norah Head, across from Norah Head Beach Haus, where you can grab a pre-walk coffee and post-walk lunch. The track winds through bush, past a small beach lookout and a mariners’ memorial, towards the 1903-built Norah Head Lighthouse. You can enjoy a historic tour of the working lighthouse (pre-book) and even stay in the heritage cottages.

Views of the rock platform and beach at Norah Head Lighthouse — Views of the rock platforms and beaches below the lighthouse. (Image: Katie Carlin)

From the lighthouse, there is a wooden staircase that leads down to the beach, where – depending on the tide – you can stroll along the sand and rocky platforms towards the rockpool at Cabbage Tree Harbour (kids will enjoy cooling off here on hot days). From here, follow the footpath and steps that head back up towards Bush Street Reserve.

The iconic Norah Head Lighthouse at sunset. (Image: Destination NSW)

For more nature experiences on the Central Coast, read our locals’ guide to the best beaches to visit.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

12 scenic Central Coast walks to take you from the bush to the sand