New South Wales · Attraction
Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk
Cliffs, coves and whale sightings
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
The Bouddi Coastal Walk stretches 8.5 kilometres along the southern headland of Bouddi National Park between Putty Beach and MacMasters Beach, passing sheltered coves, sandstone cliffs and pockets of coastal rainforest. It is consistently rated among the best day walks on the New South Wales Central Coast, and the park includes one of Australia's first marine protected areas.
The walk is graded moderate and takes between three and a half to four and a half hours one way, though it can be broken into shorter segments. Key highlights include Gerrin Point Lookout, Maitland Bay, a horseshoe beach overlooked by the wreck of the paddle steamer PS Maitland, and a string of small beaches accessible only on foot. Birdlife is abundant throughout, and the mix of open headland and dense bush keeps the scenery varied.
Between May and July, humpback whales are regularly visible from the clifftop lookouts as they migrate north along the coast. Camping is available at Putty Beach and Little Beach campgrounds for walkers who want to split the route overnight. The park is accessible by car from Killcare, and a vehicle day-use fee applies at Putty Beach.
Where to stay
Holiday parks near Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk.
1 option via our booking partner
Bookings handled by our partner Parkbooker. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Scenic views