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Sandy beach bordered by a rocky shoreline and cliffs, with waves rolling in from the ocean — Image credit: Destination Central Coast

Natural Attractions

Killcare Beach

Located on the spectacular Central Coast, Killcare Beach offers a relaxed coastal escape just 90 minutes' drive from Sydney. With its beautiful sandy shoreline and laid-back atmosphere, it's an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings. Professional Central Coast Council lifeguards patrol Killcare Beach from Monday until Friday, with Surf Life Saving volunteers patrols on weekends and Public Holidays. Please check website for current beach patrol dates and times. A designated dog off leash area is in the centre section of this beach. People with a disability will now find it easier to access Killcare Beach with a Sand Cruiser wheelchair available for bookings. Contact Killcare Surf Club for bookings.

Killcare NSW

0.3 km away

Spa View Killcare

Spas and Retreats

Spa View Killcare

Perched above Killcare Beach, Spa View Killcare is a private ocean-view day spa offering a calm, personalised experience on the Central Coast of NSW. Just 90 minutes from Sydney—or a scenic ferry ride from Palm Beach—this boutique spa is set within the natural beauty of Bouddi National Park. Surrounded by bushland and sandstone formations, expansive ocean views stretch towards Sydney's Northern Beaches, creating a peaceful coastal setting to unwind and recharge. Guests can enjoy tailored massage, couples treatments and restorative facials designed to ease tension, support wellbeing and leave you feeling renewed. Health fund rebates available for remedial massage.

Killcare NSW

0.7 km away

Box Head Track — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Box Head Track

Amble along Bouddi National Park's most southern ridge, taking in breathtaking water views over the Tasman Sea and Hawkesbury River as you go. Beginning at the end of Hawke Head Drive, Box Head track alternates between rugged bushland and open windswept heath. Keep your eye out for hidden treasures as you walk – an assortment of birdlife flits amongst the red gums and the rocky outcrops host a variety of moss and dwarfed trees. You’ll find clifftop patches offering panoramas, particularly at the end of the track from Box Head lookout, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views over Tallow Beach, Little Tallow Beach, Broken Bay, Lion Island and Sydney's northern beaches. The track is joined by Flannel Flower walking track and Tallow Beach trail, which descends to Tallow Beach campground.

Box Head NSW

1.4 km away

Bouddi Coastal Walk — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Bouddi Coastal Walk

The eight kilometre Bouddi coastal walk runs from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach. Boasting beaches, boardwalks and birdlife, it’s known as one of the most beautiful central coast walks. This relatively easy hike is characterised by sweeping views, shady rainforest and inviting picnic spots. There’s a photo opportunity around every corner on Bouddi coastal walk. You might see wildflowers or migrating whales from Gerrin Point lookout, along with the Bouddi National Park Marine Extension and the PS Maitland shipwreck at the eastern end of Maitland Bay. Stay overnight before you set off at Putty Beach campground or stop along the way at Little Beach campground. Prefer a shorter walk? Break the walk into shorter sections - Putty Beach to Maitland Bay (three kilometres); Maitland Bay to Little Beach (3.5 kilometres); or Little Beach to MacMasters Beach (1.7 kilometres).

Killcare Heights NSW

1.4 km away

Flannel Flower Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: Sarah Brookes

Natural Attractions

Flannel Flower Walking Track

Acquaint yourself with Bouddi National Park’s beautiful and diverse vegetation on the Flannel Flower walking track. The best time of year to visit has to be spring; the flannel flower is in full bloom and the sight of their white petals are simply beautiful. Running between Hawke Head Drive and Lobster Beach, the track meanders through towering angophora forest. Stand a moment in the shade of these mighty red gum trees before continuing on to the magnificent Lobster Beach lookout. There, you’ll be treated to commanding views over some of the Central Coast’s prettiest and most popular beaches, including Broken Bay, Umina and Pearl. As well as taking you through stunning bushland and beachfront, this walking track provides public access across private property in one section. Please remain on the track at all times when you’re in this area. Keep an eye out for Box head track and Tallow Beach trail, which descends to Tallow Beach campground, which join the track.

Wagstaffe NSW

1.6 km away

Lobster Beach

Natural Attractions

Lobster Beach

Leave the city beaches to the crowds while you spend the day at Lobster beach with barely a soul in sight within Bouddi National Park. Lobster Beach is a sheltered beach just a short walk from the carpark. The area is perfect to pop by if you're sailing or boating around at Brisbane Water National Park, just across from Bouddi. Marvel at the beautiful angophoras, stringy barks and banksias along the way, before arriving at this pretty beach fringed by natural bushland. Enjoy a refreshing swim or wander along this sandy beach. Find a spot to throw in a fishing line and take in the serenity. Keep your eyes out for dolphins or sea eagles swooping for fish at Lobster Beach and don't forget to pack your snorkelling gear. You're sure to find just as many natural wonders to admire beneath its sparkling waters as on land. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching. Take a virtual tour of Lobster Beach captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Box Head NSW

1.7 km away

Allen Strom lookout

Natural Attractions

Allen Strom lookout

Clear your mind and refresh your senses with the stunning vistas on offer at the Allen Strom lookout, located on the ridge above Rocky Point. Standing at this fenced lookout, it's a pleasure to watch the boats bobbing up and down in Hardys Bay. The views extend across to Wagstaffe and Ettalong and you can even see as far as Brisbane Water National Park. It's easy to reach the lookout by foot or bike simply combine Rocky Point trail to your Bouddi Ridge explorer experience. This trail commences near the intersection of Wards Hill Road and Maitland Bay Road, and you'll tread a carpet of flannel flowers if you plan a springtime visit. Allen Strom lookout was named in memory of the man who dedicated much of his life to the establishment of many national parks and nature reserves in the state.

Killcare NSW

1.7 km away

Bells Day Spa

Spas and Retreats

Bells Day Spa

Bells Day Spa is imbued with that same East Coast Hampton's elegance, that you've come to expect at Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant and Spa. This sanctuary is a haven for guests to de-stress and unwind with spa treatments that have been thoughtfully designed to re-balance the synergy between mind, body and soul. Using the purest grade essential oils and the highest quality native plants, flowers, fruits and mud these products used in conjunction with unique Indigenous Australian healing techniques, deliver a spa experience that will deeply relax, restore and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Open 7 days a week, by appointment.

Killcare Heights NSW

1.9 km away

Rocky Point Trail — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Rocky Point Trail

Bouddi National Park offers plenty of mountain biking opportunities on well-defined trails, also suitable for walking. One of the best cycling routes for beginners is Rocky Point trail, a one-way trail beginning just off Wards Hills Road and finishing at Allen Strom lookout. There are stellar scenic views from Allen Strom lookout over Hardys Bay and it is great for birdwatching along the way, so be sure to bring your binoculars. Rocky Point trail forms part of Bouddi Ridge explorer, which links several trails in a single loop throughout the park. The 10 kilometre loop combines ocean lookouts with beautiful forested tracks for a brilliant overview of the area.

Killcare Heights NSW

2.0 km away

Daleys Point Walking Track — Image credit: Photo John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Daleys Point Walking Track

Daleys Point walking track, in Bouddi National Park, offers spectacular scenic views and an opportunity to experience unique Aboriginal cultural heritage. Starting near Wards Hill Road, this signposted track follows the ridgetop through beautiful bushlands with some short steep sections, to Daleys Point Aboriginal Site. It is a moderately easy walk that can be enjoyed on a family day trip. Winding through the woodlands, listen for the distinctive call of glossy black cockatoos. In spring, the bush is dotted with native wildflowers including the delicate white flannel flower. Before you know it you’ll arrive at Daleys Point with spectacular scenic views over Cockle Bay Nature Reserve and Brisbane Water. Also known as Milligans Cave or Fish Hook Shelter, these sandstone engravings are an important Aboriginal site. While you admire and take in the significance of this special place, please remember to respect the surroundings so as not to damage engravings.

Killcare Heights NSW

2.2 km away

Maitland Bay Track — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Maitland Bay Track

Maitland Bay track is one of Bouddi National Park’s most popular bushwalks. This short, steep walking track begins at Maitland Bay Information Centre. It then winds downhill to the secluded Maitland Bay, past the Bullimah Spur track junction, rock landings, gullies, Hawkesbury sandstone and Bouddi Grand Deep rainforest. Stop to swim, look for shells or simply dip your feet in the water. If it’s low tide, head to the bay’s eastern end to see remains of the PS Maitland, tragically wrecked in 1898. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to walk down the hill and 30 to 40 minutes to get back up. Some find it tough going on the return, so you may wish to walk the flatter three kilometres to Putty Beach and have someone pick you up there.

Killcare Heights NSW

2.5 km away

Bouddi Ridge Explorer — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Bouddi Ridge Explorer

Bouddi Ridge explorer is the longest mountain biking trail in Bouddi National Park. The trail is a 10 kilometre loop, combining several other park trails - Strom loop, Rocky Point trail, Daleys Point trail and MacMasters Ridge trail. Bouddi Ridge explorer offers real variety for mountain bikers. Strom loop and Rocky Point trail sections are easy going, while the undulating Daleys Point trail needs more effort and MacMasters Ridge trail is steep in parts, requiring greater fitness. Park your car at Maitland Bay Information Centre and start riding Strom loop, following park signage. Return along Strom trail, or make a loop via The Scenic Road and Turkey trail. Stop and enjoy the view from Allen Strom lookout at the end of Rocky Point trail.

Killcare Heights NSW

2.5 km away

Bullimah Spur Track — Image credit: Photo: John Yurasek

Natural Attractions

Bullimah Spur Track

Beginning from Maitland Bay Information Centre, Bullimah Spur track offers a medium difficulty walk through Central Coast bushland, flanked by some of the park’s most impressive panoramas. Descend along Maitland Bay track and down the stairs to Bullimah Spur track, which branches off to the right. The track junction is well-marked, so it’s easy to navigate your way. Follow the ridgeline past a forest of towering red gums and note the lovely understory of ancient ferns. Along the way you’ll see spectacular views overlooking Putty Beach, Tallow Beach, and all the way out to Lion Island and even Sydney. Near the end of the track you can see sweeping views over Putty Beach and the coastline to the south and the expansive Pacific Ocean.

Killcare NSW

2.6 km away

Ettalong Beach — Image credit: Destination Central Coast

Entertainment Venues

Ettalong Beach

Ettalong beach is a popular Central Coast enclave and a safe, fun family favourite. The beach provides a scenic breadth of activity at this waterfront town overlooking Broken Bay and Lion Island. Ettalong Beach's appeal lies in its beaches, lagoons, waterways and safe swimming for children. This popular town on the Central Coast also offers a wide range of seaside and bush accommodation. It's a renowned fishing beach, with excellent boating facilities. Ferries and charter vessels run regular tours around the majestic Brisbane Water National Park, providing scenic, fishing and whale watching experiences. There are many family friendly things to do within close reach. Visit Ocean and Umina Beaches for more than 2km of sandy beaches and an inland waterway that is great for younger children to have a splash around. Please note: Ettalong Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.

Ettalong Beach NSW

2.9 km away

Ocean Beach Umina

Natural Attractions

Ocean Beach Umina

Ocean Beach on the Central Coast shares its shores with Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach, located on the Peninsula area of the region. With the protection of Broken Bay, you will enjoy its modest 1.3km kilometres of golden sand - the perfect combination of an ocean beach with views across the water, plus the safety of an inland waterway, which is great for family friendly swimming. This is also a dog friendly beach so you can bring your furry buddy with you to enjoy the waves. Ocean Beach has its own Surf Life Saving Club, Ocean Beach SLSC formed in 1921, and is patrolled every day from October Long Weekend until the end of April School Holidays. The Esplanade features a grassed area, kiosk, picnic tables and seating to admire the incredible view, along with BBQs and a children's playground. Parking is available at the public beachside car park and street side parking. Accessibility features include accessible parking, beach matting, beach wheelchairs, and accessible toilets.

Umina Beach NSW

3.6 km away

Bouddi National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Bouddi National Park

Located on the Central Coast near Gosford, north of Sydney, the beautiful Bouddi National Park offers spectacular diverse landscapes - from beaches and steep cliffs through to rainforest and heathland. Make the most of the park's coastal location and camp at Little Beach, Putty Beach or Tallow Beach campground. Go swimming, fishing or whale watching. Explore the cycling trails or take in sweeping views from the lookouts and coastal walks, including the well-known Bouddi Coastal walk. Bouddi National Park is home to countless attractions, including one of Australia's first marine protected areas, significant Aboriginal sites, wildlife and wildflowers, and even an old paddle steamer wreck. It's a great getaway for a weekend or a week.

Bouddi NSW

3.6 km away

Broken Bay, Umina Beach — Image credit: Central Coast Tourism

Natural Attractions

Umina Beach

Umina Beach is one of the Central Coast's most loved beaches, and it's easy to see why the calm shallow waters make it ideal for families and a wide range of water activities. Everything you need is close at hand, food kiosk, picnic tables, a dog friendly area on the southern end. It's welcoming beach with something for everyone to enjoy. Professional Central Coast Council Lifeguards patrol Umina Beach from Monday to Friday. During weekends and on Public Holidays these locations are patrolled by Surf Life Saving volunteers. People with a disability will now find it easier to access Umina Beach with a Sand Cruiser and a Hippocampe (suitable for young people) wheelchair available for bookings. Contact Umina Surf Club for bookings.

Umina Beach NSW

4.1 km away

Mount Bouddi (Dingeldei) picnic area

Natural Attractions

Mount Bouddi (Dingeldei) picnic area

Sometimes referred to as the Dingeldei picnic area, Mount Bouddi picnic area is a great spot for a bush picnic. Roll out the picnic blanket or sit at one of the picnic tables and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere amongst the eucalypts. If it’s a sunny day, relax in the shade provided by the volunteer-built Dingeldei Shelter, named after a former trustee of Bouddi National Park. Some find the area’s private, rustic setting brings with it the feeling of being a bush pioneer.

Bouddi NSW

4.4 km away

Mount Bouddi Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Mount Bouddi Walking Track

Starting at Mount Bouddi (Dingeldei) picnic area, Mount Bouddi walking track is a short and easy walk through beautiful bushland with spectacular coastal views, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Bouddi National Park. With some short steep sections, this walking track leads through eucalypt woodlands dotted with grass trees and burrawangs. Watch for flashes of vibrant colour as parrots dart through the trees and listen for the uplifting laughter of the kookaburras. Before long the bush will open up with panoramic views of the coastline with Bouddi Point and Maitland Bay bombora before you. If you’ve still got energy to burn there’s the option to return via Bouddi Coastal walk to the south, then follow Maitland Bay track and Strom loop back to Mount Bouddi Road. Otherwise retrace your steps with the option to enjoy a leisurely lunch at Mount Bouddi (Dingeldei) picnic area.

Gosford NSW

4.4 km away

Strom Loop — Image credit: Photo: Nick Cubbin

Natural Attractions

Strom Loop

Strom loop is a good option for families who enjoy walking or beginner cycling, and want to get a taste of Bouddi National Park. Strom loop can be completed as either a five kilometre round trip or a three kilometre one-way trail ending at Mount Bouddi (Dingeldei) picnic area. Beginning at Maitland Bay Information Centre, follow Strom loop as it parallels the 2.5 kilometre stretch of Scenic Road. It’s a straightforward walking or cycling trail with scenic forest views and birdwatching opportunities. Most mammals in the park are nocturnal, but if you keep your eyes open you might be lucky to spot a swamp wallaby or echidna. After taking advantage of the facilities in Mount Bouddi (Dingeldei) picnic area, you can return along Strom loop or make a loop via Scenic Road, North West Ridge trail, and Turkey trail. If bushwalking, you can use the link to Maitland Bay walking track instead or Mount Bouddi walking track.

Bensville NSW

4.4 km away

Ephemeral Art at the Arboretum — Image credit: Pearl Beach Arboretum

Natural Attractions

Pearl Beach Arboretum

The Arboretum was established on 5.5 hectares of Council Land by the Pearl Beach Community in 1976. It is a sanctuary for rare and threatened plants and animals, devoted to growing plants for conservation, research and education. The Arboretum is named after Minard Crommelin who fought for conservation in New South Wales all her life and who made Pearl Beach her home from 1942 until her death in 1972. You may be lucky enough to see some animals and birds including lyrebirds, bowerbirds, fairy-wrens, tawny frogmouths, kookaburras, bandicoots, goannas, water dragons, swamp wallabies and echidnas. They also have over 50 threatened species, bush tucker plants, and koala trees (sadly no koalas since the 1990s), and promote native bee habitat.

Pearl Beach NSW

5.8 km away

Barrenjoey Lighthouse — Image credit: D Finnegan/OEH

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Barrenjoey Lighthouse sits at Sydney's most northern point Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach. Positioned 91m above sea level, the lighthouse can be reached by a couple of walks and offers outstanding views. It's an easy day trip from Sydney and a great place to bring overseas visitors they may recognise the lighthouse from Home and Away and will find Summer Bay Surf Club nearby. The lighthouse is one of the most iconic sights on Sydney's northern beaches and boasts a notable cultural heritage. Built in 1881 from sandstone quarried on site, the lighthouse, its oil room and keepers' cottages remain unpainted in the original stone finish. To get there, take an easy and picturesque walk along Barrenjoey track for 1km. The walk to the top requires moderate fitness and will take about 30 minutes each way from Governor Phillip parking area. You could choose to walk Smugglers track instead for a more challenging hike to the top. The name comes from customs officers who built the track to monitor smugglers bringing contraband into Broken Bay around 1850. Smugglers track offers a steeper and shorter trek up to the lighthouse, but it's well worth the effort.

Palm Beach NSW

6.0 km away

Station Beach — Image credit: Northern Beaches council

Natural Attractions

Station Beach

Located along the western side of Governor Phillip Park, Station Beach is the perfect spot if you're looking for a quiet, sandy beach with calm waters and stunning views over Pittwater and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. There is no Life Guard on duty. Station Beach provides two distinctive beaches separated by a café and a long jetty. Station Beach (south) is situated between Beach Road and the Boathouse jetty, and adjacent to Palm Beach Golf course. Take a walk along the beach, spend some time appreciating the gorgeous views and then head out together around Governor Phillip Park. Dogs are not permitted at Station Beach – please remember to keep your dog on-leash in the park and surrounding areas. Station Beach (north) is situated between the Boathouse jetty and Barrenjoey Headland, with its famous lighthouse and views over Broken Bay. You will see Lion Island off-shore, with its distinctive spinifex shape. It contains the largest population of little penguins in the Sydney area with about 300 breeding pairs. While your dog is not permitted at Station Beach, you are able to take your dog to the grassy bank above the beach (on-leash), where you can take in the views. Access via end of Beach Rd or Governor Phillip Park Palm Beach.

Palm Beach NSW

6.7 km away

Warrah lookout — Image credit: Remy Brand

Natural Attractions

Warrah lookout

Warrah lookout offers spectacular views across Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River, making this a great spot to visit all year round. Put your eyes to the test and see if you can make out the finer details of Broken Bay inlet in the distance. The rustle of the eucalyptus trees around you and the lapping of the waves below will provide the perfect soundtrack for your visit. Did you know waratahs are the state emblem for New South Wales? You won’t want to miss their stunning late-winter bloom on display at Warrah lookout. Known as Waratah Patch by locals, this is one of the best places in the park to see these fiery-red flowers. Although the track to the lookout has steps and some rough ground, it is an easy and short walk from the carpark.

Patonga NSW

6.9 km away

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