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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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 on to Toowoon Bay Surf Club. Follow on 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the 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

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.

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 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 big swell, you might get wet from the sea spray – which is welcome on hot days!

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.

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 neighbouring suburb Umina.

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.

12. Norah Head Lighthouse Loop

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

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.

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.

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