Bouddi Coastal Walk
An 8.5km coastal trail featuring boardwalks, rainforest, and secluded beaches with stunning ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Bouddi Coastal Walk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 8.5km coastal trail featuring boardwalks, rainforest, and secluded beaches with stunning ocean views.
"Stunning coastal views, boardwalks, and secluded beaches make this a must-do hike."
🚗 Parking Fees & Fines
Pay for parking at Putty Beach ($8/day) or use free parking at Little Beach. Rangers issue $100 fines!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The track has many steps and varied terrain, from boardwalks to sand. Good walking shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tessellated Pavement & Maitland Bay
Start of the walk
Unique rock formations and a beautiful, often secluded bay perfect for a refreshing dip.
Boardwalks with Ocean Vistas
Various sections
Elevated wooden paths offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and ocean.
Secluded Beaches
Along the trail
Discover hidden golden beaches perfect for a peaceful break or a swim.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Parking and Transport Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees & Fines
Pay for parking at Putty Beach ($8/day) or use free parking at Little Beach. Rangers issue $100 fines!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The track has many steps and varied terrain, from boardwalks to sand. Good walking shoes are a must.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. There are limited facilities along the main trail.
🐍 Wildlife Awareness
Be mindful of wildlife, including snakes, especially in bushland sections.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees & Fines
Pay for parking at Putty Beach ($8/day) or use free parking at Little Beach. Rangers issue $100 fines!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The track has many steps and varied terrain, from boardwalks to sand. Good walking shoes are a must.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. There are limited facilities along the main trail.
🐍 Wildlife Awareness
Be mindful of wildlife, including snakes, especially in bushland sections.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
It's an out-and-back trail. Decide if you'll do the full 8.5km or shorter sections.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Bouddi Coastal Walk's stunning ocean views, well-maintained boardwalks, and beautiful beaches like Maitland Bay. It's praised for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere, making it a highly recommended coastal hike. Some find the beach rough for surfing and note the sandy terrain, while others mention the need for careful transport planning if not doing a return walk.
"It’s a great spot for a coastal walk with beautiful views. The beach itself is a bit rough, so it’s not suitable for surfing, and it can be quite sandy. There were no lifeguards on duty when we visited today, so take care if you go into the water. Also, make sure to buy a parking ticket a ranger was checking cars today and the fine is $100.
Changing room ✖️
Shower ☑️
Toilet ☑️"
Rusintha Costa
"About 4km moderate walk with a variety of views. It's called coastal walk but only in some places there is those astonishing ocean views and in other places it is like a bush walk or gum tree jungles. The walk is well maintained and there's parking and toilets only in the beginning, with the start of the walk in the beach."
Ali Akbari
"Looooove this walking trail. Good for ocean lover.
Be careful wildlife around bush, saw a wild snake today. But overall really peaceful and scenic coastal walk. Signs are easy to follow and stunning view all the way!
Not crowded at all even it’s Sunday we went. Highly recommended."
Lucy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bouddi Coastal Walk is approximately 1.5 hours north of Sydney by car. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the trailheads at Putty Beach or Little Beach. Public transport options are limited, but buses are available if you're not driving.
Yes, there is parking available at Putty Beach Car Park, which costs $8 per day. Rangers actively check for payment, so be sure to pay to avoid a $100 fine. Little Beach also offers free parking. +1
While driving is recommended, it is possible to reach the Bouddi Coastal Walk via public transport. You can take a train to Gosford and then a bus towards MacMasters Beach or Putty Beach. However, check bus schedules in advance as they can be infrequent.
Yes, the Bouddi Coastal Walk is considered family-friendly, especially the boardwalk sections. It offers stunning coastal views and is generally well-maintained. Some parts have many steps, so consider younger children's stamina. 
The walk itself is free to access. However, parking at Putty Beach Car Park incurs a fee of $8 per day. Parking at Little Beach is free.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter and walk the Bouddi Coastal Walk. It's a public access trail within Bouddi National Park.
Bouddi National Park is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always best to check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website for any specific alerts or temporary closures.
There is no general entry fee for Bouddi National Park. However, parking fees apply at designated car parks like Putty Beach.
Yes, you can book campsites at Little Beach and Putty Beach within Bouddi National Park. Booking in advance through the NSW National Parks website is required.
No specific passes are required for the Bouddi Coastal Walk itself. Standard NSW National Parks entry conditions apply, and parking fees are separate.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The full Bouddi Coastal Walk, typically from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach, is about 8.5km one way. Some sections can be shorter, and it's often walked as an out-and-back trail.
Completing the full 8.5km walk can take approximately 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views. Shorter sections can be done in 1-2 hours.
The Bouddi Coastal Walk is generally rated as a Grade 3 track. It involves some steep sections and many steps, but the paths are well-maintained.
Toilets are available at the start of the walk at Putty Beach and also at Little Beach. Showers are available at Little Beach. There are no facilities along most of the trail itself.
No, the Bouddi Coastal Walk is not a loop trail. It's typically walked as an out-and-back route, meaning you'll need to retrace your steps or arrange alternative transport if you walk one-way.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk sections offer stunning panoramic ocean views, perfect for capturing the coastline. Maitland Bay and the Tessellated Pavement also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour) provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for coastal photography. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone usage in national parks is subject to strict regulations. Always check the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service guidelines and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the ocean and sky. Consider a lightweight setup for ease of carrying.
Lookout points are scattered along the trail, offering elevated perspectives of the ocean and coastline. The start of the walk near Putty Beach and Maitland Bay are particularly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a great way to introduce kids to the beauty of the NSW coastline without overly strenuous hiking. While the full 8.5km might be a bit much for very young children, you can easily do shorter sections. The walk to Maitland Bay Beach is a popular choice for families, offering a beautiful destination with opportunities for play. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and keep a close eye on children, especially near the water and on any steeper sections.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Consider walking from Putty Beach to Little Beach and arranging transport back, or vice versa, to experience different sections. If you're looking for an overnight adventure, the campgrounds at Little Beach and Putty Beach offer a chance to extend your stay and enjoy the park's tranquility.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping landscapes and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the vibrant blues of the sea and sky. Be mindful of the weather, as dramatic skies can add to the photographic appeal. Drone photography is possible but requires adherence to strict regulations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Bouddi Coastal Walk
While the walk is not a loop, many visitors opt for an out-and-back journey, returning the way they came. This allows for flexibility in how far you explore. Alternatively, you can arrange for transport at the other end, though relying on ride-sharing services like Uber might be unreliable, making bus services a more dependable option for one-way trekkers.
Key sections include the stunning boardwalks offering panoramic ocean views, the unique Tessellated Pavement, and the beautiful Maitland Bay. The trail winds through coastal heath, rainforest pockets, and along sandy beaches, providing a diverse and engaging hiking experience.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
While the walk is generally peaceful and scenic, it's important to be aware of the local wildlife. Snakes have been spotted in the bushland sections, so it's advisable to stay on marked paths and be vigilant. The natural beauty extends from the rugged cliffs and ocean vistas to the lush rainforest sections, offering a rich sensory experience.
The beaches along the route, such as Maitland Bay, are often less crowded and offer a chance to explore rock platforms and enjoy the coastal environment. Remember to respect the natural surroundings and leave no trace.
Planning Your Visit: Parking and Facilities
Facilities are concentrated at the start and end points. Toilets are available at Putty Beach and Little Beach. Showers are also available at Little Beach, which can be a welcome amenity after your walk. However, along the main trail itself, facilities are scarce, so come prepared.
For those considering an overnight stay, camping is available at both Little Beach and Putty Beach campgrounds. Booking in advance through the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website is essential.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit