Walking tracks
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.
Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests
Location:
shown on Maitland Bay map
Opening hours: The Bullimah Spur track is:
- always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger
Rocky Point Walking Track
A fairly easy walk along a fire trail through beautiful Bouddi National Park. A carpet of flannel flowers blankets this area in early spring.
Directions: From the gravel car park at the top hill of Wards Hill Road (opposite Maitland Bay Drive intersection), follow the fire trail marked Rocky Point Trail, about 50 m to the south through a smaller gate.
Follow the fire trail for approximately 1 km, before reaching Allen Strom Lookout on the ridge above Rocky Point. From here you'll see stunning views of Brisbane Water across to Brisbane Water National Park.
Box Head track
Amble along the 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.
Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests
Location:
shown on park map
Opening hours: The Box Head track is:
- always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger
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 overlooking Tallow Beach and Lobster Beach, the track meanders through towering angophora forest. Stand a moment in the shade of these mighty trees – also known as red gums – before continuing on to a magnificent 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 Flannel Flower walking track and Tallow Beach trail, which descends to Tallow Beach campground, which join the track.
Directions: From the locked gate at the end of Hawke Head Drive, walk downhill and take the first track that leads to the right (north). Note that the wide trail to the left leads to Tallow Beach and Box Head. The walk weaves its way under the angophora forest to a magnificent lookout, providing commanding views over Broken Bay, 'the Box', Umina and Pearl Beach.
The trail then continues downhill and traverses the 'Pretty Beach Right Of Way'. This walking track provides public access across private property and has been granted by the owners in the interest of the community. Please respect the privacy of landowners by remaining on the track at all times.
At the end of the Right Of Way (next to a timber fence), the track meets with the Lobster Beach Walking Track. From here you can turn left (uphill) past a series of timber stairs to Lobster Beach or right (downhill) to High View Road at Pretty Beach.
Mount Bouddi Walking Track
The Mount Bouddi Walking Track starts at the southern end of Mount Bouddi Road from Dingeldei picnic area and winds its way through eucalypt woodlands before opening up providing panoramic views of Bouddi Point and Maitland Bay bombora.
The track continues on about 300 m before meeting up with the Bouddi Coastal Walk. From the intersection you can go west to Maitland Bay behind Bouddi Point. Head east to Little Beach via Bombi Moor - see track notes for this alternative walk.
Plant communities: heathlands, grassy woodlands
Location:
shown on Maitland Bay map
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 15–20 minutes to walk down the hill and 30–40 minutes to get back up. Some find it tough going on the return, so you may wish to walk the flatter 3km to Putty Beach and have someone pick you up there.
Plant communities: dry eucalypt forests
Cultural heritage: At low tide you can still see some remains of the PS Maitland at the eastern end of Maitland Bay. Wrecked at Bouddi Point in the early hours of 6 May 1898, the Maitland was travelling from Sydney to Newcastle. Whilst 36 persons were rescued, it's thought that 15 passengers and 12 crew died.
Location:
shown on Maitland Bay map
Daleys Point walking track
This track takes you from near Wards Hill Road through beautiful woodlands along a ridgetop bringing you to Daleys Point Aboriginal Site. The track and destination both offer spectacular views over Cockle Bay Nature Reserve, Daleys Point and Brisbane Water.
Please respect Aboriginal sites and do not touch or damage the site in anyway, severe penalties apply.
Directions: From the gravel car park at the top hill of Wards Hill Road (opposite Maitland Bay Drive intersection), follow the fire trail to the northwest through the large gate. Continue past 2 trails on the left. At about the 1.6 km point, head right at the Y intersection. This trail leads you to Daley’s Point Aboriginal Site, which offers good views over Cockle Bay Nature Reserve and Brisbane Water.
Bouddi coastal walk
The 8km 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 (3km)
- Maitland Bay to Little Beach (3.5km)
- Little Beach to MacMasters Beach (1.7km)
Plant communities: heathlands, dry eucalypt forests
Location:
shown on Maitland Bay map
