Check out our pick of the best bushwalks and lookouts on the Central Coast
Before hitting the beach, one of the best ways to enjoy nature on the Central Coast is to go bushwalking. Explore the deserted beaches and look for whales on the Bouddi Coastal Walk or marvel at the Waratahs in season along the short walk to Warrah lookout offering scenic views of Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River. You can walk short distances or long. The Great North Walk a mere 250km walk from Sydney to Newcastle passes through some beautiful areas of the Central Coast.
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Allen Strom Lookout
There are scenic views aplenty at the Central Coast’s Allen Strom lookout. Gaze across Hardys Bay to Wagstaffe and Ettalong and as far as Brisbane Water National Park. 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.
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AddressThe Scenic Rd Killcare Heights
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Local Walks
There are a plethora of bush walks on the Central Coast from state forest walks to National Parks there is a walk to suit everyone!
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AddressCentral Coast
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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.
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AddressMaitland Bay Dr Killcare
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Maitland Bay Track
Maitland Bay is one of the most popular hidden beaches in Bouddi National Park. You can only get there by walking through the bush. And it’s worth it. Walk down the steep but spacious 900 m Maitland Bay track to get to the beach. This track is most direct way, but there are other ones that lead to the beach as well. This walk is one of the most popular in Bouddi. Understandably – it’s short and well-maintained. And it brings you to a beautiful hidden beach through gullies and lush vegetation.
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AddressMaitland Bay Dr Killcare
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Box Head
This easy walk winds through bushland to the Box Head lookout, offering scenic views across the Hawkesbury River and cross Broken Bay and Lion Island to Sydney. 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.
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AddressHawke Head Dr Killcare
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Patonga to Pearl Beach
Beginning near Patonga boat ramp, the moderately challenging hike is three kilometres one way and takes you on a scenic climb through Brisbane Water National Park. Warrah Lookout is a great place to stop for breathtaking views of Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River. The refreshing turquoise waters of Pearl Beach signal the end of the trail and an opportunity to stop off for a swim.
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AddressPatonga Rd Patonga
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Kariong Brook Falls
Also known as Kendall’s Chair because of the chair-shaped rocks, this waterfall is located in Brisbane Water National Park, just down the road from Tommos campsite. Kariong Brook Falls is the best waterfall on the Coast for swimming. If you want to go all ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and meditate under a streaming waterfall – then this is the spot for you.
The waterfall is accessed from Woy Woy Road, Woy Woy (6km return trip). At this location there is a closed gate with a sign for walkers, displaying: ‘To the Great North Walk 1.7 km.’ This access area/small car park (space for 3 cars)-
AddressKariong Brook Falls
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Somersby Falls
Probably the most well-known waterfall on the Central Coast, Somersby Falls is located in Brisbane Water National Park. The stunning cascading water isn’t the only awesome thing about these falls – the walking track down to them and the surrounding picnics are great fun for you and the kids!
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AddressSomersby Falls
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Lobster Beach
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.
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AddressHigh View Rd Pretty Beach
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