There’s something about the Central Coast that makes walking feel less like exercise and more like an escape.
You’ve got coastal cliffs with sweeping ocean views, shady rainforest trails and peaceful bush tracks all within easy reach. These are the kinds of walks that make a day trip feel like a real getaway.
Finding exceptional walks on the Central Coast requires minimal searching, with excellent options readily available. We’ve narrowed it down to five standout tracks. They’re favourites for locals, loved by regular visitors and perfect for anyone looking to see a different side of the coast.
Each walk brings something unique. Some are ideal for early morning clears of the head, others work well for slow Sunday adventures.
The good news? They’re all worth lacing up for.
Keep reading and you’ll find five trails that show why the Central Coast is one of the best places in NSW to go for a proper walk.
1. Bouddi Coastal Walk
Bouddi National Park
If there’s one trail that shows off the Central Coast’s natural beauty, it’s the Bouddi Coastal Walk.
This track follows the coastline through Bouddi National Park, offering stunning ocean views, lush forest sections and quiet beaches along the way. It’s the kind of walk that feels like a mini-holiday, with enough variety to keep it interesting the whole way through.
The walk stretches about 8 kilometres one way, running between Putty Beach and Macmasters Beach. It’s considered moderate, with a few stairs and uneven sections, but nothing too challenging if you’re reasonably fit.
Along the way, you’ll pass Gerrin Point Lookout, Maitland Bay and even some ancient sandstone formations that make great photo stops.
Expect to see a mix of wildflowers, native bushland and sweeping clifftop views. There are spots to stop for a swim or a picnic, and you can tackle it as a return walk or organise a car shuffle if you’re heading one way.
More information here
2. Somersby Falls Walk
Brisbane Water National Park
Tucked inside Brisbane Water National Park, Somersby Falls is one of the most peaceful spots on the Central Coast. The walk here is short but packed with charm, making it a favourite for families, photographers and anyone who needs a quick nature fix.
The trail is less than 500 metres return, with a well-defined path and steps leading down to multiple levels of the waterfall. It’s a relatively easy walk, though it can get slippery after rain, so good shoes are a must.
The best time to visit is after periods of wet weather, when the falls are flowing and the surrounding forest turns a bright green.
There are picnic tables and toilets, making it an ideal stop for a laid-back afternoon. You’ll hear lyrebirds in the background and see goannas strolling across the grass if you’re lucky.
Even though it’s a short track, it’s a strong reminder of how accessible nature can be across the Central Coast.
More information here
3. Mooney Mooney Nature Walk
Brisbane Water National Park
Mooney Mooney Nature Walk offers a peaceful stretch of bushland with boardwalks, creek crossings and plenty of greenery.
Starting from a small parking bay off the Old Pacific Highway, this track follows a winding path through Brisbane Water National Park, with one of the highlights being the Phil Houghton suspension bridge stretched across Piles Creek.
Families often take the shorter return option to the bridge and back, around 4 kilometres in total. It’s an easier option for kids, with less climbing and more time to enjoy the surroundings.
For a bit more of a challenge, the full walk continues uphill to the Girrakool picnic area, covering about 4.2 kilometres one way.
The mix of forest, water and open sky makes it a great choice for a half-day out. The path can be uneven in places, so good shoes help, and it’s worth packing water even for the shorter version.
More information here
4. Box Head Track
Bouddi National Park
Box Head Track is a short, easy trail inside Bouddi National Park that ends with one of the best views along the Central Coast. It’s a 3.2 kilometre return walk that starts at the end of Hawke Head Drive in Killcare Heights, following a fire trail and bush track out to a lookout over Broken Bay.
The path is mostly flat and manageable for walkers of all ages. Along the way, you’ll pass tall angophoras, and in spring, wildflowers dot the track.
Birdlife is common, and if you’re walking during the right season, you might even spot whales offshore.
At the end of the track, the view opens wide across Pittwater, Lion Island and Sydney’s northern beaches. It’s the kind of spot that invites you to sit for a while.
Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be quieter, with softer light and cooler air.
More information here
5. Patonga to Pearl Beach Walk
Brisbane Water National Park
The Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track is one of the most scenic short hikes on the Central Coast.
Winding through Brisbane Water National Park, the trail links two sleepy coastal villages with a mix of bushland, sandstone outcrops and stunning water views along the way.
The walk starts at the end of Patonga Drive and runs for about 3 kilometres one way. It’s graded moderate, with a solid climb early on and some uneven terrain, but nothing too technical.
As you make your way up, Warrah Lookout offers sweeping views over Broken Bay and beyond. Keep an eye out for native wildlife and the occasional glimpse of the ocean through the trees.
Once you reach Pearl Beach, there’s a café and a quiet stretch of sand waiting. Some walkers head back the way they came, while others continue on a loop via nearby fire trails or arrange a lift home.
More information here
Wrapping It Up
The Central Coast offers walking trails that provide much more than exercise. These five tracks showcase the variety available in the region. Each trail offers a unique outdoor experience close to home, from shady bushland paths to beaches perfect for a post-walk swim.
These walks make excellent starting points for exploring more of what the Central Coast has to offer. They’re accessible, popular with locals, and ideal for refreshing weekend outings.
The natural beauty highlighted by these walking trails forms an essential part of the Central Coast lifestyle. Properties near these outdoor spaces typically offer an enhanced living quality and maintain strong appeal for both buyers and residents.
As a local buyer’s agent who frequently enjoys these trails, I can help you find a home that connects you with these natural advantages while meeting your budget requirements. Contact me for a free consultation to explore Central Coast properties that give you easy access to this outstanding outdoor lifestyle.
