Hiking offers a wonderful escape from the stresses of city life, and Central Coast is just about an hour from Sydney, with one of the best hikes in the region – the Bouddi Coastal Walk. Spanning about 9 kilometers from Putty Beach to Macmasters Beach, this trail weaves through Bouddi National Park, offering some of New South Wales’ most picturesque and varied scenery. It’s a perfect day hike that takes around 4-5 hours, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor every natural wonder along the way.
As a former bus driver, I may be biased, but it’s discouraging to see empty buses and trains while the roads are congested with single-occupant cars. Public transport is not only more environmentally friendly, but also safer and, in my opinion, more pleasant, relaxing, and socially enjoyable than driving.
On a warm Tuesday morning, I left Sydney, reached a remote part of the Central Coast for a relaxing coastal hike, finished with a swim and dinner, and returned home—all without needing overnight accommodation.
If you plan to follow my itinerary below, be sure to verify it by using NSW Transport’s excellent trip planner before heading out.
Getting to the Bouddi Coastal Walk Starting Point
- Train: Sydney to Woy Woy (1 hr 10 mins)
I caught the 5:20 Central Coast and Newcastle Intercity train from Sydney Central, which arrived at 6:30 sharply in Woy Woy. If you prefer a later start, the 5:50 train arrives at 7:03, though this option leaves less buffer time for delays. - Bus: Woy Woy to Ettalong (11 mins)
At 7:12, I caught Bus 64 from Woy Woy Station and disembarked at Ettalong Wharf (Ocean View Rd / Schnapper) at 7:23. - Ferry: Ettalong to Wagstaffe (10 mins)
I took the ferry from Ettalong at 7:50 and arrived at Wagstaffe Wharf at 8:00. - Walk: Wagstaffe to Putty Beach (1 hr 9 mins)
From here I followed the Old Wagstaffe Trail (see map below). The 5-kilometer trail took me about an hour to reach the starting point of the Bouddi Coastal Walk
The Bouddi Coastal Walk
Start: Putty Beach
The real Bouddi walk begins at Putty Beach, right after the campsite. At the beach there are stairs stairs leading up the cliffs, where the boardwalk offers views of famous tessellated rock formations.
Maitland Bay
After about 3 kilometers, I reached Maitland Bay, a large, secluded sandy beach accessible only via Bouddi Coastal Walk, or the winding bush trail from the Maitland Bay Drive car park.
Once upon a time, steamships traveled along this coast between Sydney and Newcastle. They left in the evening and arrived in the morning. On May 5, 1898, the SS Maitland, carrying 66 people (about 30 staff included), left Sydney only to be caught in one of the worst gales in 20 years. With water flooding the stokehole, the ship lost steam pressure and began drifting. By morning, it crashed onto the rocks at Maitland Bay’s entrance, splitting in two and tragically claiming around 28 lives. You can learn more about this fascinating event at the visitor center or in the book below, Wreck of the Maitland, by Geoffrey Potter, which I bought from the library in Gosford.
Now, I went up the stairs from the beach with the book in my hand, and had a mid-morning coffee & reading break at the wooden viewing deck at the top of the cliffs.
Little Beach
At about the 7-kilometer mark, I arrived at Little Beach, a small, tranquil beach with a campsite offering picnic tables, barbecue facilities, and toilets (though no water). Perfect spot for lunch and a short nap.
End: Macmasters Beach
After 8-9 kilometers of scenic steps and fire trails, I reached Macmasters Beach. I had a refreshing swim, and afterwards an ice cream at Macs Beach Café.
Getting Back: From Bouddi Coastal Walk’s End Point
Now it was about time to head back home.
Bus
I walked up to the bus stop on Scenic Road , where I caught Bus 65 at 15:02. It brought me back to Wagstaffe by 15:29. It is a rare and infrequent bus. If you miss it, you may need to take a taxi or Uber.
Ferry
From Wagstaffe Wharf, I took the 15:50 ferry back to Ettalong, arrived at 16:00.
Dinner in Ettalong
The day before I had made a booking at the waterfront restaurant The Box on the Water. I ordered a amazing seafood platter and had a chat with the Swedish chef. Highly recommended.
Bus: Ettalong to Woy Woy
From the big white Mantra Hotel (Ocean View Rd at Broken Bay), I then took Bus 53 back to Woy Woy Station. This frequent bus runs regularly from early morning until late evening. A good option is the 18:53 bus, arriving at Woy Woy Station at 19:05.
Train: Woy Woy to Sydney Central
Then I took the 19:10 train from Woy Woy back to Sydney Central, where I arrived at 20:25. Trains run frequently, so if you miss one, just catch the next.
Summary
The Bouddi Coastal Walk combines moderate physical activity with ample opportunities to pause, take in the views, and simply enjoy the surrounding beauty. With lookout points and beach stops along the way, this walk is ideal for a range of fitness levels, allowing you to set your own pace.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this trail offers an unforgettable day out, connecting you with Australia’s natural wonders and rich cultural history. So, pack your camera, wear your comfiest shoes, and get ready to experience the charm of the Bouddi Coastal Walk.