Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Bouddi Ridge and Coastal Walk hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Bouddi Ridge and Coastal Walk
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
2 Days
27 km
1223 m
Circuit
4.7 km SE of Woy Woy
Bouddi National Park
Track: Hard
This overnight walk takes in the majority of the magnificent Bouddi National Park. The walk starts from the pleasent Putty Beach camping area with its Brush Turkeys and heads along the ridge towards Little Beach then leads to the beaches and coast. This circuit walk frequents many beaches and views from lookouts before returning to Putty Beach campsite. The second day explores the Box Head and Lobster Beach areas with a shorter day allowing time to drive to Hardy's Bay or a surf.
Bushwalking can be fun and interesting when you are well prepared. Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all possible dangers. The authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing these notes but do not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained when using these notes. Please take care and feel free to provide feedback through our website. Please note that side trips and alternate routes mentioned in these notes are not included in the tracks overall rating, distance or time estimate. The notes also only describe the side trip and alternate routes in one direction.
You can promote your organisation on the web and in the bush by sponsoring a set of Wildwalks tracknotes. Sponsorship starts from $10 per/month. This program is unique and will offer a great return on your investment.
(0 km) Putty Beach Campsite to House fence corner Int. Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 0.4 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 92 m
Descent = 0 m
The track winds up a spur running north east to the top of the hill. The bush is divided by burnt scrub on the rigth and unburnt on the left. Towards the top of the hill a houses fence is reached where the track turns right to the int..
(0.37 km) House fence corner Int. to Lookout Optional Side Trip: Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 0 km
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -4 m
From the intersection the track heads south away from the house and towards the sea. The track mounts a rocky landing, the lookout.
(0.37 km) House fence corner Int. to Jacqueline Ave Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 0 km
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection the track heads north for 30m, past a Bouddi National Park sign to the road. The street is marked by the powerpole on the left of the track.
(0.41 km) Jacqueline Ave to Jacqueline Ave Caldasac Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -7 m
From the intersection the track heads east up the bitumen road, Jacqueline Ave. The road passes a 'No Through Road' sign on the right. The track passes a line of houses on the left which continues to the top of the road to a caldasac.
(0.69 km) Jacqueline Ave Caldasac to Int. of The Scenic Rd Service Trail and The Scenic Rd Track: Hard - Service Trail
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = 0 m
From the caldasac the track heads north east through a bush to where the track opens up into a service track. The service track turns left, north west, heading up the hill. It continues for a little while to an intersection on the left. From the intersection the track heads north up the hill for approximately 40m. The track then passes between boulders and continues up the hill to the road as a bushtrack for approximately 20m.
(0.94 km) Int. of The Scenic Rd Service Trail and The Scenic Rd to Killcare Heights Lookout Walk: Easy - road
Distance = 0.4 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -3 m
From the intersection the track heads east up the road for some time until a carpark merges off to the right, this is the lookout.
(1.32 km) Killcare Heights Lookout to Bullimah Lookout Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 21 m
Descent = -65 m
From the information board in the car park the track heads north east for approximately 25m to an intersection on the right. From the intersection the track heads south east down the hill. The track winds back on itself a few times passing around some boulders. The track then continues south east to an intersection at the top of a spur.
From the intersection the track heads south east along the spur. The track winds down the hill into a saddle before rising around the right hand side of a knoll. From the knoll the track descends approximately 150m to Bullimah Lookout. The track passes two short trails to rocky landings on the left which act as lookouts over Maitland Bay.
(2.22 km) Bullimah Lookout to Maitland Bay Information Centre Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 1.2 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 78 m
Descent = -25 m
From the lookout the track slowly ascends the left hand side of a knoll. The track then continues down into a saddle. From the saddle the track rises to the top of the spur, to the intersection. The track passes two short trails to rocky landings on the right which act as lookouts over Maitland Bay.
From the intersection the track heads north along the contour of the hill. The track then slightly drops down the hill as it heads below then up through some boulders. The track then continues for a while to the intersection marked by the 'Maitland Bay Track' sign. From the intersection the track heads west up the staircase. The staircase continues for some time until it reaches the car park intersection. From here the track turns right past an information board to the brick building next to the road, Maitland Bay Information Centre.
Maitland Bay Information Centre
Alt = 153
Maitland Bay Centre is a brick building open on weekends and public holidays. The information centre has a carpark, phone booth and drinking water. From the carpark the Maitland Bay track can be accessed.
(3.39 km) Maitland Bay Information Centre to Int. Strom's Fire Trail and Mt Bouddi Rd Track: Hard - Service Trail
Distance = 2.1 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 66 m
Descent = -69 m
From Maitland Bay Centre the track heads south towards the Telstra phone box. The track then turns left down the service trail to the gate marked with Bouddi National Park signs. From the gate the track turns left down the hill. The track then continues north east along lightly undulating service track for approximately 1km. Here the track leads to a service track on the left, the intersection. From the intersection the track heads north east up the hill. The track winds along the hillside, undulating for some time as the track passes a rocky outcrop on the left after approximately 300m. Then the track tends left as it climbs up the hill to the gate before the intersection.
(5.51 km) Int. Strom's Fire Trail and Mt Bouddi Rd to Dingeldei Picnic Area Optional Side Trip: Walk: Easy - road
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -13 m
From the intersection the track follows the road south, away from the 'T' intersection to continue for approximately 1km to the picnic area.
Dingeldie Picnic Area and Carpark
Alt = 156
Dingeldie Picnic Area is a quiet leafy spot perched on the hill behind Mount Bouddi. The picnic area contains picnic table, toilets, bbq and rubbish facilities. The picnic area also has a new carpark with ample spaces.
(5.51 km) Int. Strom's Fire Trail and Mt Bouddi Rd to Grahame Dr car park Walk: Easy - road
Distance = 2 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 36 m
Descent = -135 m
From the intersection the track heads north approximately 30m to the roads intersection. From the intersection the track heads east along the road for approximately 300m to the fire trail on the left. From the intersection the track heads east along the road for approximately 1km down to the intersection on the right, Grahame Drive. From the intersection the track heads down the hill of the road for approximately 200m to then rise another 200m to the carpark.
(7.46 km) Grahame Dr car park to Int. Bouddi Trail Access and Little Beach Trk Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -20 m
From the carpark the track heads south east down the hill. The track winds down to a creek which the track passes over to continue east up the hill out of the gully. The track heads over the spur to wind down to a sign marked intersection.
(7.75 km) Int. Bouddi Trail Access and Little Beach Trk to Little Beach Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -28 m
From the intersection the track heads east contouring with the hill for approximately 50m. The track then descends approximately 100m to the campsite and continues on through to the beach approximately 30m further.
Little Beach
Alt = 3
Little Beach, Bouddi National Park, is a small 100m long stretch of sand and rocks facing out to the Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean. The beach, backed by a gully and sided by steep rocky headlands. The beach has a south easterly aspect and has its own campsite.
(7.75 km) Int. Bouddi Trail Access and Little Beach Trk to Int. Bouddi Trail and Third Point Track: Hard - bushtrack, servicetrail
Distance = 1 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 87 m
Descent = -9 m
From the intersection the track heads south up the hill following the 'Maitland Bay' sign. The track winds up the hill tending south east, to the left, along a white sandy section of trail. The track continues through the scrub for approximately 300m to the sign marked intersection in a clearing. From the intersection the track follows the sign to 'Bombi Point' south along the sandy track. The track winds down the hill for some time then rises for approximately 300m to the sign marked intersection.
(8.77 km) Int. Bouddi Trail and Third Point to Bombi South Optional Side Trip: Track: Hard - servicetrail, bushtrack
Distance = 0.7 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -53 m
From the intersection the track heads south east walled by dense banksia bushes on either side. The track continues for approximately 250m to a right turn. The track then slowly winds down the hill to a split single track intersection. From the intersection the track heads south for approximately 30m through the bushed and winds east, left, onto the cliff edge.
(8.77 km) Int. Bouddi Trail and Third Point to Caldasac north of Caves Bay Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 0.7 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -42 m
From the sign marked intersection the track heads south west down the hill for approximately 40m to the sign marked intersection. From the intersection the track heads west down the hill, quickly turning left. The track winds down the spur for some time as the track becomes sandier. The track then straightens out as it continues for approximately 100m to a caldasac.
(9.47 km) Caldasac north of Caves Bay to Eastern corner of Maitland Beach Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 1.6 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 101 m
Descent = -170 m
From the caldasac the track heads south west down the hill. The track winds down stairs and steep sections of track carved by a watercourse. The track descends to a rocky creek bed and then passes over a slight saddle to descend steeply to a bridge over a creek. From the creek the track heads north west up to the top of the stairs and then around right, along the hillside to the sign marked intersection. From the intersection the track heads west down the hill. The track then drops into a clearing on the saddle between the headland and the spur. The track turns right to continue down steps steeply to the beach.
Maitland Beach
Alt = 1
Maitland Beach, Bouddi National Park, is a 500m long sandy beach sitting north west of Putty Beach. The beaches south westerly aspect provides views over the South Pacific Ocean to Barrenjoey and Avalon headlands at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. A creek breaks the centre of the beach with the wreck of S.S. Maitland (after which the beach and bay are named) is found on the eastern rock point.
(11.03 km) Eastern corner of Maitland Beach to S.S. Maitland Shipwreck Optional Side Trip: Track: Hard - notrack
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -15 m
From the intersection follow the eastern cliff line south west out to the headland point. The track heads over rocks and boulders to the rock flats at the point. The rock flats reveal on the western side the Maitland shipwreck.
S.S. Maitland Shipwreck
Alt = 2
The S.S. Maitland was a paddle steamer brought out from Glasgow, Scotland, to transport people and cargo between the Hunter and the Hawkesbury Rivers. There was no rail line from Newcastle to Sydney in the 1800's. The Maitland was on its route out of the Barrenjoey Headlands when it was overwhelmed by the aplty named 'Maitland Gale'. The storm which wrecked the Maitland also took numerous other ships on May 6th, 1898. Of the 36 passengers aboard the Maitland, 24 lost their lives. Many of the survivors were commended for their herosim. Wreckage of the Maitland can still be seen today with parts of the boiler and a section of the iron hull strewn across the rock flats of the point. The bay was previously known as Boat Harbour, then renamed Maitland Bay after the disaster in 1898. More info
(11.03 km) Eastern corner of Maitland Beach to Maitland Beach West End Track: Hard - beach
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -6 m
From the intersection the track heads north west along the beach to where the creek has cut its way through the sand.
From the creek the track heads west along the beach for approximately 100m to where paved steps that lead up the hill appear behind the dune in the trees.
(11.62 km) Maitland Beach West End to Int. of Maitland Bay Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.2 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 39 m
Descent = 0 m
From the western side of Maitland Beach the track heads north west up the hill. The track winds its way up the hill then straightens out before the intersection.
(11.87 km) Int. of Maitland Bay Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk to Gerrin Point Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 1.3 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 74 m
Descent = -68 m
From the intersection the tracks heads east up the hill marked by the sign 'Bouddi Coastal Walk' . The track crosses many spurs with steps and traverses the valleys between with railed bridges. This continues for sometime until the track heads into a clearing before a lookout, Gerrin Point.
(13.2 km) Gerrin Point to Int. of Bullimah Beach Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -40 m
From Geerin Point lookout the track heads west down the hill. The track continues west along steps and boardwalks following the contour of the hill to the intersection.
(13.53 km) Int. of Bullimah Beach Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk to Bullimah Beach Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.1 km
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -9 m
From the intersection the track heads south east down the board walked track. The track follows the board walk staircases to the beach below.
Bullimah Beach
Alt = 9
Bullimah Beach, Bouddi National Park, is a small 60m sandy beach pressed into Gerrin Point headland and surrounding cliffs. The beach is south westerly facing with views over the South Pacific Ocean to the Barrenjoey and Avalon headlands.
(13.53 km) Int. of Bullimah Beach Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk to Putty Beach Camping Area Track: Moderate - bushtrack, beach, bushtrack
Distance = 1 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 33 m
Descent = -49 m
From the intersection the track heads west along the edge of the headland following the railed pathway. As the track rounds the headland to Putty Beach it passes a red rocked area. The track follows this red rocked area around to a staircase to the beach. The track descends the staris to the beach. The track then heads along the beach to where the creek has cut through the sand. From the creek the track heads north west for approximately 200m along the beach to the intersection below a white roofed building behind the dunes. From the beach the track heads towards a white roofed building. The track winds through the fenced sandy track to the eastern side of the Putty Beach camping area.
Putty Beach Camping Area
Alt = 2
Putty Beach Camping Area is a spacious grassed area with easy access to the beach. The campsite is also home to many Brush Turkeys. Facilities: Toilets Drinking Water Rubbish Bins Fuel Stove only area BBQ's (gas or electric) Activities: Swimming Walking Camping fees: The campsites need to be book three months in advance. They can be booked by phoning (02) 4320 4203. A campsite costs $14/ adult (16+) and $7/child (5-15). Park Entry and parking: Parking and entry costs $7/ 24 hours. Single park entry passes can be picked up from Killcare Cellars and General Store 56 Araluen Drive Killcare. Alternatively they can be obtained from ticket dispensers in the Picnic and Camping Areas. General Info: General Inquiries can be made by calling (02) 4320 4280
(14.51 km) Putty Beach Camping Area to Putty Beach car park Track: Moderate - bushtrack, beach, bushtrack
Distance = 1.2 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -7 m
From the camping area the track heads towards the eastern BBQ to turn left through a fenced sandy track. The track winds around to the beach approximately 40m on. From the intersection the track heads south west along the beach. The track continues past numerous beach access routes on the right to lead approximately 1km to the lifeguards tower. From the beach the track heads up the hill along a stony path to the carpark.
(15.74 km) Putty Beach car park to Hawke Head Drive NE Track: Moderate - road
Distance = 0.8 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 41 m
Descent = -6 m
From the car park the track heads up Beach Drive to the intersection with The Scenic Drive. The track continues up the hill to take the first left, Nukara Ave. The track continues up Nukara Ave to take the second left, Hawke head Drive, which it continues up to the Bouddi National Park sign on the left of the service trail.
(16.51 km) Hawke Head Drive NE to Box Head Trail Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 2 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 81 m
Descent = -46 m
From the start of Hawke Head Drive the track heads south west for approximately 1km up the hill passing over numerous speed bumps to the intersection with the gate on the right. From the intersection the track heads south west up the hill. The track traverses the ridgeline as it descends the spur east. The track undulates west for some time with views to the north of Rip Bridge and Woy Woy. The track descends the hill to a clearing which is passed through to a gate at the far side of a caldasac. The track passes around the gate to head down the hill south west for approximately 30m to head up the hill west for approximately 30m to the sign marked intersection. From the intersection the track heads south down the hill for approximately 20m. The track then turns right for approximately 30m to the sign for 'Box Head and Tallow Beach'.
(18.52 km) Box Head Trail to Box Head Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.3 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -83 m
From the intersection the track heads south along the ridge. The track heads south for approximately 200m to a rocky area on the track. The track then enters a small clearing which it passes through. The track narrows as it passes over numerous rock surfaces and through rocky outcrops for some time. After approximately 300m of winding along the ridge the track opens onto views of Lion Island to the west before the track winds south west down into the saddle to climb a knoll. From the knoll the track turns left heading south east down a spur line to slowly descend to the cliff line of Box Head. The track winds on and off the cliff line out to a point that overlooks Barrenjoey, Lion Island, Broken Bay and out to Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean.
(19.78 km) Box Head to Box Head Trail Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 1.3 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 83 m
Descent = -23 m
From Box Head the track heads north winding on and off the cliff line slowly heading up the spur line. The track slowly climbs north west turning right, up to a knoll. The track then drops into a saddle and climbs north east up to views of Lion Island in Broken Bay on the left. The track continues winding along the ridge for approximately 300m to pass numerous rocky surfaces and through rocky outcrops for some time. The track then widens as it enters a small clearing to continue north for approximately 200m to the sign marked intersection.
(21.03 km) Box Head Trail to Little Tallow Beach Optional Side Trip: Track: Hard - servicetrail, bushtrack
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -75 m
From the intersection the track heads down the hill east. The track tends left as it descends over numerous speed bumps. After approximately 400m of the track descending the spur it reaches the intersection on the right. If the track turns north east you have gone too far. From the intersection the track heads south down the spur for approximately 100m onto the rock platform above Little Tallow Beach. The track then turns right to follow the creek down onto the beach.
Little Tallow Beach
Alt = 9
Little Tallow Beach, Bouddi National Park, is a small 50m stretch of sand wedged into a rocky outcrop. The beach is backed byu a steep gully and rocky headwalls on all sides as it faces south west out to the Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean.
(21.03 km) Little Tallow Beach to Tallow Beach Trail Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack, servicetrail
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -15 m
From the beach the track heads north up the creek to two round boulders. The track then turns right crossing the creek to head east around the northern headland of Little Tallow Beach. The track turns left up the hill from the rocky platform to turn right with the track leading across the hillside. The track heads down the hill parallel to the sea for a little while before the track slightly climbs left to the intersection. From the intersection the track heads north east down the hill towards the beach. The track turns right as it descends for approximately 30m to the intersection at the start of the grass clearing.
Tallow Beach
Alt = 6
Tallow Beach, Bouddi National Park, is a large 400m long beach with a south westerly aspect. The beach is set between two rocky headlands and backed by a large campsite.
(21.03 km) Tallow Beach Trail to Box Head Trail Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 0.7 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 68 m
Descent = -2 m
From the intersection the track heads west up the hill quickly turning right, north. The track continues to up the hill swinging left to lead approximately 200m to the intersection on the elbow of the track. From the intersection the track heads in a westerly direction up the spur of the hill. The track tends left as it separates the eucalypts on the left with the heath on the right. The track rises over numerous speed bumps as it heads up the sign marked intersection.
(21.03 km) Box Head Trail to Hawke Head Drive Track: Moderate - Service Trail
Distance = 0.1 km
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection the track heads north west up the hill for approximately 30m. Then the track turns right and continues up the hill for approximately 20m to the sign marked intersection.
(21.1 km) Hawke Head Drive to Lobster Beach Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Hiking near Sydney 
5 km
