Wallarah Coastal Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs

8.3 km Return

247 m

Hard track

This walk starts at Caves Beach and travels south along the coastline, until reaching the Pinney’s Headland Lookout. There are many opportunities to stop, relax and swim if you would like. You will meander through coastal heath vegetation, which offers abundant wildflowers during springtime. There are spectacular views over the coast and the side trip to Spoon Rocks Spit offers a chance to look back at the attractive coastline. This walk takes you into a seldom visited part of Wallarah Pennisula.

Small creek at the southern end of Caves Beach

Grassy track near the Caves Beach Lookout

Track with Caves Beach Road in the distance

Grassy track near Caves Beach Road in Caves Beach

Timber fence and sealed track near Caves Beach Road in Caves Beach

View north from near Caves Beach Road in Caves Beach

Shadow on coastal walk track in Caves Beach

Timber footbridge on the coastal track in Caves Beach

Sealed track towards Spoon Rocks in Caves Beach

Timber fence beside track on the Coastal walk in Caves Beach

Track intersection and timber footbridge on the Coastal walk

Steps and track on the coastal walk in the Wallarah Pennisula

Timber steps on the coastal walk in the Wallarah Pennisula

View of Spoon Rocks Spit from the south on the Wallarah Pennisula

Metal railing on the coastal walk in the Wallarah Pennisula

View of the coastline and Spoon Rocks Spit in the Wallarah Pennisula

Safety sign in the coastal walk in the Wallarah Pennisula

Timber walk through fencing on the coastal walk in the Wallarah Pennisula

Blank sign on the coastal walk in the Wallarah Pennisula

Timber boardwalk near Pinneys Beach in the Wallarah Pennisula

Track with Pinney's Headland in the distance

Rocky track with timber track marker in the Wallarah Pennisula

Track and timber track markers in the Wallarah Pennisula

Vandalized sign on the Coastal walk with Pinney's Beach in the distance

Timber bridge over Pinney's Creek in the Wallarah Pennisula

Pinney's creek in the Wallarah Pennisula

Pinney's Creek looking towards Pinney's Beach

Trail with Pinney's creek in the distance

Trail near Pinney's Creek and Pinney's Beach

Locked gate on trail on the coastal walk

Intersection on the coastal walk on the Wallarah Pennisula

Creek crossing on the coastal walk in the Wallarah Pennisula

Views to the north from Pinney's Headland in the Wallarah Pennisula

Wallarah Pennisula

Wallarah Penisula, also referred to as the Swansea Pennisula, is surrounded by water and includes the Wallarah National Park. The Wallarah Pennisula stretches from Lake Macquarie in the west to the ocean in the east, from Swansea and Caves Beach in the north to Catherine Hill Bay and Lake Munmorah in the south. Within the Wallarah National Park, there are plenty of things to do, including walking, fishing, swimming and surfing. The coastal views are spectacular, and this is also a good whale watching spot. The Wallarah National Park co-operates with its park neighbours, including Stockland Wallarah Peninsula Pty Ltd, on a wide range of issues relating to the management of the Wallarah Peninsula through a joint management agreement.

Stuart Chalmers Park

Named after a cancer victim, Stuart Chalmers Park is a well established park close to Caves Beach. Stuart Chalmers Park has toilets[2], car parking[3], water, sheltered electric barbeques[4] and picnic tables[5]. The park has easy access to Caves Beach, the cafe Acquablu[6] and the Caves Beach SLSC.

Caves Beach SLSC

The Swansea-Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club, south of Newcastle, was founded in 1929. The SLSC looks after Caves Beach, which runs from this southern end of the beach, for 300m to the northern Swansea (Hams) Beach. A road runs the length of the beach, with car parking along much of it. Though Caves Beach faces the south-east, it is afforded a moderate degree of wave protection by reefs in the centre and north and Spoon Rocks to the south-east. More info.

(0km) Cafe Acquablu on Caves Beach → Four way intersection (caves beach)

140 m

3 mins

-2m Hard track

From Cafe Acquablu[7], this walk leaves the concrete footpath and enters Caves Beach[8], turning to the right. This walk then follows the sandy beach, keeping the ocean on your left, and after about 80m, crosses a small creek[9] and comes to the bottom of timber steps[10].
Continue straight: From the bottom of the timber steps[11] on Caves Beach, this walk follows the steps up[12], leaving the beach behind. This walk continues for about 50m up the concrete and timber steps[13], until coming to a four-way intersection[14] (with uphill concrete steps[15] directly ahead).

(0km) Four way intersectin (Caves Beach) → Caves Beach Lookout

120 m

2 mins

-6m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection[16][17], this walk follows the footpath gently uphill[18], while keeping the downhill concrete steps[19] and beach on your left. This walk continues for about 60m until coming to a three-way intersection[20][21] with a concrete footpath on the right.
Veer left: From the intersection[22][23], this walk follows the footpath gently downhill, while keeping the ocean on your left. This walk continues for about 50m, undulating gently through coastal vegetation and crossing over a timber footbridge[24], until coming to the circular concrete structure[25] of Caves Beach Lookout[26].

Caves Beach Lookout

The Cave Beach Lookout, on the southern headland of Caves Beach, is easily accessible via wheelchair from the car park nearby. The lookout offers excellent views[27] over the caves of Caves Beach and also to the north and south. There are is a large stone viewing platform[28] on which to sit and enjoy the views.

(0km) Caves Beach Lookout → Int of Coastal Walk & Seacliff track

910 m

17 mins

27m

-22m Hard track

Turn sharp right: From Caves Beach Lookout[29], this walk follows the gravel and grass track gently uphill[30], while keeping the ocean on your left. This walk continues, undulating gently through coastal vegetation[31] for about 300m, until coming to Caves Beach Road[32].
Turn left: From the intersection[33][34], this walk follows the track beside Caves Beach Road gently downhill, while keeping the ocean on your left. This walk continues for about 110m, to find the track gently uphill[35][36] and moving away from Caves Beach Road. Then the walk continues for about 100m and passes between a metal posted fence[37]. This walk continues for about 400m, undulating through coastal vegetation[38] with views[39] on the left, until passing over a timber footbridge[40] and coming to a three-way intersection with a concrete footpath[41] on the right.

(1km) Int of Coastal Walk & Seacliff track → Int of Coastal Walk & Spoon Rocks Track

280 m

5 mins

-10m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection[42], this walk follows the bitumen track gently downhill[43], while keeping the concrete footpath on your right. This walk continues for about 120m through coastal vegetation[44] with views[45] of Spoon's Rocks on the left, to pass through metal posts[46] and onto a sandy track[47]. Then the walk continues for about 160m, until climbing gently[48] up to the land end of Spoon Rocks Spit[49].

Spoon Rocks Beach

Spoon Rocks Beach, south of Caves Beach is a sheltered sandy beach[50]. Spoon Rocks breakwater[51] forms the southern end of the beach and has allowed sedimentation of sand to occur and created this attractive beach[52]. The beach is 300m long, faces north-east and is good for swimming. The Spoon Rocks Beach is worth the walk in to it.

(1km) Int of Coastal Walk & Spoon Rocks Track → End of Spoon Rocks Spit

470 m

8 mins

-8m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection[53][54], this walk follows the rocky Spoon Rocks Spit out to its end, while moving directly away from the main coastline. This walk continues to follow the rocky spit (initially keeping to the Spoon Rocks Beach side[55][56] of the spit) for about 500m, until coming to the end of Spoon Rocks Spit[57][58]. This track is rocky and exposed to the ocean. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Spoon Rocks Spit

Spoon Rocks Spit is a wide breakwater[59] extending 500m out into the ocean. This breakwater was originally designed as a coal loading facility to offload coal mined from the nearby Wallarah seam. The rocks were cut from the cliff face below the spit. Over time, the force of the ocean waves have breached the breakwater. Sedimentation from these ocean forces has established a safe and protected swimming and beach[60] area to the north of the spit.

(1km) Int of Coastal Walk & Spoon Rocks Track → Int of Coastal Walk & Quarries Track

340 m

7 mins

20m

-3m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[61][62], this walk follows the track gently uphill[63], while leaving Spoon Rocks Spit and the ocean on your left. This walk continues for about 400m (ignoring side tracks[64]) through coastal vegetation and becoming moderately steep uphill[65], until coming to a three-way intersection with a bridged track[66] and 'Wallarah Peninsula Coastal Walk' sign[67] on the left.

(2km) Int of Coastal Walk AND Quarries Track → Pinneys Viewpoint

990 m

21 mins

36m

-49m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection[68], this walk crosses a footbridge and follows the moderately steep uphill track[69], while passing the 'Wallarah Peninsula Coastal Walk' sign[70] on your left. This walk continues for about 140m, then climbs up timber steps[71] to a viewing spot[72] over Spoon Rocks Spit. Then the walk continues for about 20m, to a three-way intersection[73]. This walk turns left, following the arrow marker on a timber post[74]. Then this walk continues for about 400m, as the track undulates gently downhill with views and a metal fence[75] on your left, to pass through a timber fenced opening[76]. The walk then continues moderately steeply downhill[77], initially with a timber fence on your right for about 80m to find blank information signs[78] at Split Rocks Headland. The walk continues gently downhill for about 300m, with a short section of timber boardwalk[79] and views of Pinney's Beach[80], until coming to a timber viewing platform and Pinney's Lookout[81].

Pinneys Lookout

Pinney's Lookout[82] overlooks the northern side of Pinney's Beach on the Wallarah Peninsula. From this timber platform, the whole of Pinney's Beach can be seen, including Pinney's Headland[83] to the south. Some of the timber on this lookout was missing[84] when visited, so take care.

(3km) Pinneys Viewpoint → Int of Coastal Walk & Pinneys Beach

180 m

3 mins

-3m Moderate track

Continue straight: From Pinney's Viewpoint[85], this walk follows the track gently downhill[86], while keeping Pinney's Beach on your left. This walk continues for about 70m, including one section of timber boardwalk[87], until coming to a T-intersection[88] with a narrow management trail[89] and blank sign on the right.
Turn left: From the intersection[90], this walk follows Pinneys Trail gently downhill[91], while keeping the track with a blank sign on your left[92]. This walk continues for about 100m through coastal vegetation, until crossing Pinney's Creek via a timber footbridge[93] and coming to a three-way intersection[94], with Pinney's Beach on the left.

Pinneys Beach

Pinney's Beach is a good beach for fishing, surfing and swimming. This beach is accessible on foot, via the coastal walk. This beach is not patrolled and rock platforms[95] can be dangerous, even when the seas appear calm. Personal fishing is permitted off all the coast in Wallarah National Park, although a licence is needed. A midden (dated to about 1200 years old), with about 20 stone artefacts, was discovered here in the 1960s, but unfortunately 4WD vehicles have caused erosion to this site. More info.

(3km) Int of Coastal Walk AND Pinneys Beach → Int of Coastal Walk AND Wallarah Walk

320 m

5 mins

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[96][97], this walk follows the trail gently uphill, while leaving the bridge and creek on your right. This walk continues for about 160m, passing around a locked gate[98]. Then this walk continues through coastal bush for about 150m, until coming to a three-way intersection[99], with a 'Coastal Walk' sign[100].

(3km) Int of Coastal Walk & Wallarah Walk → Int of Coastal Walk & Shark Bay Trail

540 m

12 mins

34m

-4m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection[101], this walk follows the 'Coastal Walk' sign[102] gently uphill. This walk continues moderately steeply uphill[103] for about 400m, and comes to a three-way intersection[104]. Then this walk tends left, following an arrow marker on a timber post, and after about 40m, comes to a three-way intersection. This walk tends left, following an arrow marker on a timber post, for about 80m, coming to a three-way intersection with the gently downhill Shark Bay trail on the right.

(4km) Int of Coastal Walk & Shark Bay Track → Int of Coastal Track & Southern Loop Junction

120 m

2 mins

-5m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[105], this walk follows the trail gently downhill[106] to the left, while keeping the gently downhill[107] Sharks Bay trail on your right. This walk continues, undulating gently for about 110m, until coming to a three-way intersection[108], with a arrow marker[109] on the left.

(4km) Int of Coastal Track & Southern Loop Junction → Int of Coastal Track & Pinneys Lookout

190 m

3 mins

-12m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection[110], this walk turns left on the trail and follows the timber arrow marker gently downhill. This walk continues, undulating gently[111] for about 180m, until coming to a timber fence[112] and Pinney's Lookout[113] on the left (just as the trail turns right[114]).

Pinney's Headland Lookout

There are magnificent vistas from Pinney's Headland Lookout[115], particularly to the north. The headland is accessed on foot via the Wallarah Peninsula coastal walk[116], and the headland itself has a loop walking trail on it. At the southernmost point of this walking loop, there are unfenced rock platforms forming the ocean shoreline - take care. More info.

Maps for the Wallarah Coastal Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Catherine Hill Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	92314S CATHERINE HILL BAY	NSW-92314S
Swansea	1:25 000 Map Series	92314N SWANSEA	NSW-92314N
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Wallarah Coastal Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wallarah Coastal Walk

Altitude analysis for Wallarah Coastal Walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	8.3 km
		Time	3 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

2.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 1.9km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (40m) is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 3.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 880m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2.2km of this walk has minimal directional signs, whilst the remaining 1.9km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 3.1km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.1km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

3.1km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 760m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (280m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Wallarah Coastal Walk walk.

Caves Beach Caves Walk

904 m Return, 30 mins

Caves Beach caves are just fabulous for exploring. This walk allows you to meander along the beach, looking and exploring in the many different sized and shaped caves. There are also good tidal pools to look in, making this a great walk for families. This walk requires low tide and calm sea condi

Total climbing: 22m

Hard track

Wallarah Pennisula Walk

7.8 km One way, 2 hrs 45 mins

This walk starts at Caves Beach and travels south along the coastline to Pinneys Beach. The walk then heads west, up and over the Wallarah Pennisula to Murrays Beach on the foreshore of Lake Macquarie. Both the Spoon Rocks Spit and Pinney’s Headland side trips are worthwhile excursions. The palm

Total climbing: 204m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Wallarah Coastal Walk walk.

Galgabba Point Walk

3.2 km Return, 1 Hr

The Galgabba Point walk is a flat walk along a bush track. This walk travels through native bush before arriving at Galgabba Point, where the track forms a small loop to allow you to explore the point. Galgabba Point is home to endangered ecological communities and threatened plant species, such a

Total climbing: 17m

Moderate track

Belmont Lagoon Spit Walk

3.2 km Return, 1 Hr

The Belmont Lagoon Spit walk in Belmont is a quiet relaxing walk surrounded by water. This walk is best completed in the early morning or late afternoon, when the bird life is most active. You may see Black Swans, Spoon Bills and if you are lucky, the migratory Bar Tailed Godwit. This walk is clo

Total climbing: 10m

Moderate track

Timber Beach

768 m Return, 20 mins

Timber Beach is a secluded beach in Munmorah State Conservation Area. The walk starts from a short side road off Snapper Point Rd, at Timber Beach Lookout. From here, the walk follows an eroded track down the ridge, then bends left to cross a clearing and come to the back of Timber Beach. The bea

Total climbing: 67m

Hard track

Green Point Circuit Walk

7.7 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk visits all of the popular locations in Green Point Reserve, as well as some of the lesser-visited areas inland. Taking in Sea Eagle Park, Green Point and Rocky-high viewpoint on the foreshore and then travel inland through mostly eucalyptus forest to enjoy the views at Sea Eagle Lookout,

Total climbing: 269m

Hard track

The Foreshore Walk

2.9 km One way, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk traverses the coastline of the Green Point reserve. By following a variety of tracks and occasionally traveling inland through eucalyptus forest, this walk visits both Jetty and Sea Eagle picnic areas, Green Point itself and Rocky-high viewpoint. When looking into the waters of Lake Macq

Total climbing: 81m

Hard track

The Lookout Circuit

2.4 km Circuit, 1 Hr

The Lookout Circuit is a classic Green Point reserve walk. This walk offers walkers plenty of picnic opportunities, elevated views over Lake Macquarie and travel through eucalyptus forest. There is also good historical and environmental interpretative signage along much of this walk. This recomme

Total climbing: 91m

Moderate track

Snapper Point

280 m Return, 10 mins

This short walk takes you from the great view of Snapper Point Sea Cave (at the end of Snapper Point Rd) along a management trail to Snapper Point. The area is very rocky and provides grand ocean views. The memorial on Snapper Point gives a good reminder to take care. There are views out over the

Total climbing: 5m

Moderate track

Snapper Point Beach

630 m Return, 15 mins

Snapper Point Beach is an informal name for the small beach between Frazer Beach and Snapper Point. This walk starts from the great views of the sea cave and leads out to Snapper Point. Here, the walk turns right and follows the shore to the lifebuoy, then across the rocks to the secluded beach. T

Total climbing: 24m

Experienced only

Green Point Drive Circuit

3.4 km Circuit, 2 hrs 45 mins

This walk takes in two of the best parts of Green Point Reserve, the quiet and secluded Green Point itself and the views at Sea Eagle Lookout. Starting at the high point of Green Point Drive entrance, you gradually descend to the foreshore, crossing over open grasslands and through eucalyptus fores

Total climbing: 127m

Moderate track

The Green Point Walk

3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk descends through open grasslands and eucalyptus forest to arrive at the grassed Green Point. This is a quiet and secluded spot and a fabulous place for a picnic. From Green Point, there are good views up and down Lake Macquarie. The side trip to the Sea Eagle Lookouts is also worthwhile

Total climbing: 102m

Moderate track

Palm Tree Circuit Track

609 m Circuit, 20 mins

This circuit walk explores the valley of palm trees and the dry woodland on the ridge. Starting from the back of the Palms Picnic Area, this walk follows an arrow through a palm forest then across a small creek and up a hill. At the top of the hill is an information sign, where the walk turns left

Total climbing: 37m

Moderate track

Grass Tree Track

862 m One way, 30 mins

The Grass Tree Track links Wybung Head Rd with Frazer Beach via a ridge-top track. At the time of writing, this track was very overgrown (hence the high grade) and the trackhead difficult to find. Once on course, much of the track is clearer and quiet eroded in places. It is an interesting walk to

Total climbing: 4m

Experienced only