Hiking and Walking on the Central Coast: Bouddi, Wyrrabalong and Gorge Country

The Central Coast sits within or adjacent to several national parks that offer outstanding walking and hiking. Bouddi National Park between Killcare and Maitland Bay is one of the most rewarding short-hike destinations on the central NSW coast, with the Coastal Walk connecting Putty Beach to Maitland Bay through coastal heath and cliff-top scenery. Wyrrabalong National Park north of Terrigal has walking tracks through coastal heath and estuary environments. The Brisbane Water National Park covers the escarpment country west of Gosford, with the Kariong petroglyphs site being a culturally significant and accessible short walk. The Dharug National Park further west has isolated multi-day hiking opportunities. The Central Coast's lake system provides flat walking around the lake shores at Tuggerah and Budgewoi for those seeking accessible exercise rather than bushland challenge. Gosford's Rumbalara Reserve has bushland walking tracks accessible from the urban edge. The Hawkesbury River estuary walks accessed from Patonga are underused and extraordinarily scenic.