Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 45 mins

4.5 km One way

126 m

Hard track

This walk is an excellent way to see some of Bouddi National Parks greatest views. The walk follows the Maitland Bay Track and the Bouddi Coastal walk to Putty Beach. The track shows off Maitland Bay from a number of different lookouts, while passing through different types of vegetation. There are also many interesting rock patterns along the coastal cliffs.

View from Maitland Bay Track over the bay

Maitland Bay Information Centre

Maitland Bay Information Centre, was once the old Maitland Store and residence. The store was a influential piece of infrastructure as it acted as a meeting place for Trustees and a hub for early tourism. Today the store is still a hub for tourism but as an Information Centre open on weekends and public holidays. As well as information on the area there is also parking, a public phone and drinking water.

(0km) Maitland Bay Information Centre → Int. of Maitland Bay Info Centre Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk

820 m

18 mins

-112m Hard track

From the information centre, the walk passes the information sign to the start of the car park. From the car park, the walk follows the Maitland Bay sign left, down the hill. The walk then heads down the staircase for some time to a signposted intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track down the staircase. The walk winds through the forest, passing a rock platform with nice views over Maitland Bay. The track continues down the hill from the rock platform, keeping the rock face to the right and an overhang to the left, continuing for some time before crossing over a wooden bridge and going down more steps to a signposted intersection.

(1km) Int. of Maitland Bay Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk → Maitland Beach West End

250 m

6 mins

-39m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath down the hill, descending some steps, towards the beach that can be heard. The walk heads down to Maitland Beach with the final stretch winding down through open scrub to the sandy beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Maitland Beach

Maitland Beach, Bouddi National Park, is a 500m-long sandy beach sitting north west of Putty Beach. The beach's 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, and the wreck of S.S. Maitland (after which the beach and bay are named) is found on the eastern rock point.

(1km) Int. of Maitland Bay Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk → Gerrin Point

1.3 km

31 mins

74m

-68m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, following the track marked by the 'Bouddi Coastal Walk' sign. The track goes over many rises with steps, and crosses fenced bridges over the valleys between. This continues for some time, until the track arrives in a clearing before a fenced lookout, Gerrin Point.

(2km) Gerrin Point → Int. of Bullimah Beach Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk

330 m

7 mins

-36m Moderate track

Turn right: From Gerrin Point lookout, this walk follows the track down the hill, keeping the water below on the left. The track continues along steps and boardwalks, following the hillside to the sign posted intersection.

(2km) Int. of Bullimah Beach Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk → Bullimah Beach

140 m

3 mins

-12m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the boardwalk track following the 'Bullimah Beach' sign. The walk follows the boardwalk staircase down to the beach below. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Bullimah Beach

Bullimah Beach, Bouddi National Park, is a small, yellow sand beach pressed into Gerrin Point headland and the surrounding cliffs. The beach is south-west facing, with views over the South Pacific Ocean to the Barrenjoey and Avalon headlands.

(2km) Int. of Bullimah Beach Trk and Bouddi Coastal Walk → Putty Beach Camping Area Trk

880 m

18 mins

28m

-47m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the edge of the headland following the railed pathway, with the ocean below on the left. As the track rounds the headland to Putty Beach, it passes a red rock area and continues down to a staircase onto the beach. The walk then heads approximately 150m along the beach, to where the creek has cut through the sand.
Continue straight: From the creek, this walk heads west along the beach, keeping the water on the left. After approximately 200m, the walk reaches a spot on the beach opposite a white-roofed building behind the dunes, just before another wide (dry) creek entry.

(3km) Putty Beach Camping Area Trk → Putty Beach car park

1.1 km

19 mins

16m

-6m Moderate track

Continue straight: From a spot on the beach opposite a white-roofed building behind the dunes, this walk heads along the beach, keeping the ocean to the left. The walk continues past numerous beach access routes, on the right, until it comes to the lifeguard tower (near the car park).
Turn right: From the beach, this walk heads up the hill along a stony path, to the car park behind the beach.

Maps for the Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach 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.

Broken Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	91301N BROKEN BAY	NSW-91301N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach

Altitude analysis for Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach

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	4.5 km
		Time	1 hr 45 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		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

Around 3.2km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 1.3km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 4.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 55m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

2.7km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 1.1km is clearly signposted. The remaining (700m) has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 4.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

1.7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 1.5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (1.3km) 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 Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach walk.

Maitland Bay Track

2.1 km Return, 1 Hr

From Maitland Bay Information Centre, this walk heads straight down the hill to Maitland Beach. On the way down, the track passes many rock landings which act as lookouts over Maitland Bay and the lush bush of the surrounding gullies. Maitland Bay Beach itself is a wonderful sandy beach which is pop

Total climbing: 153m

Hard track

Bullimah Outlook

2.3 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

Starting from the Maitland Bay Information Centre, this walk heads down and around the hill to follow the spur out to Bullimah Lookout. The track winds through the bush giving glimpses of Maitland Bay from several rocky landings. The views along the way, and from the lookout are fantastic.

Total climbing: 95m

Moderate track

Maitland Bay Shipwreck Track

3.9 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

From the Maitland Bay Information Centre, this walk heads straight down the hill to Maitland Beach and the shipwreck of the S.S. Maitland. On the way down, the track passes many rock landings providing great views of Maitland Bay and the bush of the surrounding gullies. Perched on the edge of the ro

Total climbing: 195m

Hard track

Gerrin Point Circuit

5.2 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

A fantastic loop walk, showcasing the stunning coastal views and scenery of the Bouddi National Park. Optional sidetrips to a couple of beaches, and the opportunity to see the wreckage of the S.S. Maitland, add some variety to the walk.

Total climbing: 269m

Hard track

Maitland Bay Info Centre - Mt Bouddi - Maitland Bay

6 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

This walk forms a loop, starting at the Maitland Bay Information Centre. The walk visits Maitland Bay, with an optional side trip to the S.S. Maitland Shipwreck, best seen at low tide. The changes in vegetation with altitude are evident and provide a lot to see along the track.

Total climbing: 287m

Hard track

Putty Beach, Box Head, Lobster Beach to Pretty Beach

7.5 km One way, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk is a great one way walk to do after spending some time at Putty Beach. The walk uses Hawke Head Drive to head along the ridge to Box Head. The headland has superb views over Broken Bay to Barrenjoey Headland and out to sea. Lobster Beach is another great beach in the area with views over t

Total climbing: 360m

Moderate track

Bouddi Coastal Walk

8.1 km One way, 5 hrs

This is one of the longer walks in the Bouddi National Park and it is rich in scenery. The walk follows the coastline with many side trips to lookouts, beaches and even a shipwreck. This walk makes a wonderful one way trip from Graham Drive down to Putty Beach, with views around every corner.

Total climbing: 364m

Hard track

Bouddi Ridge and Coastal Walk

27 km Circuit, 2 Days

This overnight walk takes in the majority of the magnificent Bouddi National Park. The walk starts from the pleasant Putty Beach camping area, with its very friendly Brush Turkeys. The walk heads along the ridge towards Little Beach, then along the beaches. This circuit walk visits many beaches and

Total climbing: 1206m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach walk.

Marie Byles Lookout to Bullimah Lookout

1.8 km Return, 1 Hr

The Bullimah Lookout Track follows the spur down the hill from Marie Byles Lookout and car park. The track zigzags a little on the way, passing around boulders. There are excellent views from Bullimah Lookout over Maitland Bay.

Total climbing: 83m

Hard track

Bouddi Spur to Little Beach via Bombi Moor

6.5 km One way, 3 hrs

This walk explores a large part of the Bouddi National Park coastline. Features of this walk include the walk out to Bombi Moors and down to Little Beach. The tracks connecting these spots explore some excellent rainforest areas and wonderful heath covered headlands. Interesting, beautiful and a gre

Total climbing: 297m

Hard track

Bouddi Lookout

1.8 km Return, 1 Hr

This is a great way to walk off a lunch if picnicking at Dingeldei Picnic Area. The Bouddi Lookout walk meanders through the bush, without any views of the ocean, until it reaches the rocky platform of Bouddi Lookout. After enjoying the view, you can head back up the hill to Dingeldei Picnic Area in

Total climbing: 112m

Moderate track

Bouddi Spur to Maitland Bay

3.9 km Return, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk is great following lunch at Dingeldei Picnic area. The walk explores the rock flats of Maitland Bay, with many interesting shells and the shipwreck of the S.S. Maitland. The walk provides the option to spend time at Maitland Beach on the way to the wreck. The wreck is best seen at low tide

Total climbing: 271m

Hard track

Tallow Beach and Box Head

8.5 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This walk explores some of Bouddi National Park's hidden beaches and the Box Head lookout. The views over the South Pacific Ocean and Broken Bay are magnificent, while the secluded beaches of Tallow and Little Tallow are great spots for lunch and to dip the toes in. The vegetation is mostly heath al

Total climbing: 323m

Hard track

Little Beach Bombi Moor and Mt Bouddi Circuit Track

9.1 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This is a great circuit walk, leading walkers from the hills, down to the beach. The circuit takes in the vast changes in vegetation as it descends to Little Beach, then follows the coast, heading up to Dingeldei Picnic Area. The sandy service trails and views out to sea make this a magnificent walk

Total climbing: 439m

Hard track

Little Beach to Mount Bouddi Track

5 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk curves around from Graham car park, taking in the secluded Little Beach and Caves Bay before finishing at Mt Bouddi's Dingeldei Picnic Area. The walk passes through many different types of vegetation. The service trail from above Little Beach to above Caves Bay is very sandy, in contrast t

Total climbing: 343m

Hard track

Little Beach Trail

1.2 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk from Grahame Drive car park to Little Beach follows the service trail straight through the tall forest, down the hill to the isolated beach. The beach is popular with surfers, and the campsite provides a nice place for a rest. A great spot to get your toes wet during a BBQ lunch (great BB

Total climbing: 47m

Moderate track

Box Head Track

3.1 km Return, 2 hrs

Starting on Hawke Head Drive, this walk explores the southernmost ridge in Bouddi NP. The walk provides excellent views over Woy Woy, Broken Bay, Hawkesbury River and the Tasman Sea. It takes in spectacular views over Lion Island and Pearl Beach from the many rocky outcrops along the Box Head ridg

Total climbing: 126m

Moderate track

Hawke Head Drive to Box Head

3.1 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

This walk, from Hawke Head Drive, is the most direct route to Box Head. The walk explores Box Head headland and the many rocky outcrops on the way. There is great variation in the vegetation and a great variety in the views across the ocean and up into the mouth of Broken Bay. The cul-de-sac at th

Total climbing: 126m

Moderate track

Mt Ettalong Lookout

1.4 km Return, 30 mins

This lovely short walk takes you from the large water tank, along an old trail and track to two fantastic fenced lookout platforms. There are a few unfenced views along this shaded walk. A picnic table among the Sydney Red Gums, just before the two main lookouts, makes a wonderful spot for a snack

Total climbing: 34m

Easy track

Glasson's Trail

1.7 km One way, 1 Hr

Glasson's Trail starts near the main entrance to Kincumber Mountain Reserve and follows a series of management trails and tracks up to the main picnic area. The walk offers a great way to explore the diverse vegetation and visiting some interesting rock formations. The walk is signposted and cross

Total climbing: 158m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach walk starts at the Maitland Bay Information Centre (gps: -33.520086, 151.38267)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

The Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach ends at the Putty Beach car park (gps: -33.530994, 151.36069)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Bouddi National Park

Bouddi National Park is south east of Woy Woy and encompasses the Box Head headland. Bouddi NP has numerous secluded beaches and some great surf beaches too. The park also offers fantastic coastal walking with views out from the tall headlands over Broken Bay, Woy Woy and the South Pacific Ocean. Bouddi NP also boasts one of the first marine extensions in NSW, with a 300ha protection zone out of Maitland Bay for the marine life. The mosquitoes in Bouddi NP can be fierce so it might be an idea to pack insect repellent.

Comments

Download PDF

Open in App

Short URL: http://wild.tl/mbictpb