Maitland Bay Shipwreck Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

3.9 km Return

195 m

Hard track

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 rock shelf, in the water east of the beach, are the remains of the S.S Maitland. The walk down to the shipwreck is magnificent and it is well worth spending some extra time to enjoy the beach.

Maitland Bay Information Centre and S.S.Maitland Bell

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 → Maitland Beach West End

1.1 km

24 mins

-151m 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.
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.

(1km) Maitland Beach West End → Eastern corner of Maitland Beach

600 m

10 mins

-7m Hard track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the centre of the beach keeping the ocean on the right. The walk leads to an area where a creek has cut through the sand.
Continue straight: From the creek, this walk heads along the beach, keeping the ocean on the right. The track intersection is before the headland cliff line and after the beach's cliff line, in an area of low scrub. The intersection is marked by a small wooden sign with an arrow pointing up the hill.

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.

(2km) Eastern corner of Maitland Beach → S.S. Maitland Shipwreck

310 m

7 mins

14m

-15m Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the cliff line out towards the sea, beneath the rocky headland. The walk heads over rocks and boulders, to the rock flats at the point. Here lies the S.S.Maitland shipwreck.

S.S. Maitland Shipwreck

The S.S. Maitland was a paddle steamer brought to Australia 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 aptly-named 'Maitland Gale'. The storm which wrecked the Maitland also took numerous other ships on May 6, 1898. Of the 36 passengers aboard the Maitland, 24 lost their lives. Many of the survivors were commended for their heroism. 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.

Maps for the Maitland Bay Shipwreck Track 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 Shipwreck Track bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Maitland Bay Shipwreck Track

Altitude analysis for Maitland Bay Shipwreck Track

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	3.9 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		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

1.1km of this walk has short steep hills and another 600m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (310m) is very steep.

Quality of track

1.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 310m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (250m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1.5km of this walk has minimal directional signs, whilst the remaining 430m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 1.7km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 310m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

1.5km of this walk has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) and another 250m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (180m) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Maitland Bay Shipwreck Track 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

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

Maitland Bay Information Centre to Putty Beach

4.5 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

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

Total climbing: 126m

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

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

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

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

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 Shipwreck Track 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

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

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

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

Kincumber to Terrigal (via Glasson's Trl)

4.5 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk explores the main highlights of Kincumber Mountain Regional Reserve. Starting on the Glasson's trail, the walk explores a variety of forests along the way to Honeman's Rock and picnic area. After a rest, you visit a large cave on Kanning Walk and continue to the views at Colin Watters Look

Total climbing: 220m

Hard track

Pearl Beach to Warrah Lookout

5.1 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk follows a wide trail then a track to the fantastic views from Warrah Lookout. From Pearl Beach, this walk follows the roads to the lower end of Pearl Beach / Patonga fire trail. Continuing up this trail, the walk passes some sandstone caves and further on, enjoys the fenced Warrah Lookou

Total climbing: 189m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Maitland Bay Shipwreck Track walk starts and ends at the Maitland Bay Information Centre (gps: -33.520086, 151.38267)

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.

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