Tallow Beach and Box Head

Download & Print Map and Notes

4 hrs

8.5 km Circuit

323 m

Hard track

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 along the service tracks, and larger eucalyptus trees along the bush tracks.

Tallow Beach and Box Head track intersection

Little Tallow Beach on Bouddi National Park coast

Tallow Beach from headland between Tallow and Little Tallow Beaches

Box Head looking south out over the Southern Ocean

(0km) Hawke Head Drive NE → Box Head Trail

2 km

44 mins

80m

-45m Moderate track

From the start of Hawke Head Drive, this walk heads up the hill following the road and power lines. The walk winds up Hawke Head Drive, where the road becomes unsealed and has numerous speed bumps. The walk continues along the road to the intersection with a management trail, and gate on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail up the hill, leaving the gated management trail behind on the right. The trail undulates along the ridge line for some time, with views to the right of the track over the Rip Bridge and Woy Woy. The trail then starts to head downhill, arriving at a car park, to the right, signposted 'Tallow Beach 900m'.
Continue straight: From the car park, the walk follows the management trail past the 'Tallow Beach 900m' signpost. The walk soon passes around a gate and continues down the hill. The walk passes an unfenced cliff warning sign and (ignores) a track signpost ('Tallow Beach') before heading up the hill to the intersection, signposted 'Tallow' and 'Killcare'.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Tallow' arrow along the management trail, going down the hill. The trail tends right for approximately 30m, to the signposted intersection for 'Box Head' and 'Tallow Beach'.

(2km) Box Head Trail → Int. Little Tallow Spur Trk and Service Trail

410 m

10 mins

-37m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill towards the ocean. The track tends left as it descends over numerous speed bumps. After a short time, the track heads down the hill to reach an intersection with a bush track on the right. If the track turns left (north) down the hill you have gone too far.

(2km) Int. Little Tallow Spur Trk and Service Trail → Little Tallow Beach

160 m

6 mins

-37m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill along the track, away from the management trail and towards the ocean. The track comes down onto the rock platform above Little Tallow Beach and continues to the right, then follows the creek down onto the beach.

Little Tallow Beach

Little Tallow Beach, Bouddi National Park, is a small 50m stretch of sand, wedged into a rocky outcrop. The beach is backed by a steep gully and rocky headwalls on all sides, and faces south-west out to the Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean.

(3km) Little Tallow Beach → Tallow Beach

560 m

11 mins

16m

-18m Moderate track

Turn around: From Little Tallow Beach, this walk heads away from the ocean and towards the hill, following the creek bed. This soon comes upon two round boulders, at which this walk turns right, crossing the creek and then heading around the rocky northern headland of Little Tallow Beach. From the rocky platform at the point, this walk turns left up the bush track, leading across the hillside with the ocean on the right of the track. The track heads down the hill parallel to the sea for a little while before climbing slightly to the intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill towards the beach. The walk winds down to an intersection with a small track, leading to the beach on the right.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sandy track to the top of Tallow Beach.

Tallow Beach

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.

(3km) Tallow Beach → Box Head Trail

870 m

21 mins

78m

-2m Moderate track

Turn around: From Tallow Beach, this walk heads along the sandy track, away from the beach and ocean. The walk leads up the hill to the start of a management trail.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk heads away from the beach and up the hill. The track turns left as it climbs the hill for approximately 30m, to an intersection on the left, after a speed bump.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, away from the campsite and ocean. The track winds into a gully and then out to a bend in the track, where the bush track intersection can be found on the ocean side (left) of the service trail.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill away from the ocean. The track tends left as it separates the eucalypts on the left with the heath on the right. The track continues to rise over numerous speed bumps as it heads up to the signposted intersection.

(4km) Box Head Trail → Box Head

1.3 km

25 mins

24m

-79m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Box Head' sign along the track. The walk follows the track for a short time, then crosses a rocky area before passing through a small clearing. The track narrows and meanders for some time, crossing numerous rock surfaces and rocky outcrops, then follows the top of the cliff line of Box Head out to a point that overlooks Barrenjoey, Lion Island, Broken Bay and out across the ocean.

(5km) Box Head → Box Head Trail

1.3 km

25 mins

79m

-24m Moderate track

Turn around: From Box Head, the walk follows the track away from the sea and the opposite headland, generally following the cliff line up the ridge. The track drops into a saddle, then climbs up the ridge for some time, crossing many rocky outcrops. The track then widens as it enters a small clearing and continues for a short time to the signposted intersection.

(7km) Box Head Trail → Hawke Head Drive NE

2 km

44 mins

45m

-80m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the management trail up the hill away (following neither the 'Box Head' nor 'Tallow Beach' arrows). The walk continues away from these signposted trails, going down into a saddle and up the hill on the other side to the sign-marked intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Killcare' arrow along the management trail. The walk passes (ignoring) a track signpost ('Tallow Beach') and passes an unfenced cliff warning sign before climbing a little. The walk passes around a gate and continues a short distance to a parking area, signposted 'Tallow Beach 900m'.
Continue straight: From the car park, the walk follows the management trail up the slight hill, leaving the car park and signpost behind, to the left. The trail undulates for some time, with views of the Rip Bridge and Woy Woy to the left. The trail begins to go downhill and arrives at an intersection with a gated service trail, to the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, with views of the water to the left. The walk continues for some time down the hill, passing over many speed bumps, and continuing when the road becomes a sealed surface. The walk passes a few houses on both sides of the road and soon comes to the intersection with Nukara Ave.

Maps for the Tallow Beach and Box Head 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 Tallow Beach and Box Head bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Tallow Beach and Box Head

Altitude analysis for Tallow Beach and Box Head

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	8.5 km
		Time	4 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		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	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 8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 970m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 2.8km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (160m) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

Around 8km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 160m has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 9km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 9km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 8km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 160m 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 Tallow Beach and Box Head walk.

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

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 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 Tallow Beach and Box Head 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Tallow Beach and Box Head walk starts and ends at the Hawke Head Drive NE (gps: -33.525931, 151.36028)

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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