Wyrrabalong Coast Walk circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

3 hrs 30 mins

9.1 km Circuit

348 m

Experienced only

A fairly tough but fantastic walk in the southern section of Wyrrabalong National Park. This walk runs through a long, thin strip of beautiful coastal forest, with fantastic views of the coastline from many vantage points along the way, and returns via the boulder-strewn shoreline and beaches. There is a lot of rock-hopping along the shoreline section and it is very exposed to the ocean, so it is fairly tough going and should not be attempted at high tide or with heavy seas. The variety of scenery through the various stages of the walk is excellent.

* This walk passes through very remote areas and sections have no visible track. At least one person in your group should have training and experience in off track walking and navigation. Even with these notes and a GPS these extra skills and equipment are required.

Isopgen Anemonifolius (Broad-leaf Drumstick)

Imposing hills and boulder strewn coastline

Great scenery along the coast of Wyrrabalong

Bateau Bay Beach picnic area and lookout

This unnamed picnic area and lookout is within Wyrrabalong National Park, at the intersection of Reserve Dr and Harbour St, Bateau Bay. The picnic area overlooks Bateau Bay and the beach. There are large grass areas, plenty of shade and facilities including picnic tables, garbage bins, and beach access steps. There are beautiful views along the coast and out to sea from the picnic area. There are free electric BBQs at Sutton Reserve, a block further south along Reserve Dr. Takeaway food is available at a small shopping centre near the intersection of Harbour St and Bateau Bay Rd, one block from the picnic area.

(0km) Top of northern Bateau Bay Beach access steps → South end of Bateau Bay Beach picnic area

100 m

2 mins

-1m Moderate track

Starting from the track intersection beside the beach access steps, this walk follows the faint track a very short distance across the picnic area, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. The walk soon arrives at some seats and an open viewing area, to the left, with stunning views across the water.
Continue straight: From the viewpoint, this walk goes south across the picnic area, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. The walk passes a fenced viewing area just before reaching an intersection at the end of the picnic area, with a concrete beach-access track to the left.

(0km) South end of Bateau Bay Beach picnic area → Rushby St car park

260 m

5 mins

10m

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track past the 'Wyrrabalong National Park Service Trail Walkers Only' sign, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. This walk passes through a nice strip of forest, passing a number of fenced viewing points, to the left, with great views out to sea. After a while, the walk emerges at another picnic area, next to a toilet block, and continues across the picnic area and car park, reaching an intersection signposted 'Coast Track', with a gated concrete driveway and beach access steps to the left.

Southern Bateau Bay beach picnic area

This picnic area, near the intersection of Reserve Dr and Rushby St, Bateau Bay, overlooks the southern end of Bateau Bay and the beach. The facilities include toilets, picnic tables, garbage bins and some slides for the kids. There are great views along the coast and out to sea. There is plenty of shade.

(0km) Rushby St car park → Crackneck Lookout

1.3 km

29 mins

88m

-12m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Coast Track' arrow along the bush track, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. The walk climbs gently and passes a number of side tracks on either side, which go a short distance to ocean viewing spots or the nearby road. After a while, the walk reaches an intersection in the middle of a grassy clearing, with more ocean views.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track south, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. The walk soon passes a bench seat with a commemorative plaque, and continues through the bush on the sandy track. Ignoring a track to the right (which goes to the nearby street), the walk continues along sections of track with retaining boards, for some time before arriving beside Hilltop St. The walk continues along the bush track close to Hilltop St, going along sections of boardwalk before climbing some wooden steps and emerging at the northern edge of Crackneck Lookout (at the end of Hilltop St).

Crackneck Lookout

This lookout, at the end of Hilltop St, Bateau Bay, has stunning views up and down the coastline, and out to sea. There are picnic tables and an information board about marine mammals. There is a hangliding launch spot beside the lookout.

(2km) Crackneck Lookout → Int of Coast Track and southern Stephenson Rd access track

510 m

11 mins

25m

-11m Moderate track

Veer right: From the southern edge of Crackneck Lookout (at the end of Hilltop St), the walk goes around the gate and follows the 'Coast Track' arrow, along the old management trail toward 'Wyrrabalong Lookout', keeping the ocean to the left. The walk passes a National Park information board, to the left, then takes the right-hand branch at a prominent fork. From here, the walk follows the main trail, ignoring numerous short side tracks (some of which lead to clifftop viewpoints) until reaching the end of the management trail and the start of a sandy bush track, to the right, marked with some timber posts.
Veer right: From the junction at the end of the management trail, this walk follows the sandy bush track marked with some timber posts. The track goes for a very short distance to an intersection, with another sandy bush track to the right, marked with several wooden posts and a signpost (indicating walkers are permitted but no dogs or motorbikes).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sandy bush track south, leaving the signpost behind on the right. The track passes through lovely bush with plenty of grass trees and, after a short distance, reaches an intersection with another sandy bush track, to the right, at the start of some low sandstone retaining walls.

(2km) Int of Coast Track and southern Stephenson Rd access track → End of Stephenson Rd

130 m

2 mins

-6m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sandy bush track away from the ocean, towards the large water tanks. The track widens to a management trail and passes the tanks, to the right, and continues down the hill, passing around a gate, to the end of Stephenson Rd, Bateau Bay.

(2km) Int of Coast Track and southern Stephenson Rd access track → Wyrrabalong Lookout

920 m

20 mins

43m

-32m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows the sandy bush track south, keeping the ocean to the left. Initially the track has low sandstone retaining walls on either side. The track soon passes a 'Coastal Heathlands' information board and continues along the top of a ridge with extensive views out to sea, and inland, before going down a long set of metal stairs. The walk then passes through a section of thick heath, before emerging briefly to more ocean views at a fenced viewpoint. The track continues for some distance, with occasional ocean views, climbing several sets of wooden steps before arriving at the Wyrrabalong Lookout.

Wyrrabalong Lookout and Cromarty Hill

This lookout and picnic area is on Cromarty Hill, near the end of Cromarty Hill Rd, Forresters Beach. There are picnic tables and fantastic views from the lookout point, as well as the concrete roof platform beside the large communications tower. There is a hang gliding launch spot beside the lookout.

(3km) Wyrrabalong Lookout → Int of South Scenic Rd and Henrys Rd

1.4 km

26 mins

11m

-108m Moderate track

Veer right: From Wyrrabalong Lookout, this walk goes across the grassy area, passing a trig point (to the left) and following the old management trail between the communications tower and satellite dish. There are great views over Forresters Beach from the concrete platform on top of the building, next to the tower. The walk then goes down the hill for a short distance, passing around a gate, signposted 'Wyrrabalong National Park', and arriving at the end of Cromarty Hill Rd.
Continue straight: From the end of Cromarty Hill Rd, this walk follows the road down the hill, away from the 'Wyrrabalong National Park' sign. After a while, the road changes from gravel to asphalt, bends to the left and becomes North Scenic Rd. The walk continues along the road until reaching the intersection with Forresters Beach Rd.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows Forresters Beach Rd down the hill. The road soon bends to the right and becomes South Scenic Rd as it runs parallel to the beach. After a short distance, the walk reaches the top of the beach access track near the intersection with Henrys Rd.

(4km) Int of South Scenic Rd and Henrys Rd → Bottom of Henrys Rd beach access

80 m

2 mins

-18m Moderate track

Turn left: From the top of the beach access track, this walk goes over the low gate and follows the management trail steeply down the hill. The walk passes a shower area, to the right, and continues a short distance down the boarded trail to Forresters Beach.

Forresters Beach

Forresters Beach is the name of a township and beach on the Central Coast of NSW. There are public toilets and a beach access path near the intersection of Crystal St and Kalakau Ave, and a beach access path near the bottom of Henrys Rd.

(5km) Bottom of Henrys Rd beach access → Crackneck beach

2.8 km

1 Hr

120m

-116m Experienced only

Turn left: From the bottom of the Henrys Rd beach access trail, this walk goes north along the beach, keeping the ocean to the right. After a while, the walk reaches the end of the sandy beach where the rocky shoreline starts.
Continue straight: From the northern end of Forresters Beach, this walk follows the coast north, keeping the ocean to the right. The walk travels over the rocky, boulder-covered shoreline for quite a while, with a lot of rock-hopping involved. There is only a narrow strip between the water and the steep hills, to the left, and great care should be exercised. The imposing hills, interesting textures and shapes in the rocks, and the crashing waves all combine to provide fantastic scenery and atmosphere. A fair number of old engine blocks and other car parts are lying in the rocks, rusting away slowly. The walk eventually reaches the unnamed beach beneath Crackneck Lookout, covered in rounded fist-sized rocks. Note: This section of the walk may be impassible at high tide or during high seas.

Crackneck Beach

This unnamed beach is below Crackneck Lookout and can be reached with some difficulty by walking along the very rocky shoreline from Forresters Beach, to the south, or from Bateau Bay beach, to the north. The beach is covered in rounded rocks about the size of a fist.

(7km) Crackneck beach → Crackneck rockshelf

470 m

9 mins

15m

-18m Experienced only

Continue straight: From the unnamed beach beneath Crackneck Lookout, this walk follows the coastline north, keeping the ocean to the right. The walk goes around the headland and continues across the rockshelf to the end of a sandy track running behind the rockshelf. There are some interesting textures in the rock, with some regular, angular cracks in places, making for some intriguing scenery.

(8km) Crackneck rockshelf → Southern end of Bateau Bay Beach

710 m

13 mins

17m

-18m Experienced only

Continue straight: From the rockshelf, this walk follows the sandy track north, keeping the ocean to the right. The track runs along a narrow strip of level ground beneath the hills as it approaches Bateau Bay. After a short distance, the walk passes some mangrove trees, to the right, reaching the start of a narrow strip of beach.
Continue straight: From the end of the narrow beach strip, this walk goes north along the sand, keeping the ocean to the right. The walk passes a concrete stormwater outlet (to the left) and a short distance later reaches the southern end of the much wider Bateau Bay Beach.

(9km) Southern end of Bateau Bay Beach → Bottom of northern Bateau Bay Beach access track

420 m

8 mins

12m

-13m Hard track

Continue straight: From the southern edge of Bateau Bay Beach[1], this walk goes north across the sand, keeping the ocean to the right. After a very short distance, the walk arrives at the bottom of the concrete steps of the southern Bateau Bay Beach[2] access track (beside the concrete management trail).
Turn right: From the bottom of the steps, this walk goes north along the beach, keeping the ocean to the right. Towards the northern end of the beach, the walk arrives at the base of a flight of wooden stairs.

(9km) Bottom of northern Bateau Bay Beach access track → Top of northern Bateau Bay Beach access steps

110 m

2 mins

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the bottom of the northern Bateau Bay Beach[3] access stairs, this walk goes up the staircase, away from the beach. The walk continues up the steps and boardwalk to an intersection at the top of the steps.

Maps for the Wyrrabalong Coast Walk circuit 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.

Gosford	1:25 000 Map Series	91312S GOSFORD	NSW-91312S
Gosford	1:100 000 Map Series	9131 GOSFORD	9131

Cross sectional view of the Wyrrabalong Coast Walk circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wyrrabalong Coast Walk circuit

Altitude analysis for Wyrrabalong Coast Walk circuit

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	9.1 km
		Time	3 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 5/6 Experienced only	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough unclear track (5/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
		Infrastructure	No facilities provided (5/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

4.8km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.1km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (1.2km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

2.9km of this walk follows a rough unclear track and another 2.7km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 1.5km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

4.4km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 3.4km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.2km) is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

4.4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 2.5km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (2.1km) requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation) and another 2.5km is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety. The remaining (710m) is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

3.1km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 2.3km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). Whilst another 2km has no facilities provided and the remaining 1.6km 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 Wyrrabalong Coast Walk circuit walk.

Wyrrabalong lookout

382 m Return, 15 mins

A short walk to Wyrrabalong Lookout, at the top of Cromarty Hill, with stunning views along the coastline near Forresters Beach. There are picnic tables and plenty of grassy area. Hang gliders and paragliders using the adjacent launch point, when the weather permits, add some interest.

Total climbing: 20m

Moderate track

Stephenson Rd to Crackneck Lookout

646 m One way, 15 mins

A great short walk through some beautiful coastal forest, with some brilliant coastal views along the way. Crackneck Lookout, at the end of the walk, is a great spot for a picnic lunch, enjoying the views and atmosphere of this part of Wyrrabalong National Park. If you are doing this as a return wal

Total climbing: 17m

Moderate track

Bateau Bay Beach loop

892 m Circuit, 30 mins

A short and very scenic walk around the beautiful Bateau Bay, taking in the stunning views from the hilltop picnic areas, as well as a walk along the beach. There are well-built steps and paths to make the beach access easier. Lunch at one of the picnic areas would really enhance this walk and its s

Total climbing: 25m

Hard track

Wyrrabalong Lookout to Crackneck Lookout

1.6 km One way, 45 mins

The fantastic scenic walk includes some of the highlights of the longer Wyrrabalong Coast Walking Track. The walk passes through a variety of beautiful forest landscapes, and there are excellent views of the coastline from many spots along the way, including the lookouts at the start and finish of t

Total climbing: 56m

Moderate track

Bateau Bay Picnic Area to Crackneck lookout

1.7 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

A short version of the Wyrrabalong Coast Walking Track, this walk covers some of the highlights through this long thin strip of beautiful coastal forest, with fantastic views of the coastline from many vantage points along the way. Crackneck Lookout, at the end of the walk, has stunning views and wo

Total climbing: 99m

Moderate track

Bateau Bay Beach to Crackneck Beach

3.4 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

A great walk along the beach and rocky shoreline near Bateau Bay. The unnamed, rocky beach below Crackneck Lookout is a beautiful spot and there are plenty of interesting shapes and textures in the rocks and rockshelf along the way. There is a bit of rockhopping, but much less than when approaching

Total climbing: 99m

Experienced only

Wyrrabalong Coast Walking Track

3.8 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

An excellent walk in the southern section of Wyrrabalong National Park. This walk runs through a long thin strip of beautiful coastal forest, with fantastic views of the coastline from many vantage points along the way. The two main lookouts along the way, Crackneck and Wyrrabalong, have stunning vi

Total climbing: 178m

Moderate track

Wyrrabalong Shoreline walk

4.6 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk runs along the shoreline from Bateau Bay to Forresters Beach, in the southern section of Wyrrabalong National Park. The walk is very exposed to the ocean and should not be done at high tide or during rough seas. Much of the shoreline is strewn with boulders, which makes the walking harder

Total climbing: 183m

Experienced only

Forresters Beach to Crackneck Beach

5.8 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

A great walk along the boulder strewn shoreline to the unnamed beach below Crackneck Lookout. Much of this walk is very exposed to the ocean and should not be attempted at high tide or during rough seas. Plenty of rock hopping over the boulders makes the walking harder but also makes the scenery mor

Total climbing: 254m

Experienced only

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Wyrrabalong Coast Walk circuit walk.

St Johns Lookout

166 m Return, 10 mins

This is a very short walk across the picnic area to the lookout - you can see the end of the walk from the start. The council has installed a sandstone footpath that arcs around the picnic area and leads to St Johns Lookout. The path also leads to picnic tables and accessible toilets. You will als

Total climbing: 13m

Very easy

Katandra Circuit

4.8 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

This walk explores many highlights in Katandra Reserve. Starting from St Johns Lookout, this walk winds down the hill into the much denser forest of the valley, enjoy many interesting rock formations on the way. Once in the valley, you walk past some fantastic examples of strangler figs before hea

Total climbing: 308m

Moderate track

Toomeys Walk

2.9 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk is a great way to explore the diverse forests of Katandra Reserve. Starting with the views from St Johns Lookout, this walk heads through the open forest, past many mossy rocks, then heads into the valley and rainforest. On the valley floor, the walk gently meanders past some great examp

Total climbing: 135m

Moderate track

Guringai Walk

1.2 km Circuit, 45 mins

This is a surprisingly spectacular walk, following the base of the cliff below St Johns Lookout. From the car park, you will follow a gentle track through the bush before heading down some stairs to the cliff face. Handrails and timber walkways have been installed to make this walk more accessible.

Total climbing: 80m

Moderate track

Graves Walk

1.5 km One way, 45 mins

On this walk, you follow the signposted Graves Walk between the two main picnic area in Katandra Reserve. Starting near St Johns Lookout, this walk follows Graves Walking track down the ridge. You will see some valley views, open drier forest, some faint Aboriginal markings and plenty of interesti

Total climbing: 13m

Moderate track

Mouat Trail (Katandra to Rumbalara)

4.1 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk follows a series of tracks and management trails along the top of the ridge between Katandra and Rumbalara Reserves. You will at times think you are a million miles from anywhere and other times enjoy views across the suburbs of the Central Coast and out to sea. In spring and early summe

Total climbing: 139m

Hard track

Strangler Fig Walk

2 km Return, 1 Hr

Starting from the Katandra Rd Picnic Area, you will head past Seymour Pond and along Toomey Walk to the Strangler Fig platform. You will see two magnificent examples of Strangler Fig trees - one growing on a large rock and the other forming a knotted tubular structure. A lovely walk through the den

Total climbing: 96m

Moderate track

Seymour Pond

890 m Return, 30 mins

This short walk takes you from the Katandra Rd Picnic Area to Seymour Pond. The pond was made to support a farm that was once in the area, and now the pond support many water birds. There is a simple picnic area and plenty of shady spots at the pond, making a nice place to sit and enjoy the birds.

Total climbing: 45m

Easy track

Watermans Walk

1.6 km Circuit, 45 mins

This lovely walk start from the Katandra Rd Picnic Area and circumnavigates Seymour Pond. On this walk, you will head through a few palm-filled valleys, discover a Strangler Fig Tube (on a side trip) and are likely to see a few water birds. Take some snacks and enjoy one of the resting areas - sit q

Total climbing: 67m

Easy track

Katandra Reserve Explorer

5.3 km Circuit, 2 hrs 45 mins

This walk is a great way to explore the many highlights of Katandra Reserve. Starting at the lower picnic area, you circumnavigate Seymour Pond via the Waterman Walk, then discover some wonderful Strangler Fig trees in the rainforest. As the walk climbs, the forest dries out a little, which opens u

Total climbing: 350m

Moderate track

Matcham to Gosford

8.5 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk starts at the bottom of Katandra Reserve and heads up the hill, exploring the ridge on the way to Gosford Station. You will visit a wide variety of plant communities and some lovely vistas over the surrounding towns and water. Along some of the secluded sections, you may forget that you

Total climbing: 381m

Hard track

Arboretum Loop Trail

2.3 km Circuit, 1 Hr

A very nice walk through a mixture of native (regrowth) forest and one of Australia's oldest arboretums. The arboretum has both native and exotic trees, with the plantings dating from 1887-1924. This walk takes you along some of the rainforest-clad creeks of Strickland State Forest, before crossing

Total climbing: 45m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Wyrrabalong Coast Walk circuit walk starts and ends at the Top of northern Bateau Bay Beach access steps (gps: -33.382053, 151.48403)

Bus. (get details)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Wyrrabalong National Park

Wyrrabalong National park on the NSW Central Coast is divided into two main sections. The northern section sits between the South Pacific Ocean and Tuggerah Lake (with the Central Coast Hwy cutting up the middle) south of Norah Head. The south section covers a coastal strip from Forresters Beach to Bateau Bay. The park is rich with great views, sandy beaches and the last significant coastal rainforest in the area. A great place for walking, swimming, fishing and relaxing.

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