Bouddi Coastal Walk<\/h2>\n
Where: <\/strong>Bouddi National Park<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>8.5 kilometres one way<\/p>\n Difficulty: <\/strong>Hard<\/p>\n Details:<\/strong> Sydney has the Bondi to Bronte, Melbourne has the Thousand Steps and the Central Coast has the Bouddi Coastal Walk<\/a>. Its home to numerous Aboriginal sites, one of the country\u2019s first protected marine areas, and plenty of ancient landscapes to marvel at.<\/p>\n The walk delivers sweeping ocean views, whale-spotting opportunities, and plenty of deserted beaches to stop at for a swim. Don\u2019t miss the remains of the SS Maitland <\/em>shipwreck at Bouddi Point.<\/p>\n While the 17-kilometre round-trip can be done in a day, those who aim to complete the journey should note it can take up to eight hours. The track begins at Putty Beach picnic area and includes a mix of beach walking, steep stairs, formed tracks, and rocky platforms. It ends at Macmasters Beach, where walkers can exit the walk or opt to make the return journey.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to tackle the entirety of the coastal walk in one day. Breaking it up into shorter distances is just as rewarding. For some shorter routes try:<\/p>\n Beautiful coloured sandstone rocks near Putty Beach, Bouddi National Park.<\/p><\/div>\n Where:<\/strong> Brisbane Water National Park<\/p>\n Distance:<\/strong> Two-kilometre loop<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<\/p>\n Details:<\/strong> Traverse tranquil bushland past colourful wildflowers along the Girrakool Loop Track.<\/a> This easy, signposted trail begins and ends at the Girrakool picnic area \u2013 it\u2019s the ideal way to walk off lunch. There are two lookouts to pause at along the trail: the Andamira lookout for views of the tree-shrouded waterfall and the picturesque Iloura lookout. Don\u2019t miss the Aboriginal rock engraving site at the start of the walk, and take your time to breathe in the fresh air as you wind your way through the bush.<\/p>\n The car park is open from 9am to 5pm and park fees apply.<\/p>\n Traverse tranquil bushland along the Girrakool Loop Track.<\/p><\/div>\n Where: <\/strong>Strickland State Forest<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>2.1 kilometres one way<\/p>\n Difficulty: <\/strong>Easy<\/p>\n Details:<\/strong> Strickland State Forest packs a punch when it comes to diverse walking tracks despite its modest five-kilometre size. One of the most popular options is the Ridge to Rainforest track<\/a>. Begin the walk near the entry road to Banksia Picnic Area and follow the track lined with tall gum trees past mossy rocks and hoop pines along the ridge until you reach the gully of the rainforest.<\/p>\n Strickland State Forest was the site of the first government forest nursery (1886-1890) and the first national forestry training school (1920 \u2013 1927). Aptly, remnants of native and exotic tree plantings are now among the oldest in Australia and can be admired as you walk along the trail.<\/p>\n Where: <\/strong>The Entrance<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>7.6-kilometre loop<\/p>\n Difficulty: <\/strong>Medium<\/p>\n Details: <\/strong>This self-guided walk<\/a> takes in the best of The Entrance and surrounding areas. Get a first-hand look at the landmarks, attractions and scenery that this popular pocket of the Central Coast has to offer.<\/p>\n Begin your journey at Memorial Park and follow the boardwalk along the coastline to The Entrance Surf Life Saving Club. After picking up a kiosk coffee continue past the Ocean Baths and Edith Ring Rest lookout on to Toowoon Bay Surf Club. Follow on the shared pathway from Long Jetty to Memorial Park in the Entrance. As you pass through Picnic Point, make use of the skate park, fitness station, picnic shelters and BBQs.<\/p>\n Some sections of the walk are fully accessible to all abilities, prams and bicycles. Some sections require beach access and rock platform walking.<\/p>\n The Coast to Lake walk takes in the best of The Entrance and surrounding areas.<\/p><\/div>\n Where: <\/strong>Brisbane Water National Park<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>3 kilometres one way<\/p>\n Difficulty: <\/strong>Hard<\/p>\n Details: <\/strong>It may be shorter in distance than some of its local counterparts, but the Patonga to Pearl Beach hike<\/a> trails through some rather challenging terrain.<\/p>\n Follow the signs to the national park at the end of Patonga Beach to begin the walk. The steep trail will lead you through sandstone caves adorned with natural hanging ferns, past red gums and towering eucalypts. Stop at the Warrah lookout for panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River and Pacific Ocean. Your exit will be marked at Crystal Avenue. From here you can follow the sounds of crashing waves to emerge from the bush onto Pearl Beach. Linger here for a well-earned swim before taking advantage of the cafes nearby.<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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Girrakool Loop Track<\/h2>\n
![\"Girrakool](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/girrakool-loop-track.jpg\")
The Ridge to Rainforest Track<\/h2>\n
Coast to Lake Walk<\/h2>\n
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Patonga to Pearl Beach<\/h2>\n
![\"Patonga](\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Tessellated-Rock-Pavement-between-Patonga-and-Pearl-Beach.jpg\")
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