Bouddi National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Introduction

Heavily timbered hills and cliffs rise behind a cluster of lovely beaches at Bouddi National Park south-east of Gosford. The park is of special signifi cance for its Aboriginal heritage. The Hawkesbury River and the Pacifi c Ocean provided a rich source of bush tucker with freshwater fi sh and marine seafood for the Guringai (Kurringgai) people, the traditional custodians of this region. Around 100 Aboriginal sites have been recorded on the Bouddi Peninsula, including middens, rock engravings and rock shelters. Today the park is a mecca for those seeking sun, sand and surf, peaceful camping and a spot of fi shing. Putty Beach, crescent-shaped Maitland Bay (ideal for swimming and snorkelling) and Lobster Beach (favoured by boaters) are all popular. None of the beaches are patrolled. The remains of the paddlesteamer Maitland, wrecked off Maitland Bay in 1898, can be seen rusting in the surf. A marine extension to the park extends across Maitland Bay, protecting all marine life. Sweeping Tallow Beach is subject to strong rips and currents, but keen surfers will fi nd good breaks, mainly between MacMasters Beach and Box Head. Walkers can strike out on a number of tracks through the heathland, eucalypt woodland and open forest. Maitland Bay Track (850 metres, 30–40 minutes return) from the visitor centre to Maitland Bay is worthwhile, but is quite a steep haul on the way back. The more energetic might tackle Bouddi Coastal Walk (8 km, 4 hours return, medium diffi culty) from the eastern end of Putty Beach then climb the stairs to Gerrin Point Lookout for panoramic coastal views. Call in at the Maitland Bay visitor centre for advice on other walking tracks. Rock-fi shing is popular but take care on rock platforms.

Fact file

Camping

Putty Beach (campervans and camper trailers not permitted); Little Beach (backpack camping); Tallow Beach (1 km from carpark)

Location and access

95 km north of Sydney; 19 km south-east of Gosford via Scenic Rd (access is at Putty Beach)

Park Information

• NSWNPWS 1300 361 967
• NPWS Gosford (02) 4320 4200
• Camp bookings (02) 4320 4203

Size

1532 ha

Where to Stay

Terrigal (02) 4385 4430, 1300 130 708 www.cctourism.com.au


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• Campsites

Campsites

Little Beach camping area

It’s a 750 m walk from the carpark at the end of Graham Dr off The Scenic Rd to this campsite, which has 6 tent sites, as well as toilets and gas/electric barbecues. Fires aren’t permitted, and you’ll... Find out more

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Putty Beach camping area

The largest of the park’s 3 camping areas with 18 tent sites, this is close to the beach but only a short walk from the carpark at the end of Putty Beach Rd. The eastern end of the beach (unpatrolled) is good for... Find out more

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Tallow Beach camping area (walk-in camping)

This campsite is only accessible via a fairly strenuous, steep 1.2 km track from the end of Hawke Head Dr in the south-western reaches of the park. It’s downhill there, which means a tough uphill walk back, and you... Find out more

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