The 2.6 km return walk from Putty Beach to Gerrin Point Lookout in Bouddi National Park is a scenic coastal trail with plenty to see along the way.
This easy, family-friendly walk forms part of the popular 8 km Bouddi Coastal Track, offering the option to extend your hike and make a day of it.
| Putty Beach to Gerrin Point Lookout | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.6 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours (depending on stops) |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
Getting There
The walking track from Putty Beach to Gerrin Point Lookout starts at the Putty Beach campground in Killcare Heights, where you’ll find a large car park (see map).
The best way to get there from the M1 Motorway is via Woy Woy Road to Woy Woy, then follow Empire Bay Drive through Empire Bay, Wardshill Road, The Scenic Road, and Putty Beach Drive to the campground in Killcare Heights.
Parking at the campground costs $8 per vehicle for the whole day, payable at one of the ticket machines.
Below is a map of the walk, including the car park at Putty Beach Campground.
Track Notes
Once you’ve parked and paid the parking fee, it’s time to hit the trail. The walk starts from the car park at the end of Putty Beach Road.
Highlights along the walk:
- Putty Beach
- Tessellated Pavement
- Bullimah Beach
- Gerrin Point Lookout
It’s a relatively easy 2.6 km return walk, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. We recommend wearing good hiking shoes to help navigate the uneven sections of the path.
1. Putty Beach
Putty Beach is a beautiful southeast-facing strip of sand located in the suburb of Killcare Heights on the Central Coast.
The western end of the beach merges into Killcare Beach, which has its own surf lifesaving club. Putty Beach generally has calmer waters than Killcare Beach.
It’s a family-friendly destination with picnic and toilet facilities nearby, often calm waters for swimming, and plenty of space to settle in for the day.
Overnight stays are available at the Putty Beach campground, which can be booked through the NSW National Parks website.
The beach also marks the starting point of the popular Bouddi Coastal Walk, with the section between Putty Beach and Gerrin Point Lookout being the first part of that iconic trail.
The walking track heads into the bush at the eastern end of the beach, marked by a large Bouddi Coastal Walk signpost. Alternatively, you can walk out to the rocky headland east of the beach and continue on the main track from there.
The views from the headland are impressive, and the colours and formations of the sandstone landscape are quite fascinating.
2. Tessellated Pavement
The walking trail continues along wooden boardwalks that wind around the cliffs, leading towards the Tessellated Pavement.
This fascinating formation consists of sandstone blocks, shaped over millions of years through weathering and erosion.
A small viewing platform with an information board sits in front of the formation, offering excellent views up close.
3. Bullimah Beach
Not far from the Tessellated Pavement, you’ll reach a junction with a short side trail leading to Bullimah Beach.
Bullimah Beach is a small but picturesque southwest-facing beach, surrounded by cliffs at the western tip of Gerrin Point.
The beach is only accessible on foot via the coastal walk from either Putty Beach or Maitland Bay.
After visiting Bullimah Beach, retrace your steps back to the junction and continue on the main walking track towards Gerrin Point.
4. Gerrin Point Lookout
This section of the track climbs uphill via steps, footbridges, and boardwalks, keeping the ocean on your right, before arriving at the lookout.
Gerrin Point Lookout is a fenced viewing platform offering beautiful views of Maitland Bay and the coastline further north.
The wooden platform has a small built-in bench, perfect for whale watching during the winter months.
Feeling energetic?
From Gerrin Point, the coastal walk continues on to Maitland Bay, Bouddi Point, and all the way to the beautiful Little Beach!
Nearby walks:
