The Best Central Coast Walks with Stunning Views

The sunny Central Coast has an abundance of lush landscapes, rugged bays, expansive beaches, hidden valleys and scenic outlooks, making it an ideal playground for hiking enthusiasts. If you’ve already conquered the best walking tracks Sydney has to offer, it’s time to head north and discover our pick of the best Central Coast walks. Read on for our top picks. 

Norah Head Nature Trail

Take a walk along the Norah Head Nature Trail to check out the Norah Head Lighthouse. This 2.2-kilometre walk takes in some of the area’s beautiful native flora and fauna. You can head back via the nature trail or, alternatively, if the tide is low, you can make your way down the stairs in front of the lighthouse and turn left. Take in the secluded beauty of Nimbin and Lighthouse Beaches before reaching The Rockpool Norah Head, from here you can make your way up the stairs which will take you back to the reserve.

Distance: 2.2km return 

Time: 1 hour 

Patonga to Pearl Beach

Beginning near Patonga boat ramp, the moderately challenging Patonga to Peal Beach hike is three kilometres one way and takes you on a scenic climb through Brisbane Water National Park. Warrah Lookout is a great place to stop for breathtaking views of Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River. The refreshing turquoise waters of Pearl Beach signal the end of the trail and an opportunity to stop off for a swim and squeeze in some beach walking.

Distance: 3km one way 

Time: 1.5-2 hours

Mooney Mooney Nature Walk

Another sublime walking track that takes in the magnificence of the Brisbane Water National Park, the eight-kilometre track navigates an abundance of diverse landscapes including rocky escarpments, lush rainforests, waterfalls and native bushland. Beginning at the Girrakool Picnic Area, you’ll follow the deep gorge at Piles Creek up to the iconic suspension bridge.

Distance: 4.2km one way 

Time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Piles Creek Loop 

If you're after a short work with plenty of different landscapes to traverse, Piles Creek Loop is it. You'll hike through eucalypt rainforests, past waterfalls and even over a suspension bridge. We recommend packing a picnic and settling in at the Girrakool picnic area for a post-hike feast. 

Distance: 4km 

Time: 2.5 - 3 hours 

Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk

Make your way up to Bateau Bay's Crackneck Lookout and watch the whales cruise by during the winter months and enjoy the stunning views across Shelly Beach and The Entrance. From the lookout, you can head out along the three-kilometre Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk – either head north to Bateau Bay Beach through subtropical fauna-scape, or south to Forresters Beach with the scenic walk coasting the headline through Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk.

Distance: 3.8km 

Time: 1.5 hours

Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk

Great North Walk

Iconic, yet gruelling, the Great North Walk is not for the faint-hearted. Stretching for an impressive 250 kilometres from the Sydney CBD to Newcastle, the extensive track covers several national parks including Brisbane Water National Park. The Central Coast portion of the track runs for 38 kilometres and is characterised by rocky landscapes, rainforest canopies, native wildlife, and impressive water vistas.

Distance: 38km one way 

Time: 1-3 days

Girrakool Loop Track 

If you're looking for a scenic meander that's not too strenuous, the Girrakool Loop is for you. The route may be short but it packs a punch with lookouts, waterfalls, Aboriginal engravings and creeks. 

Sitchu Tip: This is a great walk during late winter and early spring for vibrant wildflowers. 

Distance: 2km 

Time: 30 mins to 1 hour 

Hominy Creek Walking Track

A refreshing dip in the Emerald Pool awaits you at the end of Hominy Creek Walking Track. Shaded by eucalyptus trees and with views of Popran National Park, the five-kilometre circuit is a tranquil escape. Push yourself a little further and continue on to the 248 Trail to reach the Mount Olive Lookout and reward yourself with magnificent views of Popran Valley.

Distance: 5km return 

Time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Box Head Track

For an easygoing introduction to Central Coast hiking trails, Box Head Track is a great place to start. At just over three kilometres, the relaxed walk is less about endurance and more about Bouddi National Park’s natural landscape. From breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea to the abundance of native birdlife and mountainous outlooks, Box Head Track is a great excursion for all fitness levels.  

Distance: 3.1km return 

Time: 1 hour

Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk

Stretching across eight kilometres of rugged coastline from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach, the Bouddi Coastal Walk is the perfect snapshot of the scenic Central Coast. Traversing beaches, boardwalks, rainforests, and secluded bays, the moderate hike is known as one of the best coastal walks in Australia. Don’t miss a spectacular photo opportunity at Gerrin Point Lookout for the chance to spot some migrating whales and sweeping ocean views.    

Distance: 8.5km one way 

Time: 3.5-4.5 hours

Coast to Lake Walk

Taking in the beautiful sights of the coast, the lake and everything in between, this self-guided walk highlights the Central Coast's natural beauty. The 7.6km Coast to Lake walk covers The Entrance's main attractions and landmarks (great for day-trippers), while also providing exercise-lovers a solid sweat session with a view.

Distance: 3 hours 

Time: 1.5-3 hours

The Coast Walking Track 

Meandering through Wyrrabalong National Park, this coastal track is one of the most scenic on the coast. Taking in sweeping views along the clifftops between Foresters and Bateau Bay Beaches, you'll also pass wildflowers in spring, whale spotting lookouts in winter and birdlife all year round. 

Distance: 3km one way 

Time: 1.5 hours 

Devines Hill Loop

An ambitious 28-kilometre track near Wiseman’s Ferry, the Devines Hill Loop is a Heritage-listed walk that covers Old Great North Road, Thomas James Bridge, Hangmans Rock, Devines Hill and other historical remnants from the 1800s convict era. Located in Dharug National Park, the strenuous track is a popular venture for experienced hikers and mountain bikers.

Distance: 28km return 

Time: 6 hours

Loving our round-up of the best Central Coast walks and looking for more adventures in the area? Catch our guide to the best Central Coast beaches here and our local secrets guide here.