Wyrrabalong Coast Walk Circuit
Darkinjung & Guringai Country

3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

8.9 km
circuit

↑ 317 m
↓ -317 m

Very challenging
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. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Stunning views across Bateau Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Coastal forest. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Beautiful spot to sit. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Palms. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Twisted trees. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Crackneck lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Contorted branches. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sandy track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Ocean views. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Isopgen Anemonifolius (Broad-leaf Drumstick). | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walkway with amazing views. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Forest in Wyrrabalong. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Stunning views of the coastline. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Views from Wyrrabalong lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Trig point at Cromarty Hill. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Views over Forresters Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Walking on Cromarty Hill Rd. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Beach house with a view. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Northern end of Forresters beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Interesting rocks on Forresters Beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Shoreline scenery. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Imposing hills and boulder strewn coastline. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Mind the waves. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Rusty old engine block. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Not an easy path. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Texture in the rock. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Washed up timber. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Great scenery along the coast of Wyrrabalong. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Interesting texture and shapes. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Plenty of boulder hopping along the way. | Photo by admin, 2009.
On Crackneck beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
The rocky beach below Crackneck lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Sandy track. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Nice beach walking. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Bateau Bay beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Steps to Bateau Bay beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Downloads GPX PDF


Warning
This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills.
Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-33.3820196,151.4840305)
Mode Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
DirectionsFrom Pacific Motorway, M1
  • Turn on to Central Coast Highway, A49 then drive for 7.8 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Dane Drive, A49 and drive for another 6.5 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 3.6 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 710 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 1.6 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto The Enterence Road, A49 and drive for another 100 m
  • Continue onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 870 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 1 onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 2 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 540 m
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto The Entrance Road, A49 and drive for another 340 m
  • Turn right onto Bateau Bay Road and drive for another 1.3 km
  • Turn right onto Harbour Street and drive for another 170 m
  • Turn left onto Reserve Drive and drive for another 60 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
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.
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.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 1 m turn around.
After 65 m find the "Bateau Bay Beach picnic area and lookout" (on your left).
Bateau Bay Beach picnic area and lookout
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 Drive. 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.
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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 Drive. 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.

After another 15 m pass a seat (10 m on your left).
After another 175 m head into the park.
After another 70 m pass the toilet (20 m on your right).
After another 25 m find the "Southern Bateau Bay beach picnic area" (9 m on your right).
Southern Bateau Bay beach picnic area
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.
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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.

After another 4 m continue straight.
After another 370 m veer left, to head along The Coast Track.
After another 115 m pass a seat (6 m on your left).
After another 135 m turn left, to head along The Coast Track.
After another 235 m veer right.
After another 20 m turn left, to head along Hilltop Street.
After another 330 m pass the park (6 m on your left).
After another 25 m pass the picnic table (25 m on your left).
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Coast Track & Hilltop Street) turn right, to head along Coast Track (a walking track).
After another 20 m pass the sign (15 m on your left).
Then come to the "Crackneck Lookout" (40 m on your left).
Then pass a seat (25 m on your left).
After another 460 m continue straight, to head along Coast Track.
After another 930 m find the "Wyrrabalong Lookout and Cromarty Hill" (on your left).
Wyrrabalong Lookout and Cromarty Hill
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.
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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.

After another 175 m head through/around the gate.
After another 185 m (at the intersection of Cromarty Hill Road & North Scenic Road) turn left, to head along North Scenic Road (a residential road).
After another 315 m (at the intersection of Yumbool Close & North Scenic Road) continue straight, to head along North Scenic Road.
After another 335 m (at the intersection of Forresters Beach Road & North Scenic Road) turn left, to head along South Scenic Road.
After another 295 m (at the intersection of Henrys Road & South Scenic Road) continue straight, to head along South Scenic Road.
After another 25 m turn left.
After another 130 m find the "Forresters Beach" (20 m on your right).
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.
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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.

After another 2.8 km find the "Crackneck Beach" (on your right).
Crackneck Beach
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.
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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.

After another 1.2 km turn right.
After another 410 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Wyrrabalong Coast Walk Circuit


Grading
Class 5/6
Very challenging
Length 8.9 km
Time 3 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min
Quality of track Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure No facilities provided (5/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one 330 m from the start.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 2.2 km apart with the largest gap of 7.2 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Seat
85 m[seat]
Toilet
330 m[toilet]
Seat
850 m[seat]
Seat
1.6 km[seat]
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