Trail Fast Facts
The Coast walking track is a 3km, grade 3 hike in Wyrrabalong National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 1.25 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Discover one of the Central Coast's most beautiful walks. The Coast walking track runs through a narrow strip of forest between Forresters and Bateau Bay Beaches.
Setting out from Bateau Bay Beach picnic area, you'll wander along clifftops, past blackbutts and spotted gums, and absorb spectacular coastal views as you go. The best time to walk is between May and August, when you can do some whale watching from Crackneck lookout along the way. If you're walking in spring, you'll be treated to wildflowers coming into bloom, including ground orchids and flannel flowers, and you're bound to spot birds all year round.
The return walk is about 6km, but if you'd like a shorter walk, try going one way, or you can break the walk up into shorter sections. No matter how you undertake it, you're sure to find it rewarding.
Take a virtual tour of The Coast walking track captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Map and GPX file
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
To Cromarty Hill Road. The Coast walking track goes from Bateau Bay south to Forresters Beach. You can start the track at either end, or at one of the access points along the way, or including Crackneck lookout.To start the walk from Bateau Bay:Take The Entrance Road and turn east into Yakalla StreetTurn right onto Bateau Bay Road and then left into Reserve DriveThe track starts from Bateau Bay Beach picnic area on Reserve DriveTo start the walk from Forresters Beach:Take The Entrance Road and turn east into Crystal StreetTurn left into Kalakau Avenue, which becomes South Scenic RoadTurn right into North Scenic Road, which becomes Cromarty Hill RoadPark near the gate and follow the track up to the Wyrrabalong lookout, where the track begins Park entry points Cromarty Hill Road See on map Parking Parking is available at Bateau Bay Beach picnic area a short walk from the northern end of The Coast walking track Parking is available on North Scenic Drive, a short walk to Wyrrabalong lookout and the southern end of The Coast walking track
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.