Take time to explore the stunning Coast Walking Track, where nature comes alive. Bright wildflowers line the path, dragonflies dance through the air, and the sound of waves blends with birdsong. Stroll through a narrow stretch of forest before the trees open up to breathtaking ocean views.
Starting points for this walk
You can begin the walk from three starting points: Bateau Bay Picnic Area, Crackneck Lookout, or Forresters Beach. All with convenient parking. Starting at Bateau Bay Picnic Area, you may be tempted to linger on the beautiful beach. However, if swimming is on your list, save it for Forresters Beach, which is patrolled during the school holidays. National Parks has a great map of this walk to check out before you go.
From Bateau Bay
From Bateau Bay, follow the paved trail to the right, keeping the sea to your left. The walk takes you through shady groves of blackbutts and spotted gums before arriving at Crackneck Lookout. Here, sweeping coastal views stretch for miles, making it an ideal spot to relax, unpack a picnic, or watch hang gliders launch into the sky. With luck, you might even spot a whale passing by.
The walk
The track continues on to Forresters Beach along a sandy, uneven path with stairs and gentle inclines. The effort is rewarded with spectacular ocean vistas, and at the end, you can cool off with a refreshing swim before retracing your steps.
Visitor information
The full return walk is around 6 km and takes a couple of hours to complete. While it isn’t suitable for prams, strollers, or wheelchairs, it only requires a moderate fitness level, making it a great family-friendly adventure for older kids.
Bateau Bay is just over an hour’s drive from Lake Macquarie, making it a perfect day trip.
For more details and updates, visit: Coast Walking Track – NSW National Parks
