Killcare

Found on the Bouddi Peninsula between bush and beach, Killcare is best enjoyed outdoors. This secluded village on the NSW Central Coast is a launchpad for all kinds of adventure, from bushwalking and mountain biking through Bouddi National Park to swimming, surfing, fishing and whale watching.

Pristine beaches

If you’re after postcard-perfect beaches, you’re in the right place, with Killcare and the neighbouring Hardy's Bay, Wagstaffe, Pretty Beach and Lobster Beach surrounded by national park and protected marine habitat. Killcare Beach offers 1.6km of sand, a kiosk and is patrolled during the warmer months.

For a sheltered sandy beach with calm waters, head to Lobster Beach, which curves around tranquil Broken Bay, and is popular for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. You might even spot dolphins. Gerrin Point lookout, near the northeastern end of Putty Beach, is a great vantage point to spot migrating whales.

National parks & coastal walks

A top walking track on the NSW Central Coast is the 8km Bouddi Coastal Walk in Bouddi National Park, which encompasses beaches, birdlife, rainforest and sweeping ocean views. You’ll also find Aboriginal cultural heritage sites, mountain biking tracks, picnic areas and campgrounds in the national park.

At low tide, lookout for the remains of the paddle steamer PS Maitland, which was shipwrecked in 1898 at the eastern end of Maitland Bay. To see the wreck, take the scenic route along Maitland Bay track. Nearby is Box Head track, which leads to a lookout with sweeping views of Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Delicious dining

For fine dining, head to the iconic Bells at Killcare, where the restaurant The Wild Flower Bar & Dining is under the direction of acclaimed chef Sean Connelly. For something more casual, try the Killcare Beach Kiosk or grab breakfast and pastries at The Fat Goose. Enjoy modern Asian fare on the waterfront at The Lucky Bee in Hardy’s Bay.

Getting there & where to stay

Killcare is a 90min drive north from Sydney and around 1hr 45min south from Newcastle. You can also catch the scenic ferry from Palm Beach to Wagstaffe and take a taxi or walk along the coast. Places to stay in Killcare include campgrounds and beach houses, as well as the luxury boutique hotel Bells at Killcare and private luxury lodge Pretty Beach House.