This walk runs along the shoreline from Bateau Bay to Forresters Beach, in the southern section of Wyrrabalong National Park. The walk is very exposed to the ocean and should not be done at high tide or during rough seas. Much of the shoreline is strewn with boulders, which makes the walking harder but makes the scenery more interesting. The shapes and textures of the boulders, combined with the steep hills and low cliffs of the coastline, plus the uninterrupted ocean views, combine to give quite dramatic scenery and atmosphere for the walk. Consider making a loop walk by returning on the Wyrrabalong Coast Walking Track. 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.
Picnic area above Bateau Bay beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.Stunning views across Bateau Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.The stairs down to the beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.Looking along Bateau Bay beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.Nice rock edge along the beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.Nice beach walking. | Photo by admin, 2009.A small patch of Mangroves. | Photo by admin, 2009.Sandy track. | Photo by admin, 2009.Rocky shoreline. | Photo by admin, 2009.Rocky beach below Crackneck lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.Rounded rocks on Crackneck beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.Driftwood. | Photo by admin, 2009.Plenty of boulder hopping along the way. | Photo by admin, 2009.Close to the waves. | Photo by admin, 2009.Interesting texture and shapes. | Photo by admin, 2009.Rugged coastline. | Photo by admin, 2009.Great scenery along the coast of Wyrrabalong. | Photo by admin, 2009.Texture in the rock. | Photo by admin, 2009.Jumbled boulders. | Photo by admin, 2009.Rusty old engine block. | Photo by admin, 2009.Not an easy path. | Photo by admin, 2009.Mind the waves. | Photo by admin, 2009.Erosion art. | Photo by admin, 2009.Rock texture. | Photo by admin, 2009.Northern end of Forresters beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.Looking across Forresters beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.Beach access. | Photo by admin, 2009.
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.
Getting started From the intersection, this walk goes down the timber steps, towards the beach. The walk follows the boardwalk and timber steps down the hill until reaching Bateau Bay Beach.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
Bateau Bay Beach picnic area and lookout (about 25 m back from the start).
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 370 m turn left.
After another 1.3 km find the "Crackneck Beach" (on your left).
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 2.8 km find the "Forresters Beach" (20 m on your left).
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 25 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Wyrrabalong Shoreline Walk
Grading
Class 5/6
Very challenging
Length
4.5 km
Time
1 h 45 min to 2 h
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)