The best walks and hikes in Wyrrabalong National Park
4.9
(8)
260
hikers
17
hikes
Hiking in Wyrrabalong National Park offers diverse landscapes across its two distinct sections on the Central Coast of New South Wales. The park features dramatic coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and rocky shorelines, alongside inland areas of coastal rainforest, wetlands, and serene lake vistas. Its unique position provides both ocean and Tuggerah Lake views, with trails winding through red gum forests and past twisted angophoras.
Best hiking trails in Wyrrabalong National Park
- The most popular hiking route is Crackneck Lookout –…
Last updated: November 3, 2026
46
hikers
5.61km
01:35
120m
120m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.7
(3)
20
hikers
6.66km
01:47
80m
80m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
8
hikers
9.50km
02:24
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
27
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
27
hikers
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Popular around Wyrrabalong National Park
Tips from the Community
Lilly Pilly Loop Link Trail passes through one of the Central Coast’s largest remaining stands of coastal rainforest, with towering corkwoods, cabbage tree palms and tuckeroos along the track. It connects the loop to the Red Gum Trail, where the vegetation shifts from rainforest to coastal forest as the track gradually slopes back toward the car park.
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Red Gum Trail is a roughly 3.4-kilometre loop through the northern section of Wyrrabalong National Park, passing through coastal forest dominated by Sydney red gums and old man banksias. The sandy track leads to a lookout with views over Toukley, Tuggerah Lake, and the surrounding mountains, and also connects with Lilly Pilly Loop Link Trail, an ideal option to extend your walk through this beautiful area.
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Wyrrabalong National Park runs along the Central Coast near The Entrance and is split into northern and southern sections by the channel that separates them. North Wyrrabalong sits on the traditional Country of the Awabakal people, and the south Wyrrabalong belongs to Darkinjung Country, with plenty of opportunities for bushwalking, swimming, surfing, and fishing across both. Coastal lookouts at either end make it a popular spot for whale watching during migration season, and the spring wildflowers, rainforest, and wetlands in the park’s northern reaches make it a beautiful place to explore.
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Stretching 351 metres into Tuggerah Lake, the Long Jetty is the longest in NSW and is a historic spot that also gave this lakeside suburb its name. William Henry Price built the original jetty from paperbark tree trunks in 1915, and after the 1927 floods washed it away, the council rebuilt it the same year, adding a shelter for ferry passengers travelling across the lake to Wyong. You can stroll to the end for wide views over the water, especially beautiful in the evenings, and it’s a popular spot for photographers who come to capture the light around sunset.
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Terilbah Reserve sits along Tuggerah Lake, with open grassy areas, benches, a playground, and a fishing platform. It's also home to the Sensory Gardens, planted with native species you can not only see, but touch and smell, so blind and low-vision visitors can enjoy the textures and scents of the Australian bush too. Wheelchair-friendly paths and small bridges wind past seats and weather shelters, making it an easy place to stop and enjoy during a walk or ride along the lake.
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The Entrance Bridge crosses the channel where Tuggerah Lake meets the ocean, connecting The Entrance with The Entrance North. Built in the late 1960s, this concrete bridge replaced a narrow, one-lane timber bridge that was constructed in 1934. It has a separate footpath and cycleway, so you can cross away from the traffic while you enjoy watching the water move through the channel below you.
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Crackneck Lookout is on the edges of a paved car park, with multiple benches, rubbish bins and picnic benches. When the weather allows, there are often paragliders taking off and landing on this large grassy stretch.
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Wyrrabalong Lookout sits just below Cromarty Hill, with similar views over the ocean just a bit lower and with picnic benches. It's a great place to enjoy a sunset or sunrise while having a seat at a table.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Wyrrabalong National Park?
Wyrrabalong National Park offers a diverse network of over 15 hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate hikes. These trails explore both the dramatic coastal cliffs and the serene inland rainforests and wetlands.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Wyrrabalong National Park?
The park is enjoyable year-round, but spring (September to November) is particularly rewarding for hiking, as wildflowers like ground orchids and flannel flowers are in bloom. Late May to November is also excellent for whale watching from coastal lookouts.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Wyrrabalong National Park?
Yes, Wyrrabalong National Park has several family-friendly walks. The section between Crackneck Lookout and Wyrrabalong Lookout is particularly suitable, offering limited elevation and multiple ocean views. Many of the park's 9 easy routes are great for families.
What kind of natural attractions can I expect to see along the trails?
Hikers can experience a captivating mix of environments, including dramatic coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and rocky shorelines. Inland, trails wind through coastal rainforests with majestic red gums, cabbage tree palms, and twisted angophoras, offering superb lake vistas of Tuggerah Lake. Lookouts like Crackneck and Wyrrabalong provide stunning ocean panoramas.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Wyrrabalong National Park?
As a national park, Wyrrabalong National Park generally has restrictions on pets to protect native wildlife. Dogs are typically not permitted on walking tracks or in park facilities. It's always best to check the official NSW National Parks website for the most current regulations: NSW National Parks.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Wyrrabalong National Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views, the diverse natural landscapes, and the well-maintained trails that cater to various fitness levels. Many appreciate the opportunity to spot whales from the lookouts during migration season.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the park?
Yes, Wyrrabalong National Park features several popular circular routes. For example, you can enjoy the Crackneck Lookout – Wyrrabalong Lookout loop from Bateau Bay, an easy 6.1 km trail offering expansive coastal views. Another option is the Wyrrabalong Lookout – Crackneck Lookout loop from Pacific View Street Reserve, a moderate 9.7 km route through coastal bushland.
Where can I find parking for the hiking trails?
Parking is available at key access points and lookouts within the park. Popular spots include Crackneck Lookout and various reserves along the coast, such as Pacific View Street Reserve. These areas provide convenient access to the trailheads.
Can I reach Wyrrabalong National Park using public transport?
While public transport options might be limited directly to all trailheads, local bus services operate in the surrounding Central Coast suburbs like Bateau Bay and Forresters Beach. From these points, some trail access might be within walking distance or require a short taxi/rideshare. Planning your journey in advance with local transport providers is recommended.
What are some notable lookouts or viewpoints in the park?
Wyrrabalong National Park is renowned for its spectacular lookouts. Crackneck Lookout and Wyrrabalong Lookout are particularly famous, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and excellent opportunities for whale watching during migration season (late May to November). The Magenta Shared Pathway also features an elevated viewing platform overlooking waterways and wetlands.
Are there any trails that showcase the unique flora of the park?
Absolutely. Trails like the Red Gum Trail wind through magnificent angophoras, known for their vibrant pink-orange trunks. The Coast Walking Track, especially in spring, is adorned with wildflowers such as ground orchids and flannel flowers, showcasing the park's rich coastal flora.
What is the difficulty level of hikes in Wyrrabalong National Park?
The park caters to a range of abilities, with 9 easy, 6 moderate, and 1 difficult route. Most trails are considered easy to moderate, making them accessible for many hikers. For instance, the Wyrrabalong Lookout – Crackneck Lookout loop from Forresters Beach is an easy 3.2 km path, while the Wyrrabalong Lookout – Crackneck Lookout loop from Pacific View Street Reserve is a moderate 9.7 km option.
Most popular routes in Wyrrabalong National Park
Most popular attractions in Wyrrabalong National Park
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