
Putty Beach
A picturesque beach and gateway to the stunning Bouddi Coastal Walk, offering calm waters and scenic beauty on the Central Coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for photos

Putty Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque beach and gateway to the stunning Bouddi Coastal Walk, offering calm waters and scenic beauty on the Central Coast.
"Love this beach! It’s at the entrance to the amazing coastal walk, has flat rock pools to explore, gorgeous clear water to swim in."

🚗 Park Smart for the Walk
Park at the end of the road for closer Bouddi Coastal Walk access. Watch for the sandy gap near the entrance!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Bouddi Coastal Walk involves stairs, boardwalks, and uneven terrain. Good walking shoes are a must!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bouddi Coastal Walk
Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach
An 8km scenic trail with boardwalks, lookouts, and stunning coastal vistas. Perfect for bushwalking and nature lovers.

Maitland Bay
Part of the Bouddi Coastal Walk
A beautiful bay offering calm waters for swimming and flat rock pools for exploration. Ideal for families and a peaceful beach experience.

Putty Beach
Southern end of Bouddi National Park
Expansive sandy beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming and a great starting point for coastal walks. Offers views of Broken Bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bouddi Coastal Walk Access
Parking and Beach Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart for the Walk
Park at the end of the road for closer Bouddi Coastal Walk access. Watch for the sandy gap near the entrance!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Bouddi Coastal Walk involves stairs, boardwalks, and uneven terrain. Good walking shoes are a must!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
There's limited shade on the beach and along parts of the walk. Pack sunscreen, hats, and consider a beach shelter.
💧 Rinse Off Sand
Freshwater showers are available to wash off sand after your beach or walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart for the Walk
Park at the end of the road for closer Bouddi Coastal Walk access. Watch for the sandy gap near the entrance!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The Bouddi Coastal Walk involves stairs, boardwalks, and uneven terrain. Good walking shoes are a must!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
There's limited shade on the beach and along parts of the walk. Pack sunscreen, hats, and consider a beach shelter.
💧 Rinse Off Sand
Freshwater showers are available to wash off sand after your beach or walk.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Putty Beach is dog-friendly at certain ends, but check local signage. Be aware of other dog owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Putty Beach is lauded for its beautiful, calm waters ideal for swimming and its role as the starting point for the stunning Bouddi Coastal Walk. Visitors appreciate the soft sand and family-friendly atmosphere, though some note the need for preparedness regarding parking fees and potential beach access challenges at high tide.
"Love this beach! It’s at the entrance to the amazing coastal walk, has flat rock pools to explore, gorgeous clear water to swim in with little to no waves and is connected to Killcare Beach! Dogs aren’t allowed up the Putty Beach end if any family members are scared of dogs. Interestingly - I have found the sand to be soft, even near the water. No hard sand at all."
Katrina
"There are a lot of tree branches on the beach where people used to setup tents. Parking is $8 all day. Drive towards the end of the road to park so that it is nearer to the entrance of Bouddi Coastal walk. There’s a gap in the sand in between the parking lot and the entrance of the walk where people have stacked tree branches to make bridges across the gap. Easier to walk over in the sand when the tide is low but we need to rely on the tree branches as the tide was high and we didn’t want to take off our shoes."
Sess L
"Well maintained site. BBQ area and bathrooms cleaned every morning by the ranges. Numbered sites all with fake grass. Beach is near by, but the surf is pretty rough except for a small section at the far end which can get a bit cramped and there is no shade, so definitely need to take a shelter and a heap of 50+"
KJA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Putty Beach is located in Bouddi National Park, about 95 km north of Sydney. Driving is the most convenient option, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Public transport options are limited, but some bus routes may service the general area, though direct access to the beach might require further local transport or a significant walk.
While direct public transport to Putty Beach is challenging, it's part of the Central Coast region which has some bus services. Visitors without a car might need to combine bus travel with taxis or ride-sharing services for the final leg.
The Bouddi Coastal Walk officially starts at Putty Beach. Driving to Putty Beach and parking there is the most common and recommended way to begin the walk.
Yes, there is paid parking available at Putty Beach, costing $8 for the day. It's advisable to drive towards the end of the road for closer proximity to the Bouddi Coastal Walk entrance.
Putty Beach is connected to Killcare Beach, and is also the starting point for the Bouddi Coastal Walk which leads to MacMasters Beach. Access can be gained from these points as well.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Putty Beach itself is generally free. However, there is a daily parking fee of $8 if you are driving to the beach.
The Bouddi Coastal Walk is within Bouddi National Park, and while park entry is free, the parking fee at Putty Beach applies. The walk itself does not have a separate ticket cost.
Putty Beach is an open public beach and national park area, so it is accessible at all times. However, facilities like restrooms may have specific operating hours.
While there isn't specific 'Putty Beach accommodation' listed, there are various options in nearby areas like Killcare and MacMasters Beach, including holiday rentals and small hotels.
Visiting during weekdays and in the morning can offer a less crowded experience. Low tide can make beach access easier. Autumn provides pleasant weather for the coastal walk.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Putty Beach is ideal for swimming in its calm waters, relaxing on the sand, and is the starting point for the scenic Bouddi Coastal Walk. You can also explore rock pools at Maitland Bay.
The Bouddi Coastal Walk is generally considered a relatively easy to moderate hike. It features boardwalks, stairs, and some uneven terrain, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Yes, BBQ areas and bathrooms are available and reportedly well-maintained, cleaned daily. However, some reviews mention no toilets directly around the Putty Beach parking area, so check signage upon arrival.
Yes, Putty Beach has calm waters suitable for swimming with children. The Bouddi Coastal Walk can be done in sections, and bringing a beach trolley is recommended for young kids due to the sand.
You can expect to see diverse birdlife along the Bouddi Coastal Walk. During migration seasons, there's also a chance to spot whales from the lookouts.
📸 📸 Photography
Putty Beach offers expansive views from the point overlooking Broken Bay, Lion Island, and the Northern Beaches. The Bouddi Coastal Walk itself provides numerous scenic overlooks and diverse landscapes for photography.
The eastern seaboard location makes Putty Beach excellent for sunrise. Sunset views can also be spectacular, especially from the elevated points along the Bouddi Coastal Walk.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting and photographing wildlife like whales. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing water and sky.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. Commercial photography or drone usage may require permits, so it's best to check with Bouddi National Park authorities if planning professional shoots.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the best light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but can work for capturing the vibrant blues of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bouddi Coastal Walk Experience
Travelers often praise the stunning coastal views and the variety of landscapes encountered, from golden beaches to rocky outcrops. The walk can be broken down into shorter segments, such as the 3km stretch from Putty Beach to Maitland Bay, offering flexibility for those who prefer a less strenuous outing. This makes it an excellent option for families, as noted by several visitors.
Remember to wear appropriate footwear as the path includes stairs and uneven surfaces. The walk is a fantastic way to connect with nature, offering opportunities to observe birdlife and, during migration seasons, potentially spot whales.
Putty Beach: More Than Just a Starting Point
The sand at Putty Beach is noted for being soft, even close to the water's edge, providing a comfortable surface for relaxation. The beach is also dog-friendly at certain sections, adding to its appeal for visitors with pets. However, it's important to be mindful of other beachgoers and to clean up after your pets.
For photographers, Putty Beach offers expansive views from its vantage points, looking out towards Broken Bay, Lion Island, and the Northern Beaches. The interplay of sand, sea, and sky, especially during the golden hours, creates picturesque scenes.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit