Central Coast Nature & Parks

Some of the most incredible nature experiences await on the NSW Central Coast. Discover coastal rainforest, remote beaches, clifftop views and magnificent national parks sheltering ancient Aboriginal engravings. Picnic by waterfalls, explore untouched bushland and meet a menagerie of animals, including koalas, crocodiles and whales.

National parks

The Central Coast is home to a number of gorgeous national parks. Full of coastal wilderness, tranquil waterways and sublime beaches, they’re a paradise for outdoor adventures. Housing an assortment of landscapes, Bouddi National Park is a favourite for camping, swimming and fishing.

In Brisbane Water National Park, enjoy fishing, cycling and bushwalking through rainforest and rugged sandstone country, stopping for lunch at the Somersby Falls picnic area. There’s also incredible Aboriginal rock art to see. Listen for the chorus of birdsong in Wyrrabalong National Park, as you follow the The Coast walking track, one of the prettiest bushwalks in the area.

Stop and take in the scenery at these spectacular lookouts:

• Warrah lookout in Brisbane Water National Park
• Gerrin Point lookout in Bouddi National Park
• Mount Olive lookout in Popran National Park
• Crackneck Point lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park
• Captain Cook lookout at Copacabana

Whale watching

Both Gerrin Point and Crackneck Point are great vantage points for spotting humpback, southern right and other whales between May and November, as they complete their annual migration to warmer waters. You might also be lucky enough to spot pods of dolphins frolicking offshore near the beaches.

Wildlife

Visit Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, a wildlife sanctuary on 80 acres of natural bushland that’s heritage-listed to preserve its Aboriginal heritage. You’ll see lots of native animals, including koalas, wombats and kangaroos, as well as ancient Aboriginal rock engravings. Kids will love the farmyard petting zoo. Stay overnight in a safari-tent or cabin to meet nocturnal animals.

Another memorable animal encounter is the Australian Reptile Park, home to deadly reptiles like Elvis the saltwater crocodile, as well as kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, dingos and a resident wombat. Don't miss the special room where funnel web spiders are milked to create lifesaving antivenom.