Bateau Bay

Beaches & coastal hikes

Bateau Bay Beach is in the southern section of Wyrrabalong National Park, a picturesque wilderness full of walking tracks, gorgeous beaches, wildlife and Aboriginal heritage. From Bateau Bay Beach picnic area, follow The Coast walking track to Forresters Beach, for one of the prettiest walks on the Central Coast. 

Bateau Bay picnic area, Wyrrabalong National Park - Credit: John Spencer/DPIE

Halfway along the 3km track is Crackneck Point lookout, a popular spot for hang gliding and paragliding, and a wonderful vantage point for whale watching during the annual migration between May and November. The narrow walking track then winds through a carpet of wildflowers in spring, including flannel flowers, NSW's floral emblem for the Centenary of Federation. The Coast walking track is also great for bird-watching. Look out for sea eagles, kestrels and the Australian pelican, Australia’s largest waterbird.  

Crack Neck lookout, Wyrrabalong National Park

Fishing 

Bateau Bay is an angler’s paradise. You can throw a line in straight from the beach or off one of the many coastal rock platforms. At low tide, look for spots at the base of the cliffs that run along the coast. Before you go, please read these fishing safety tips, especially when rock fishing. 

Food & drink 

Pick up some fresh fish and chips from the Salty Cod to eat on the beach or a coffee and brunch classics from Café Mocha. 3 Peppers serve artisan stone baked pizza and delicious pasta to eat in or take away and the Bateau Bay Hotel offers steaks, pub classics and more at their all-day bistro.   

Sun rising over Forresters Beach, Wyong Area, Central Coast - Credit: Central Coast Tourism

Where to stay 

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort has a stunning oceanfront location, with cabins, caravan and tent sites available, as well as excellent facilities including a heated pool and spa complex, playground and a kids club during the school holidays. Further south in Forresters, The Quarters is a gorgeous boutique motel set on two acres of tropical gardens, and has a cafe, bar and restaurant, hair salon, wellness centre and a resort-style swimming pool with a waterfall. Bateau Bay Hotel has comfortable ensuite rooms with air conditioning and you can make the most of the bar, garden and restaurant on site.  

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, Bateau Bay - Credit: Blue Lagoon Beach Resort

Getting there  

Bateau Bay is a 90-minute drive north from Sydney and around one hour and 15 minutes south of Newcastle. You can also catch the train from Sydney to Gosford or Tuggerah stations and catch a connecting bus. The journey via public transport takes around two hours and 15 minutes.