Central Coast Winter Walks Worth Getting Out of Bed For

There’s something special about winter. Gone are the sweaty summer crowds, replaced by cool breezes, quieter beaches, and the sunshine that warms without trying to cook you. It’s why winter is the perfect season for walks on the Central Coast – without needing a swim at the end of it to cool down. So, if you’re looking for a reason to dust off your runners and fill your lungs, this one’s for you.

Walking in winter just makes sense. It’s easier to find a car park, you won’t overheat five minutes in, and a good dose of sunshine keeps the winter blues at bay. The Central Coast has no shortage of stunning tracks and trails, and we’ve rounded up some of the best ones to check out this winter.

Central Coast Winter Walks with a Waterview

Terrigal Boardwalk & Skillion

It’s the walk that needs no introduction – but we’ll give it one anyway. Short and sweet, the Terrigal Boardwalk is a flat, friendly stretch linking Terrigal Beach to The Haven, and it’s an easy win for anyone after big views with minimal effort. You’ll find people strolling with coffee, walking the dog, or just watching the waves.

Energy to burn? Continue up to The Skillion to get the blood pumping, and be rewarded with one of our favourite views at the top! The best part? Getting down… embrace that inner child and ROLL down the grassy hill!

Coast to Lake Scenic Walk – The Entrance

This 7.6km loop takes you from the coastline to the lake and back again, with a path that’s well signposted and mostly flat. You’ll spot pelicans, pass ocean baths, and have plenty of excuses to stop for snacks along the way. It’s a self-guided tour of The Entrance’s best bits. We love doing this in the afternoon so we can end up at the pelican feeding – 3.30pm weekends, school holidays & public holidays.

Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk

Running between Bateau Bay and Forresters Beach, The Coast Walking Track is a 3km scenic trail through Wyrrabalong National Park – designated as such in 1991 to protect one of the last places on the Central Coast where you can still walk through coastal rainforest. Expect sweeping coastline views and a good chance of spotting migrating humpback whales from Crackneck Lookout between May and August – or sea eagles if you look to the skies. Basically, keep your eyes peeled on this one!

RELATED: Wyrrabalong Coastal Track Walk

Bouddi Coastal Walk

Probably the Central Coast’s most iconic walk. This 8.5km trail between Putty Beach and MacMasters Beach has it all: shady bushland, sweeping ocean views, secluded beaches – and the whale watching from Gerrin Point Lookout is really something special. Go the whole way if you’re feeling keen, or just pick a stretch and call it a day – it’s ridiculously pretty no matter which part you choose.

Maitland Bay Track

Tucked within Bouddi National Park, this 1.8km downhill trail leads to the quiet, postcard-worthy Maitland Bay. We’re not going to sugarcoat it – the walk back up is steep – but it’s oh-so worth it. The peaceful cove at the bottom is one of the most rewarding destinations for winter walks on the Central Coast.

Budgewoi Lake Foreshore Shared Path

An underrated gem on the northern end of the Coast. This flat, family-friendly path follows the lake’s edge from Budgewoi to Buff Point, with spots to stop for a rest, a bite, or a play in one of the lakeside parks. There’s something so calming about walking alongside the lake! It’s dog-friendly and pram-friendly too.

Central Coast Bushwalks to Warm You Up

Strickland State Forest Loop

For a proper forest fix, Strickland never disappoints. The 6.5km loop winds through towering gums, over creeks, and makes you feel a million miles away from, well… everything. It’s basically meditation disguised as a bushwalk.

Go solo if you need some headspace or take the kids to burn off some energy. Just watch your footing after rain – it can get a bit slippery in spots.

Woy Woy Road to Spion Kop Lookout

This lesser-known trail starts from a small pullover on Woy Woy Road and rewards those who make the climb with sweeping views over Brisbane Water. It’s steep in sections, but the view from Spion Kop lookout makes it more than worthwhile.

Kincumba Mountain Reserve

An easily accessible spot, Kincumba Mountain has a few loop tracks, picnic spots and bushland walks with views across the valley. It’s great for walking with the kids or getting in a quick walk before work.

YOU MIGHT LIKE: Bushwalk Kincumba Mountain Central Coast

Four Villages Shipbuilders’ Heritage Walk – Kincumber to Saratoga

A popular path for bikes, scooters and prams, the paved walk along the Davistown waterfront is our top pick for when you want a destination walk with the fam – with a great pub feed & playground at either end (and another playground in the middle)! Check if Spoonville is still there (a little Covid throwback), enjoy the raised boardwalk through the mangroves, and bonus points if you spot the local black swans.

Tips for Walking in Winter

• Layer up: Mornings can be chilly, but you’ll warm up once you’re moving.
• Check the weather: Coastal winds and sudden showers can sneak up on you.
• Walk early: You’ll beat the crowds and make the most of the daylight hours.
• Pack water and snacks: Even short walks are better with trail mix and a thermos.
• Respect nature: Stay on the tracks, take your rubbish with you, and don’t feed the wildlife (no matter how cute they are!).

So go on – lace up and get out there. These walks aren’t going anywhere, but winter won’t last forever. And there’s no better time to enjoy the Central Coast’s natural beauty than right now.

READ MORE: Top 12 Lookouts on the Central Coast