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Wyrrabalong Coastal Track Walk

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Wyrrabalong Coastal Track, Bateau Bay to Forresters Beach via Crackneck Lookout

Also known as the Coast Walking Track, this has been a favourite of Coasties Mag for a long time. With three starting points, Forresters Beach, Crackneck Lookout or Bateau Bay Picnic Area, it is the perfect trail to pair with a picnic lunch and a swim at one of the glorious beaches at either end.

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The trail runs within the Wyrrabalong National Park, hugging quite close to the impressive cliff overlooking the Tasman Sea. Depending on the time of year, it is the perfect vantage point to spot some whales and beautiful blooming native flowers. The walk is easy enough, with only one big set of stairs that is sure to get the heart rate up in the middle of the track and some sandstone stairs at the Cromarty Hill end at Forresters Beach.

crackneck lookout on the Wyrrabalong Coastal Track. best whale watching spot central coast — Looking out over Forresters Beach down to Terrigal and beyond on the Wyrrabalong Coastal Track

Crackneck Walk from Bateau to Forresters Beach

This is a one way walk, so if you start at either Forresters Beach or Crackneck and want that well-earned swim at that end then we suggest you start at either Forries or Crackneck Lookout and walk toward Bateau Bay Picnic Area. Bateau beach is just down from there.

As mentioned this walk couples perfectly with a picnic lunch. Crackneck is heralded as one of the best spots for picnicking on the Central Coast, especially after the recent upgrade to the carpark and picnic area. You can either pack your own, to picnic there (which is about mid way, depending on where you start) or a picnic at Bateau is also awesome, and this can be made easier by a visit one of the many cafes and food spots nearby, including Cafe Mocha or Salty Cod in Bateau Bay or Bateau Beach Cafe. And if you’re ending in Forresters Beach a short walk down hill and you’ll find Di Matteos.

All up the walk is a distance of around 3 km which makes it suitable for just about any age, with options for all fitness levels, as well as an easy one to do even if you’re carrying little ones on shoulders or in a carrier. Depending on how little the legs are that are completing the walk it should take you just over an hour to finish. But with so many amazing vantage points and incredible views along the way (either to spot whales or just take in the stunning scenery) not to mention great climbing tree at Crackneck, you may find you spend a whole morning on the Wyrrabalong Coast Track.

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