Bateau Bay

The charming coastal village of Bateau Bay on the NSW Central Coast is best known for its fishing and range of outdoor adventures, including swimming, snorkelling, bushwalking, hang gliding and whale watching. In this secluded spot between two headlands, find your patch of sun-kissed sand and roll out a towel.

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.

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. More scenic views await at nearby Shelly Beach, where you can soak up a panorama of The Entrance and Tuggerah Lake, and watch surfers catch waves.

Top 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 iconic rock cliffs that run along the coast. Before you go, please read these fishing safety tips, especially when rock fishing.

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

More things to do

Pick up some fresh fish and chips to eat on the beach or have a browse around the boutiques in Bateau Bay Square. For more fun adventures, you can play 18 holes at the Shelly Beach Golf Club or take the family to Bateau Bay Ten Pin Bowl for some friendly competition.

Getting there & where to stay

Bateau Bay is a 90min drive north from Sydney and around 1hr 15min 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 2hr 15min. Places to stay in Bateau Bay include beach resorts, holiday parks and B&Bs.