A short version of the Wyrrabalong Coast Walking Track, this walk covers some of the highlights through this long thin strip of beautiful coastal forest, with fantastic views of the coastline from many vantage points along the way. Crackneck Lookout, at the end of the walk, has stunning views and would be a great spot for a picnic lunch.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Bateau Bay Picnic Area to Crackneck lookout bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bateau Bay Picnic Area to Crackneck lookout bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
1.7km
Time
1 hr 30 mins
.
Grade 3/6
Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
890m of this walk has short steep hills and another 400m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (360m) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
Around 1.6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 95m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
This whole walk, 1.7km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 1.7km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 1.7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 1.7km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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Catch the bus to Top of northern Bateau Bay Beach access steps
This unnamed picnic area and lookout is within Wyrrabalong National Park, at the intersection of Reserve Dr and Harbour St, Bateau Bay. The picnic area overlooks Bateau Bay and the beach. There are large grass areas, plenty of shade and facilities including picnic tables, garbage bins, and beach access steps. There are beautiful views along the coast and out to sea from the picnic area. There are free electric BBQs at Sutton Reserve, a block further south along Reserve Dr. Takeaway food is available at a small shopping centre near the intersection of Harbour St and Bateau Bay Rd, one block from the picnic area.
(0 km)
Top of northern Bateau Bay Beach access steps
to
South end of Bateau Bay Beach picnic area Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 95 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -1 m
Starting from the track intersection beside the beach access steps, this walk follows the faint track a very short distance across the picnic area, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. The walk soon arrives at some seats and an open viewing area, to the left, with stunning views across the water. Continue straight: From the viewpoint, this walk goes south across the picnic area, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. The walk passes a fenced viewing area just before reaching an intersection at the end of the picnic area, with a concrete beach-access track to the left.
(0.1 km)
South end of Bateau Bay Beach picnic area
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Rushby St car park Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 264 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track past the 'Wyrrabalong National Park Service Trail Walkers Only' sign, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. This walk passes through a nice strip of forest, passing a number of fenced viewing points, to the left, with great views out to sea. After a while, the walk emerges at another picnic area, next to a toilet block, and continues across the picnic area and car park, reaching an intersection signposted 'Coast Track', with a gated concrete driveway and beach access steps to the left.
Southern Bateau Bay beach picnic area
Alt = 20 m
This picnic area, near the intersection of Reserve Dr and Rushby St, Bateau Bay, overlooks the southern end of Bateau Bay and the beach. The facilities include toilets, picnic tables, garbage bins and some slides for the kids. There are great views along the coast and out to sea. There is plenty of shade.
(0.36 km)
Rushby St car park
to
Crackneck Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 1.29 km
Time = 29 mins
Climb = 88 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'Coast Track' arrow along the bush track, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. The walk climbs gently and passes a number of side tracks on either side, which go a short distance to ocean viewing spots or the nearby road. After a while, the walk reaches an intersection in the middle of a grassy clearing, with more ocean views. Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track south, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. The walk soon passes a bench seat with a commemorative plaque, and continues through the bush on the sandy track. Ignoring a track to the right (which goes to the nearby street), the walk continues along sections of track with retaining boards, for some time before arriving beside Hilltop St. The walk continues along the bush track close to Hilltop St, going along sections of boardwalk before climbing some wooden steps and emerging at the northern edge of Crackneck Lookout (at the end of Hilltop St).
Crackneck Lookout
Alt = 98 m
This lookout, at the end of Hilltop St, Bateau Bay, has stunning views up and down the coastline, and out to sea. There are picnic tables and an information board about marine mammals. There is a hangliding launch spot beside the lookout.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Wyrrabalong National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page Wyrrabalong National park on the NSW Central Coast is divided into two main sections. The northern section sits between the South Pacific Ocean and Tuggerah Lake (with the Central Coast Hwy cutting up the middle) south of Norah Head. The south section covers a coastal strip from Forresters Beach to Bateau Bay. The park is rich with great views, sandy beaches and the last significant coastal rainforest in the area. A great place for walking, swimming, fishing and relaxing. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.