Norah Head Lighthouse Loop
A dry, exposed coastal headland walk with no rainforest or wet gullies, so it stays leech free. Lovely in winter for whale spotting, with a rock platform and beach below the lighthouse.
Good Architect · Bushwalks
Leech Free Bushwalks on the Central Coast
There is nothing quite like setting out for a bushwalk on the Central Coast: eucalypt in the air, birdsong from high canopies, sunlight shifting over sandstone ridges. But once you spot a leech inching up your boot, the experience changes.
If you want to avoid them, follow this rule of thumb: wait at least three sunny days after heavy rain before heading into dense forested tracks. Better yet, choose walks that steer clear of wet gullies, thick undergrowth and rainforest pockets altogether.
Tips for avoiding leeches on any walk: choose dry, elevated terrain like ridgelines or exposed plateaus; wait three days after rain in rainforest or gully areas; wear long socks tucked over light coloured pants so you can spot hitchhikers early; DEET on shoes and socks is surprisingly effective.
We also have a guide to Wildflowers on the Central Coast because there are so many stunning flowers in the bush here.
The walks
Best leech free walks on the Central Coast
3.1km
Box Head Track
In Bouddi National Park, one of the best places to watch the sunrise or sunset on the coast. Stunning ocean views with lovely twisted angophoras on the way, and views across to Barrenjoey. Best driven in with a 4WD or start at the bottom of the dirt road.
0.5km
Elephant Rock Patonga
A short walk with stunning ocean views on the rock platform at the top. Involves a little climbing on rock. The rock really does look like an elephant. Up 40m and down 40m.
3.5km
Lobster Beach via the Flannel Flower Track
One of the best places to watch the sunset on the coast and a wonderful place to swim. The flannel flower track is filled with flannel flowers in season. Best in with a 4WD or start at the dirt road.
3km
Lyre Trig, Hieroglyphs and Guardian Tree Loop
A 3km loop through peaceful bushland to three unique landmarks: Lyre Trig lookout with expansive views, the Kariong Hieroglyphs hidden in a sandstone cleft, and the towering Guardian Tree, an ancient angophora that exudes peace.
10.5km
Popran Emerald Pool
A 10.5km return trail through dry open forest and sandstone ridges. Follow the 248 trail to a quiet, crystal clear bush pool, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day. Fairly easy with some steeper sections and exposed terrain. Bring water, a hat and good shoes.
4km
Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk
A scenic 4km one way trail along the cliffs between Bateau Bay and Forresters Beach. Sweeping ocean views, coastal wildflowers, and chances to spot whales in season. Well marked and easy to follow.
4km
Umina Beach Wildflower Walk
A gentle 4km loop above Umina Beach, renowned for vibrant native wildflowers including waratahs, grevilleas and banksias in late winter and early spring. Aboriginal rock engravings of a man, whale and stingrays add a cultural dimension.
4km
Red Gum Loop
A beginner friendly loop in Wyrrabalong National Park near Magenta. Shady red gum forest, wildflowers in spring and glimpses of Tuggerah Lake. One of the best short walks for families and nature lovers.
More walks by distance
Under 1km
Under 4km
10-15 km
These walks are on Darkinung country. Good Architect acknowledges the Darkinung people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and we pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. Darkinjung Land Council.
The book
Over 100 Central Coast walks in one book
A Cornucopia of Central Coast Walks gathers the walks on this site into a book you can keep in the car. Each walk has a map, the distance and climb, and numbered directions from the start point, with a wildflower guide at the back.
See the book
A picture book
The leeches are in the picture book
The Bush Wee is my read aloud picture book for children aged 2 to 7, about a big Central Coast bush walk, a very important bush wee, and some leeches. It helps little ones feel brave and capable in the bush, leeches and all.
See the picture book