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Secret Bushwalks on the Central Coast

Looking for quiet bushwalks on the Central Coast that feel like a hidden escape? This guide shares secret bushwalks, hidden trails, and quiet walking tracks that most locals don’t even know exist.

Whether you're chasing a peaceful forest trail, a secret swimming hole, or a quiet coastal walk with no crowds, the Central Coast of NSW has some incredible off the beaten track walks just waiting to be explored. This is the place to discover whisper trails.

What Makes These Walks Secret?

These trails are:

Not signposted or not widely advertised
Lightly trafficked and free from crowds
Often known only to locals or bushwalking clubs
Usually accessible without needing a national park day pass (apart from Somersby Falls lower swimming hole)

You can find everything from secret waterfalls, bushwalks with ocean views, and even tracks where you’re unlikely to see another person. Discover the Central Coast’s Best Kept Walking Secrets.

We update this list regularly based on seasonal access, local tips, and National Park updates. If you know a secret trail worth sharing, get in touch: shea@goodarchitect.com.au

Map of dog walks on the central coast - best places to take dogs on the central coast

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Somersby Falls Lower Swimming Hole 3km return

Elevation change: Up 40m, Down 40m

The Somersby Falls lower pool is one of the best natural swimming spots on the Central Coast. Tucked away at the bottom of the Somersby Falls walking track, this peaceful swimming hole is surrounded by rainforest and sandstone rock. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot day.

Spion Kop - Return from Bambina Road (13km)

Elevation change: Up 300m, Down 300m

This is by far my favourite walk on the Central Coast. The trail leads to a dramatic rock formation called Spion Kop, which looks a bit like a skull. It sits between two bays and gives you sweeping views all the way to Lion Island and beyond. It’s the kind of spot that makes you stop and take it all in; quiet, wild, and high above everything.

Koolewong to Woy Woy Bay via Spion Kop (8.5km)

Elevation change: Up 300m, Down 300m

This is by far my favourite walk on the Central Coast. The dramatic skull like outcropping of Spion Kop with a bay on each side and a view that stretches as far as Lion Island is hard to beat. This way to get to Spion Kop is a bit of a scramble, so if you would like a less challenging way to get there, would suggest Spion Kop - Return from Bambina Road (13km) instead. Having said that, this is the fastest and it also has wonderful caves on the way. The red river in the valley between the two ridges is worth a visit itself. This walk takes around four hours.

Phegans Bay - Elaroo Road Reserve Explore (1.7km)

Elevation change: Up 50m, Down 50m

This walk is a small hidden gem with beautiful views of Spion Kop, other water views, a walk along the rocky ridgeline at the top and a walk back through a rainforest area at the bottom. This walk is jam packed with stunning views - for such a small walk it packs a big punch. This short walk through Phegans Bay bushland is a quiet local gem. Just 1.7km return, it’s an easy trail that winds through spotted gum forest and sandstone rock outcrops, with water glimpses, birdsong, and a real sense of calm. If you’re looking for a peaceful nature walk near Woy Woy, this one is well worth exploring.

Woy Woy Baths 5km return

Elevation change: Up 70m, Down 70m

This is a beautiful walk down to the old water tanks they used to fill the steam trains, they can now be swum in with a beautiful waterfall falling on top of you. Best to go in the morning when the sun is on the east face for a more pleasurable swim.

Ritcher's Cave Short Walk (5km)

This is the short walk option to get to the cave, driving there is a bit longer though so if you would like more walking time and more elevation gain, try the long Ritcher's Cave Walk. This is really best for 4wds so you might consider the longer walk or there is a carpark 2km before the start of this walk with a parking area where you can start from instead.

This has plenty of lovely rainforest and elevation gain so its great for getting fit. Finding the caves themselves can be a bit challenging so we advise if you are going to find the caves let someone know where you are going and when you are expected back. Allow a full day for this walk.

Point Clare to Tascott (4km)

Elevation change: Up 220m, Down 220m

The Point Clare to Tascott walk is a peaceful 4km return bushwalk that follows a quiet ridgeline above Brisbane Water. This elevated trail gives you filtered water views through the trees, birdsong all the way, and a real sense of being away from it all, even though you're not far from the train line or the town below.

Wyoming Dog Walk (2.2km) Return

This is a beautiful and easy bushwalk that’s perfect for dogs and their humans. The Wyoming Dog Walk is around 2.2km return, mostly flat, and follows a quiet creek through leafy bushland. With little bridges, shady trees, and the gentle sound of running water, this walk feels peaceful and just a little bit magical.

Wyoming Rain Forest Loop (3km)

The Wyoming Rainforest Loop is a quiet 3km bushwalk through a surprisingly lush patch of rainforest in the heart of the Central Coast. It’s shady, peaceful, and full of ferns, palms, and trickling creek crossings that feel far away from suburbia — even though you’re only minutes from town.

There are moments where the bush closes in around you, the sound of bell birds takes over, and it really does feel like a little pocket of rainforest hidden inside the Central Coast.

Elephant Rock Patonga (0.5km)

Elevation change: Up 40m, Down 40m

This is a beautiful walk with stunning ocean views on the rock platform at the top. It's short and does involve some climbing on rock. It is pretty popular. The rock looks kind of like an elephant.

Lobster Beach Return via the Flannel Flower Track (3.5km Return)

This is one of the best places to watch the sunset on the coast as well as being a wonderful place to swim. Best to drive in with a 4wd or start a bit earlier at the start of the dirt road. The flannel flower track is filled with flannel flowers when they are in season.

Guardian or grandmother or grandfather tree

Lyre Trig, Heiroglyphs and Guardian Tree Loop (3km)

This 3km loop walk on the Central Coast takes you through peaceful bushland to three unique landmarks: Lyre Trig lookout with expansive views, the mysterious Kariong Hieroglyphs hidden in a sandstone cleft, and the towering Guardian Tree, an ancient angophora exudes peace. It’s a walk rich in natural beauty and local legend, perfect for a short adventure with a mix of views and quiet reflection.

Umina Beach Wildflower Walk (4km)

The Umina Beach Wildflower Walk is a gentle 4km loop nestled in the bushland above Umina Beach on the Central Coast. This trail is renowned for its vibrant display of native wildflowers, including waratahs, grevilleas, and banksias, especially during late winter and early spring.

Beyond the floral spectacle, the walk offers glimpses of Aboriginal rock engravings depicting figures such as a man, whale, and stingrays, adding a cultural dimension to the natural beauty.

The path meanders through open heath and sandstone outcrops, providing occasional views toward the water and Lion Island.

Tunnel Trail Dog Walk (4km) Return

This is a beautiful little walk, it is dog friendly and has a little creek (Woy Woy Creek) that the kids will love. The old quarry and its waterways are worth an explore with the lovely rock platforms. This is flat and good for beginners.

As it is mostly along firetrail, recommend a cooler day or going early in the morning or late in the afternoon. There are some surprising wildflowers along here from spring and into summer. Good for going spotlighting at night for frogs and other animals as well.

Chittaway Point Dog Walk (1.6km) Return

The Chittaway Point Dog Walk is a lovely short track that’s perfect for an easy outing with your dog. At just 1.6km return, this walk follows the water at Chittaway Point and offers plenty of shade, flat ground, and peaceful views across Tuggerah Lake.

It’s dog friendly, easy underfoot, and great for all ages and abilities — whether you’re walking a new puppy, heading out with the kids, or just after a quiet stroll yourself. Locals love it for morning or afternoon walks when the light hits the lake and everything feels calm.

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