Last verified 05/26
The 5 Lands Walk is a stunning 10 km walk on the Central Coast of Australia.
It happens annually, around the winter solstice toward the end of June, and brings together more than 20,000 people from across the region and beyond. The next event is on Saturday 20 June 2026, celebrating the 20th anniversary with the theme “Many Cultures, One Walk.”
The walk traverses five beaches, starting at Macmasters Beach and ending at Terrigal, passing through Copacabana, Avoca and North Avoca along the way.
It’s not a race. You can start at any time and go at any pace.
Everybody walks. Young and old. Fit and unfit.
Each beach showcases its own cultural diversity, art and music. You’ll find live performances, sculptures, art exhibitions, community displays and food along the route.
You don’t have to walk the whole way. Free Busways shuttles run between each beach, so you can hop on at any point if you get tired or want to skip ahead.
The 5 Lands Walk is a free community event.
The walk also coincides with the whale migration along the coast, so you have a strong chance of spotting one from the headlands.
If you live in Sydney, come to the Central Coast for the day. Take the Palm Beach Ferry to Ettalong, then hop on a free shuttle bus. Or take the scenic train ride to Woy Woy Station, take a bus to Ettalong Wharf, then get on the free shuttle bus.
Try to get there early and enjoy the sunrise.
The idea behind the 5 Lands Walk is to connect “people to people” and “people to land”. Hence the stunning location of the walk and the art and entertainment by Aboriginal, cultural and local communities.
Here it is from start to finish:
1. Macmasters Beach to Copacabana Beach
1.4 KM ON THE BEACH
There are things to see and do at Macmasters Beach before heading for the walk:
- Opening ceremony
- Art exhibition
- Sand sculptures
Then start walking.
The first stretch on the beach is the easiest.
Adults walk and children play.
There’s just something about walking alongside dozens of other people. It’s motivating.
There’s also something to look forward to, like music, art, whales, face painting, food and other fun things.
Amenities at Copacabana Beach:
- Toilets
- Water refill station
2. Copacabana Beach to Avoca Beach
4.6 KM OVER A HEADLAND
At the top is Captain Cook Lookout. It’s whale watching time.
Then the walk goes down to Winnie Bay through a lovely bush path.
Then it’s up again, then down to Avoca Beach. it’s a killer of a hill.
Amenities at Avoca Beach:
- Toilets
- Water refill station
- Restaurants and cafes
Many people decide to stop there – it’s been a long walk from Macmasters Beach. You can hop on a shuttle bus.
3. Avoca Beach to North Avoca Beach
1.6 KM ON THE BEACH
This section is a pleasant flat stroll on the beach.
Kids like the middle section of the beach as there are lots of kites. They get to fly their kite.
Amenities at North Avoca Beach:
- Toilets
- Water refill station
4. North Avoca Beach to Terrigal beach
2.7 KM OVER A HEADLAND
The walk goes up the headland and down to Terrigal Beach.
From the top of the headland, the walk goes down through back laneways. The ocean views in the background are beautiful.
If you’re still keen to walk around, there are more things to see and do at Terrigal Beach.
Amenities at Terrigal Beach:
- Toilets
- Water refill station
- Eateries and restaurants
When you’re ready to go, take the shuttle bus back to Macmasters Beach.
5 Lands Walk Information
5 Lands Walk Map
Getting There
By Car:
There’s limited parking at Macmasters Beach. They suggest you park at Terrigal and take the shuttle bus to Macmasters Beach to start walking. You’ll finish the walk at Terrigal, near your car.
Parking at Terrigal is free at the Haven and the Wilson Rd carpark. You can also park off-street at Copacabana Beach, Avoca Beach or North Avoca Beach.
By Ferry:
Take the Palm Beach Ferry from Palm Beach.
There’s a free shuttle bus at Ettalong Wharf. The shuttle bus will take you to the start at Macmasters Beach.
Then the shuttle buses from Terrigal take you back to Ettalong in time for the ferries to Palm Beach. The last bus is at 5.30 pm.
By Train:
Take the scenic train on the Sydney to Newcastle line.
Alight at Woy Woy Station. Catch the Busways bus to Ettalong Ferry Wharf. Then catch the free shuttle bus to the start of the walk at Macmasters Beach.
5 Lands Walk Beaches
Want to learn more about the beaches you’ll meet at the 5 Lands Walk? Read about:
What Time Does the 5 Lands Walk Start?
You can start the walk at any time from 7 am onwards.
How Long is the 5 Lands Walk?
The 5 Lands Walk is 10 km long. It stretches along the coast from Macmasters Beach to Terrigal Beach.
More Information
For more information, visit the 5 Lands Walk official website.