Top Things to Do in Bateau Bay

Bateau Bay is a charming coastal village on the Central Coast of Australia.

It's a popular getaway destination for Sydney siders and locals who enjoy:

• beach activities
• fishing
• bushwalking
• whale watching

The village is south of the popular town of The Entrance and north of Wyrrabalong National Park.

Pack your swimmers and walking shoes and come for a visit! 

Below are our favourite things to do in and around Bateau Bay. 

Top Things to Do in Bateau Bay

1. Bateau Bay Beach

Bateau Bay is a curving 200-metre stretch of sand in the small Wyrrabalong National Park.

Two headlands on both sides protect it from the big swell and wind, so the beach is sheltered and quiet.

Bateau Bay is rarely crowded and perfect to escape the summer crowds. It's a great spot for kids to walk on the large flat rocks and explore the rock pools.

Enjoy swimming (the beach is not patrolled, though), kayaking and fishing. 

Park in the free carpark on Reserve Drive corner Harbour Street to access the beach.

Note: If you'd rather surf and safely swim between flags, check out the neighbouring Shelly Beach.

2. Picnic

A couple of great picnic spots are in Bateau Bay. 

Behind the beach, you'll find picnic tables, toilets and seats that overlook the ocean. The picnic ground has direct access to the beach and The Coast walk in Wyrrabalong National Park. 

Large trees provide plenty of shade.

The picnic ground is on Reserve Drive, corner Rushby Street.

The picnic area at Crackneck lookout is even better – the views are scenic! Bring a picnic rug and relax in the grassy area. There are seats and a picnic table.

To get to Crackneck lookout, follow Hilltop Street to the free carpark at the end. 

3. Whale Watching at Crackneck Lookout

Crackneck Lookout is one of the most scenic viewpoints on the Central Coast. The views are amazing!  

As I said, the lookout is a scenic picnic spot. Lay a rug on the grass, relax and admire the views.

Look out for migrating whales between June and August. 

This site is also a popular hang gliding & paragliding launch site. 

To get to Crackneck Lookout, drive to the free carpark at the end of Hilltop Street or walk from Bateau Bay Beach. Crackneck Lookout sits mid-way along The Coast walking track.

4. The Coast Walking Track

The Coast walking track is in Wyrrabalong National Park. It's one of the most popular Central Coast walks.

The track follows the clifftops for 3 kilometres. It stretches between Bateau Bay Beach and Forresters Beach.

You'll walk past clearings with stunning coastal views, including midway at Crackneck Lookout.

Graded moderate, the walk follows a well-defined track and stairways. It's short enough for most kids to manage. And runners often exercise there.

Walking this track is a great way to experience Bateau Bay's best points of interest.

Find out more about The Coast Walking Track.

Where to Eat in Bateau Bay

A few excellent cafes are along Bateau Bay Road, the second road parallel to the beach. Check out Cafe Mocha and Bateau Beach Cafe for delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch. 

If you need to stock up on food, Bateau Bay Square has Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Dan Murphy's and Kmart. Located at 12 Bay Village Road. 

Where to Stay in Bateau Bay

Looking for a caravan park or a cabin with water views? Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is in a perfect location beside the ocean - it has direct access to Shelly Beach. It's a short walk to Bateau Bay and Wyrrabalong National Park.

Most visitors prefer to stay in a holiday rental – many holiday houses are located in or near Bateau Bay. Check what's available for your dates on Airbnb. 

Where is Bateau Bay

Located 1hr 25min north of Sydney via the M1. Check for directions on Google Maps. 

I hope you enjoy your visit to Bateau Bay! 

Related Pages

• Things to do in The Entrance
• Discover Blue Bay
• Discover Toowoon Bay
• Things to do in Long Jetty
• Things to do in Terrigal