10 Top Things to Do in Killcare

Killcare is a scenic coastal village on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia.

The village is a popular holiday destination for Sydneysiders.

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The name 'Killcare' originates from the phrase 'killing one's cares'.

The Killcare area is a fun playground for outdoorsy people. It's surrounded by gorgeous beaches, Brisbane Water and Bouddi National Park.

So, enjoy countless activities during your stay:

swimming
surfing
kayaking
boating
fishing
bushwalking
mountain biking

Planning a visit? Then read our guide to the absolute best things to do in Killcare.

Content:

Things to Do in and Near Killcare

1. Swim and Surf at Killcare Beach

Killcare Beach is a 1.6-km stretch of sand. It offers spectacular views of the Tasman Sea and Sydney's Northern Beaches.

It's undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on the Central Coast.

The beach is popular with families in summer. There are excellent facilities, and lifeguards patrol the beach during the warmer months. There's also a fun rockpool at the beach's western end for little ones.

You'll find a food kiosk, restaurant, toilets and a water refill station. The food kiosk serves delicious fish and chips and coffee.

There's surfing too, but the ocean can be treacherous. So, the waves here suit the more experienced surfers.

To get to Killcare Beach, drive to the end of Beach Drive. There's free parking at the surf life saving club.

2. Swim at Putty Beach

If you prefer swimming in calm water, head to Putty Beach on the eastern side. It's a well-known family beach. There's no lifeguard patrol but the ocean is sheltered. Bring inflatables for kids.

Putty Beach is part of Bouddi National Park, so it's untouched.

There are toilets and a picnic ground behind the beach.

The Coastal Walk starts here if you'd like a short walk with stunning ocean views.

To get to Putty Beach, drive to the end of Putty Beach Drive. Parking is $8 (national park fees).

Read our full post on Putty Beach here.

3. Experience the Coastal Walk

The Bouddi Coastal Walk is the most famous walking track on the Central Coast.

It starts right at Putty Beach.

The Coastal Walk stretches along the coastline for 8km from here to Macmasters Beach.

The scenery is amazing. Particularly the first kilometre along the boardwalk from Putty Beach to Gerrin Point Lookout. It's worth walking at least to the lookout if you don't want to walk too far.

The views from Gerrin Point Lookout are fantastic. You see Maitland Bay to your left and often can spot whales during the migration season.

If you can walk a little longer, the secluded Maitland Bay beach is a couple of kilometres further.

Want to walk longer? Then keep on going and you'll arrive at Little Beach, another gorgeous cove.

Read our full guide on the Bouddi Coastal Walk.

4. Explore Bouddi National Park

Killcare Beach Walks - Bouddi National Park

There are many short walks in Bouddi National Park near Killcare worth experiencing. You can join most walking tracks to form longer hikes.

Most trails lead to secluded beaches and picturesque views.

Here are my favourites walks:

The Box Head walking track takes you to a lookout with sweeping views of Broken Bay.

The Flannel Flower walking track meanders through flannel flowers to the hidden Lobster Beach.

The Tallow Beach trail descends steeply to Tallow Beach, another gorgeous isolated beach.

There are also other fabulous trails, including the Maitland Bay and Bullimah Spur walking tracks.

Discover our top ten bushwalks in Bouddi National Park.

There are also mountain biking trails in Bouddi National Park. They'll take you to Allen Strom Lookout and Aboriginal engravings. See the cycling guide here.

5. Unwind at Bells at Killcare

Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa offers elegant coastal-style cottages. The cottages are on an acreage of manicured gardens.

A great place to pamper yourself and get away from it all!

Stay in a Hampton-style garden villa and enjoy a facial and body massage.

Needless to say, it makes for a peaceful, relaxing getaway. If you need to unwind with fine food and wine, it's the place to stay.

Also, Bells at Killcare is beside Bouddi National Park. So it's close to superb bushwalking tracks.

They offer fine dining onsite. The Wild flower Bar & Dining serves food with a strong focus on Mediterranean flavours.

Check out Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa here.

6. Walk Your Dog on the Beach

Killcare Beach is one of the best Central Coast dog beaches. Dogs can run off the leash for about 600m in the dedicated section.

Enjoy magnificent views during your stroll on this tranquil beach with your pup.

To get there, follow Beach Drive and park in the first car park on the left, then follow the short path leading to the sand.

Discover the region's best dog beaches here.

7. Explore the Secluded Maitland Bay

Maitland Bay is a gorgeous beach hidden in Bouddi National Park.

You can only access this beach via a bushwalk – there’s no road access. A few trails lead to Maitland Bay.

The Maitland Bay track is the quickest way to Maitland Bay. The path is steep but well-maintained, with plenty of stone steps.

Enjoy one of the locals' favourite walks!

The Maitland Bay track starts from the information centre on The Scenic Rd.

You can also get to Maitland Bay from Putty Beach via the Coastal Walk. Or from Mount Bouddi Picnic Area via the Mount Bouddi walking track. Well worth doing as well.

Find out more about Maitland Bay.

8. Enjoy Sweeping Views at Marie Byles Lookout

Marie Byles Lookout offers fantastic coastal views. Admire Killcare Beach and even Sydney's skyline at a distance.

The lookout is easily accessible by car. You can drive to it and there's plenty of parking.

Located along The Scenic Rd between Maitland Bay Dr and Wards Hill Rd.

It's on the way to the Maitland Bay track from Killcare.

9. Spend the Day on the Water

Enjoy kayaking or boating? Then spend a day exploring one of the most picturesque local waterways.

Chill with the family, kayak around the bay or catch some brim. Brisbane Waters is a well-loved fishing spot for locals and visitors.

Hardys Bay is reasonably protected from boat traffic and the wind.

Hire one of these boats at Boat, Bike, Paddle Hire Central Coast:

fishing boat
barbecue pontoon
kayak
stand up paddle board

Boat, Bike, Paddle Hire Central Coast is situated at the Killcare Marina at 39 Araluen Dr, Killcare. You can contact them on 02 4360 2958.

If you're looking for casual or permanent moorings, check out the Killcare Marina.

10. Visit Bouddi Art Gallery

Enjoy art galleries and authentic Aboriginal artwork?

The Bouddi Gallery supports not-for-profit Aboriginal-owned Art Centres in remote areas of Australia.

They feature an extensive range of authentic paintings, gift ideas and homeware by Aboriginal artists. And also books and music.

Located 5/1 Killcare Rd.

Where to Eat in Killcare

You'll find excellent restaurants at Killcare. Here are my favourites:

The View Woodfired Pizza serves tasty woodfired pizza made with fresh ingredients. You can eat the pizza across the road if you like to admire the sunset – they’ll bring the pizza to you! 58 Araluen Drive.

Hardy’s Bistro is the locals’ favourite cafe. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. And you can enjoy views over Brisbane Water from the verandah. 54 Araluen Drive.

The Lucky Bee serves tasty food inspired by the streets of Southeast Asia. The menu is seasonal, like steamed pork buns, duck spring rolls and papaya salad. 60 Araluen Drive.

Hardy's Bay Club - enjoy a delicious family meal in a leafy venue with live music, delightful ambience and super friendly staff. 14 Heath Rd, Hardys Bay.

Where to Stay in Killcare

You'll find various accommodation options.

As I said before, Bells at Killcare is a relaxing boutique hotel where you can completely unwind.

Or, if you like the outdoors, Putty Campground is in a bushland a few metres from Putty Beach. The campsite can get busy in summer, so book well ahead.

Many visitors choose to stay in a holiday rental. There are plenty available on Airbnb.

Getting There

By Ferry

The Palm Beach Ferry travels from Palm Beach to Wagstaffe, 2.6km from Killcare. You can then get to Killcare by taxi or Uber, but I recommend you walk if you can because it's a beautiful path.

By Car

1 hr 35 min from Sydney via the M1 Pacific Motorway (F3). Check the directions on Google Maps.