Last verified 03/26
Killcare is a small coastal village beside Bouddi National Park. It sits between Killcare Beach and the calm water of Hardys Bay.
We come here for beach days and bushwalks. The area feels much quieter than Terrigal or The Entrance.
You can swim, walk part of the Bouddi Coastal Walk or hire a kayak at Hardys Bay. The beach kiosk is also handy for coffee and lunch.
Is Killcare Worth Visiting?
- Best for: Beaches, bushwalks and quiet weekends
- Great if you want: Easy access to Bouddi National Park
- Not ideal for: Shopping, nightlife or visiting without a car
Killcare is worth visiting if you enjoy beaches and bushland. You can easily combine the beach with Hardys Bay and a short coastal walk.
Local Highlights in Killcare
If you’re visiting Killcare, these are the main things we usually enjoy:
- Killcare Beach – wide, natural surf beach
- Bouddi Coastal Walk – one of the best walks on the Central Coast
- Hardys Bay – calm water, cafés and waterfront views
- Putty Beach – sheltered beach and picnic area inside the national park
What Killcare Is Like
Killcare spreads across the Bouddi Peninsula. Killcare Beach sits on the ocean side. Hardys Bay lies on the calmer Brisbane Water side.
The area is mostly residential. You’ll find a small group of cafés and businesses near Hardys Bay.
The beach and national park are the main reasons to visit.
Swim and Surf at Killcare Beach
Killcare Beach forms the western end of a 1.6-kilometre stretch of sand shared with Putty Beach.
The surf club, kiosk and main car park sit at this end. There’s also a small rock pool beside the rocks.
The beach is exposed to ocean swell and often has stronger waves than the Putty Beach end. Seasonal patrols run near the surf club.
Visit the Putty Beach End
Putty Beach forms the eastern end of the same stretch of sand.
This end often feels calmer when the swell is small. It isn’t patrolled and is still an ocean beach.
A picnic area, campground, toilets and barbecues sit behind the sand. Park entry costs $8 per vehicle each day.
The Bouddi Coastal Walk starts near the eastern end of the beach.
Walk the Bouddi Coastal Walk
The Bouddi Coastal Walk runs for 8.5 kilometres between Putty Beach and Macmasters Beach.
The full walk takes around three and a half to four and a half hours one way.
You don’t need to walk the whole track. My favourite short option follows the boardwalk from Putty Beach to Gerrin Point Lookout.
Continue to Maitland Bay if you have more time. The track drops to the beach before climbing back through the bush.
Spend Time on the Water at Hardys Bay
Hardys Bay sits on the sheltered side of the peninsula. Its calm setting suits kayaking, paddleboarding and boating.
Boat, Bike & Paddle Hire Central Coast hires kayaks, paddleboards and several types of boat from Killcare Marina.
You can also walk beside the bay or stop at one of the nearby cafés.
Where to Eat in Killcare
Most places to eat sit near Hardys Bay.
Hardy’s Bistro and The Fat Goose are popular for breakfast and lunch. Hardys Bay Club offers meals and live music in a leafy bush setting.
Killcare Beach Kiosk is the easiest choice when you’re spending the day at the beach.
The listings below show more places to eat nearby.
How to Spend a Day in Killcare
Start with coffee at Killcare Beach Kiosk. Then spend the morning at the beach or rock pool.
Drive to Putty Beach and walk to Gerrin Point Lookout. Continue to Maitland Bay if you want a longer walk.
Finish the afternoon at Hardys Bay. You can hire a kayak or have an early dinner beside the water.
Where to Stay in Killcare
Bells at Killcare is the main hotel in the area. It has cottages, villas, a restaurant and a day spa.
You’ll also find private holiday homes around Killcare and Hardys Bay.
For camping, Putty Beach Campground has 20 unpowered tent sites beside the beach.
How to Get to Killcare
By Car
Killcare is about 90 minutes north of Sydney via the M1.
Parking is available beside Killcare Surf Life Saving Club. Putty Beach has another car park inside Bouddi National Park.
By Train and Bus
Take a train to Woy Woy Station. From there, use the Transport for NSW Trip Planner to find a bus towards Killcare or Wagstaffe.
Services are limited, so this area is much easier to explore by car.
By Ferry
The Palm Beach Ferry reaches Wagstaffe in about 20 minutes.
This works best if you’re visiting Hardys Bay. Killcare Beach sits farther across the peninsula.
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