Last verified 07/26
Lobster Beach is a small, sheltered beach in Bouddi National Park, on the Broken Bay side.
If you want a quiet Central Coast beach away from the crowds, this is one of my favourite spots.
I often visit Lobster Beach as part of a walk along the Flannel Flower track. There’s also a shorter track that leads straight there if you just want the beach.
The calm water is good for swimming and snorkelling when conditions are safe. It’s also a popular stop for boats exploring Broken Bay.
This guide will help you choose the best way to get there, what to expect and whether Lobster Beach is worth the walk.
How to get to Lobster Beach
There are two main ways to reach Lobster Beach. The best one depends on whether you want a beach visit or a longer bushwalk.
The quickest way
If you’re mainly visiting for the beach, start at the end of High View Road at Pretty Beach, near the corner of Venice Road.
A series of stairs leads over the headland to Lobster Beach. It’s about a 10 minute walk. Along the way, you’ll reach a lookout with views across Broken Bay before descending to the beach.
The access track is signposted on High View Road, about 40 metres after you turn into the road. Park along the street.
My favourite way
If you enjoy bushwalking, I recommend starting from Hawke Head Drive in Bouddi National Park.
From there, follow the Flannel Flower walking track to Lobster Beach. The walk offers wide views over Broken Bay and makes the beach feel like a reward at the end.
Allow about 1 hour return. The walk is 2.9 km return and is graded Grade 3.
If you’re keen to walk more, you can also include the Box Head track or Tallow Beach trail before returning to your car.
By boat or kayak
You can also reach Lobster Beach by boat or kayak from Broken Bay. It’s a popular place to pull up for a swim or a break before heading back out on the water.
Is Lobster Beach worth visiting?
Yes, if you’re looking for a quiet beach away from the crowds.
I usually stop here for one or two hours as part of a bushwalk. It’s a great place to relax with the family and have a swim before continuing on.
If you’re after Bouddi’s most impressive beach, I’d recommend Maitland Bay instead. If your main goal is swimming with young children for a few hours, Putty Beach is also a great choice. You can park close to the beach, and there are toilets nearby.
Lobster Beach offers something different. It’s smaller, more secluded and usually very quiet. Most of the time, you’ll have the beach to yourself or share it with only a few other people.
Swimming at Lobster Beach
We’ve taken our children swimming here on calm summer days. We stayed close to shore because the beach isn’t patrolled. Strong currents can still occur, and there’s also boat traffic nearby.
If you have a snorkel, it’s worth bringing. The rocky edges of the bay are good for a look around if the water is clear.
Facilities at Lobster Beach
Lobster Beach has very few facilities. There’s a non-flush toilet near the beach, but no drinking water or picnic tables.
Bring water, food and a hat. There’s also little shade on the beach.
I had mobile reception during my visit, but reception can be limited in Bouddi National Park.
Can you camp or bring a dog?
You can’t camp at Lobster Beach. Use one of Bouddi National Park’s designated campgrounds instead.
Dogs and other pets aren’t allowed in the national park. Campfires and solid-fuel burners are also banned.
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