Top Things to Do in Macmasters Beach

Macmasters Beach is a picturesque coastal town on the Central Coast, NSW.

The village is nestled beside Bouddi National Park at the southern end of a 1.4-kilometre long beach. Copacabana Beach sits at the northern end.

It's a popular getaway destination for Sydneysiders – and we can easily see why.

The area is peaceful. The village is mainly occupied by holiday and residential houses. So you won't find tourist facilities here apart from two cafes.

It's an ideal place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city or the more crowded neighbouring beaches.

The village was named after Alan Macmaster. He arrived from Scotland in 1839 and was one of the first landowners here in 1855.

Find out the best things to do in and near Macmasters Beach during your stay.

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1. Swim and Surf

You can swim between the flags at the beach's southern end near the Surf Life Saving Club. Lifeguards patrol the beach from the September school holidays to April.

The beach is sheltered from the southerly winds by a protruding headland.

Also, Macmasters Beach is one of the best beaches on the Central Coast for children. They can swim between the flags or in the ocean pool and splash around in the shallow lagoon.

It's also a popular surfing spot. There are surf breaks for beginners and a fun right-hand point break for advanced surfers.

Check out Central Coast Surf Academy if you want to learn to surf.

You'll find great amenities at the beach. There's a cafe, rockpool, toilets, picnic facilities and a water refill station.

2. Swim in the Rockpool

Macmasters Beach has a lovely 17-metre rockpool. It's conveniently located beside the picnic ground and café and near the flags.

The rockpool is small but spacious enough for children to paddle around. It's shallow enough for preschoolers – perfect for them to learn to swim. And adults enjoy doing laps in the mornings.

3. Picnic at the Beach

Macmasters Beach is a popular picnic spot because it's one of the only ones around with shade. It's also on a beautiful site at the foot of Bouddi National Park and above the beach and rockpool.

The coastal views are not bad either.

But be mindful the easterly wind can blow strong in the afternoon, particularly in summer.

Enjoy picnicking here if you're looking for somewhere to swim near some shade.

4. Walk Your Dog on the Beach

Dogs are allowed without a leash for about 500 metres from Gerda Road to the lagoon.

It's a top beach for dogs.

You'll enjoy the beautiful scenery while walking with your pet.

If you want breakfast after your walk, you can take your furry friend to Barefoot Cafe.

Discover more dog-friendly beaches on the Central Coast.

5. Have Breakfast at Barefoot Cafe

If you'd like a bite to eat while gazing at scenic views, head to Barefoot Café above the beach. Relax in the shade underneath large trees and listen to the waves crashing to shore.

The cafe opens every day of the week, including public holidays. And the bistro opens for dinner on Friday and Sunday nights from 5 pm.

6. Hike the Coastal Walk

Bouddi Coastal Walk is an epic 8-kilometre hike from here to Putty Beach.

Take in the incredible ocean views along the way. And you can swim at Maitland Bay, a beautiful hidden beach situated midway.

The walk is easy for the most part but is strenuous in one section because you have to walk up and down hills.

To access the walk, follow Marine Parade and climb the stairs between houses 85 and 87. follow the path and turn left onto Macmaster Parade – the track begins at the end of the road.

Read our complete guide to the Bouddi Coastal Walk.

7. Walk to Little Beach

Little Beach is a secluded cove in Bouddi National Park. It's a relaxing spot to have a picnic in the afternoon.

Little Beach also has a campground with barbeque facilities and non-flush toilets.

You can get to Little Beach via two walking tracks: The Coastal Walk and the Little Beach trail.

The Coastal Walk starts at the end of Macmaster Parade in Macmasters Beach. It's 1.7 kilometres from here to Little Beach, and it takes about 30 minutes.

The Little Beach trail starts from Grahame Drive in Macmasters Beach. It's the quickest way to Little Beach – a 750-metre stroll along a fire trail.

Find out more about Little Beach.

8. Mountain Biking

If you like mountain biking, there are trails nearby in Bouddi National Park.

The 10-kilometre Bouddi Ridge Explorer is the longest mountain biking trail. It combines the Strom loop, Rocky Point trail, MacMasters Ridge trail and Dayleys Point trail.

To get there, park your car at Maitland Bay Information Centre at 174 The Scenic Road and get on the Strom loop.

9. Experience the 5 Lands Walk

The 5 Lands Walk is a stunning 10-kilometre hike from Macmasters Beach. The walk traverses 5 beaches and ends at Terrigal.

This event happens every year on the Saturday closest to the winter solstice. Thousands of people participate, and you can see whales from several locations.

Shuttle buses circulate between the beaches all day.

Find out more about the 5 Lands Walk.

10. Take your children to the New Playground

The new playground is sure to entertain small children.

They'll like the timber climbing structure with balance beams and a slide. The ice cream shop and the giant soft crab are also well-liked.

Trees provide some shade.

The playground is across the beach at the intersection of Gerda Road and Marine Parade.

Where to Stay in Macmasters Beach

There are no hotels in Macmasters Beach, but plenty of holiday rentals are available. You can search for holiday accommodation on a site like Airbnb.

How to Get to Macmasters Beach

Located 1 hr 25 min north of Sydney via the M1. There's free parking at the surf life saving club. Follow the directions on Google Maps here.