Putty Beach Guide

Last verified 04/26

Putty Beach is a quiet beach and campground at the eastern end of Killcare Beach, about 90 minutes from Sydney. The beach sits inside Bouddi National Park and it suits campers, families and anyone who like calmer water.

I’ve spent a lot of time at Putty Beach with my children. We come here to swim and relax and always bring inflatables and snorkelling gear. The bush setting makes the beach feel peaceful and natural.

It’s super easy to visit. You’ll find a grassy picnic area, BBQs, and clean bathrooms right next to the sand. You can park close to the beach, so carrying your gear is a breeze.

Also, the Bouddi Coastal Walk starts here.

It’s the perfect place to unroll a towel, kick back, and let the kids play all morning.

The Beach

Putty Beach feels peaceful and untouched. Since it’s inside Bouddi National Park, there’s no development behind it. Just bush, sand, and water.

The water is calm, which makes it great for families with young kids. Bring your snorkelling gear, inflatables, and boards. The beach isn’t patrolled and sometimes has strong rip currents, so swim carefully and check the conditions before you go in.

The Bouddi Coastal Walk begins right next to the beach. It’s worth walking at least the first kilometre along the boardwalk to Gerrin Point Lookout for great coastal views. If you’re up for it, you can keep going all the way to Maitland Bay.

From May to November, Gerrin Point Lookout is a great place to watch humpback whales as they migrate along the coast. The walk to the lookout and back is about 2.4 kilometres from the beach.

The Campground

Putty Beach Campground has 20 tent sites nestled in the bushland of Bouddi National Park, just a few metres from the beach. You can’t see the water from the campsites, but you can hear the waves.

This campground has a few perks compared to others in Bouddi National Park. The water here is the calmest for swimming, you can drive right up to the campground, and there’s drinking water available. You’ll also find toilets, barbecues, and picnic tables.

There’s no power or showers. Campfires, generators, and loud music aren’t allowed.

The campground is great for families, anglers, bushwalkers, or anyone who wants to camp close to the beach without a long walk. For food, Hardys Bistro at Hardys Bay is about five minutes away by car and is a good spot for a meal before or after your stay. The nearest supermarket is about 15 minutes away in Kincumber.

Be sure to book well ahead for summer holidays, as this campground fills up weeks or even months in advance during busy times.

Visitor Information

Parking at Putty Beach costs $8 per day, which you pay when you arrive. This fee is separate from any camping charges. Make sure to bring your own food, since there are no shops at the beach.

Facilities include toilets, a water tap, barbecues, and picnic tables. Dogs aren’t allowed.

To get there, take the M1 toward Gosford, then exit toward Woy Woy and Terrigal. Follow the signs to Killcare and Putty Beach. It’s about an hour and a half from Sydney.