Top five coastal walks to head to this weekend
Australia’s coastline is vast and you don’t have to drive far to find a stretch of cliffs, sand dunes or beach that are perfect for an invigorating and scenic walk.Luckily, the national parks service and local councils have provided the paths and Mother Nature looks after the good stuff to see. So jump in the car, head out of town and give one of these a go.
Bouddi coastal walk, Gosford, NSW
If you like well-defined boardwalks, cliff-top scenery and the chance to spot frolicking whales then Bouddi National Park is for you. Just near Gosford, about 90 minutes north of Sydney, the 8.5km walk from Putty Bay to Macmaster’s Beach can be split into two smaller sections. The 3.5km stretch from Maitland Bay to Little Bay takes in lush rainforest and ends at a pristine and secluded beach.
Squeaky Beach, Wilsons Promontory, Victoria
There are plenty of walks around beautiful Wilsons Prom, which juts out into Bass Strait about 200km south-east of Melbourne, but this relatively easy coastal ramble is a good entrée. Drop the car at the Picnic Bay Beach car park, walk south down the sand then cross the headland to Squeaky Beach, where the sand is so fine it literally squeaks as you walk. Then enjoy a night camping at Tidal River, or stay a week over summer like many lucky Victorians.
Noosa Heads Coastal Walk, Queensland
Noosa can get pretty busy with all its shops, restaurants and cafés (and what’s not to love about that?) so to escape the crowds, and maybe work off a few of those prawn cocktails, this 6.8km bushland hike is a must. Simply follow the path around the point to the east of Noosa’s main beach, stop at lookouts including Boiling Pot and Hell’s Gate, keep an eye out for whales at sea then end at Sunshine Beach for a swim and lunch before catching the bus back to Noosa.
Marion Coastal Walking Trail, near Adelaide, South Australia
You don’t have to travel far from Adelaide to find something amazing, and in fact this coastal walk starts the beachside suburb of Marino, about 19km from the city. Part of the Marion Coast Park, you start at Marino train station, then follow boardwalks down the beach about seven kilometres to Hallett Cove with its ancient red rock formations. There are lovely views over St Vincents Gulf, lots of coastal plants and wildlife, a community art precinct and you can return to the car via train.
Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
Freycinet National Park’s graceful curve into the ocean on Tasmania’s east coast is extremely scenic and walking is the best way to see it. Drive to the Wineglass Bay car park then climb to the lookout overlooking this glorious crescent of beach. The round trip should take about 90 minutes, but for more intrepid souls, descend to the bay, walk along the beach then cross back across the peninsula for about a five-hour walk back to the car via The Hazards.
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