Tallow Beach campground
Bouddi National Park
Overview
Camp at Tallow Beach campground, near Killcare on the Central Coast. You’ll find swimming, surfing and fishing spots just steps from your tent, along with walking tracks.
| Camping type | Tent, Remote/backpack camping |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Toilets |
| What to bring | Drinking water, cooking water |
| Entry fees |
Park entry fees do not apply at Tallow Beach campground but may apply in other areas. |
| Bookings | Book up to 12 people or 2 sites online. |
| Group bookings | This campground is not suitable for group bookings. |
| Please note |
|
Savour the simplicity of camping by the beach at picturesque Tallow Beach campground.
This quiet camping area accommodates only six tents, though you’re bound to share the area with plenty of wildlife as well.
It’s a bit of a hike to get there from the carpark, but you’re bound to agree the scenic seclusion makes the trip well worth it. First order of business is a swim or surf in the ocean – you may find you’re lucky enough to have that to yourself too. Next up, why not try a spot of rock fishing? Just remember to bring your own stove to cook your catch.
After that, there’s plenty of time left in the day for exploring the area’s bushwalking tracks. Follow Box Head track through red gum bushland or try Flannel Flower walking track, which leads to gorgeous Lobster Beach and offers views across the water to Woy Woy.
Map
Map
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Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation/campgrounds/tallow-beach-campground/local-alerts
Bookings
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Bouddi National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Bouddi National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$8 per vehicle per day. The park has pay machines that accept both card and coins, or you can pay via the Park'nPay app.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Tallow Beach campground.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Tallow Beach campground is in the Tallow Beach precinct of Bouddi National Park.
To get there from Gosford:
- Follow Central Coast Highway towards Erina
- Turn right onto Avoca Drive and continue through Kincumber
- Turn right at Empire Bay Drive
- Turn left onto Wards Hill Road
- Turn right onto The Scenic Road
- Turn left onto Nukara Avenue, then take the second left to Hawke Head Drive.
- From the carpark at the end of Hawke Head Drive it's a 1.2km hike down a steep, gravel fire trail. It's a fairly strenuous hike and is not recommended for elderly or very young campers.
Road quality
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- Most roads require 4WD vehicle
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available in the carpark 1.2km from the campground. You'll need to carry all your camping equipment and drinking water from the carpark to your campsite. Consider bringing a wheelbarrow or trolley to make carrying your equipment easier.
We recommended that you do not leave valuables in the car.
Best times to visit
Spring
Take the Bouddi Coastal walk to be amazed by the colourful wildflowers on display in spring.
Summer
Cool off with a dip at one the park's gorgeous beaches or try snorkelling at Maitland Bay Surf the popular coastline between MacMasters Beach and Box Head .
Winter
Grab the camera and spot humpback whales as they migrate north between May and July.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
20°C and 26°C
Highest recorded
42.4°C
Winter temperature
Average
9°C and 17°C
Lowest recorded
3.4°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January to March
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
246mm
Facilities
- Campsites are unmarked, unpowered and suitable for tents only.
- No power or water is available.
- Rubbish bins are not available. Please take all rubbish with you or fees may apply.
Toilets
- Non-flush toilets
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Permitted
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Tallow Beach is a family friendly campground. Please be considerate of others during your stay:
- For the comfort of all campground visitors, we ask that you keep noise to a minimum.
- Noise restrictions apply after 10pm.
Amplified music
Amplified music is not permitted, fines apply.
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Wood fires are not permitted at this campground.
Gathering firewood
Generators
Generators are not permitted, fines apply.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Visitor centre
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Maitland Bay Information Centre
174 The Scenic Road, Bouddi NSW 2251 - Weekends and public holidays only, 11am to 3pm
- 02 4320 4200 Girrakool office
Learn more
Tallow Beach campground is in Bouddi National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A coastal gem
Located south-east of Gosford, the park spans over 1,500 hectares, including the fully-protected Bouddi National Park Marine Extension area. As well as offering pristine beaches and marine habitat, the park's coastal position boasts million-dollar ocean views, which are best enjoyed from one of its lookouts.
- Bouddi coastal walk Located near Gosford, Bouddi coastal walk is known for its beaches, boardwalk and birdlife. Go whale watching, picnic or swim at Maitland Bay, or simply absorb the ocean views.
- Bouddi group trail running sessions Ignite your passion for running with these guided trail sessions by RunFit 2260. You’ll get fit, get out in nature and enjoy the company of others who love to run.
- Gerrin Point lookout Experience stunning views at Gerrin Point Lookout, a short walk from Putty Beach in Bouddi National Park on the NSW central coast. Enjoy whale watching during the winter months, birdwatching or just absorb the view.
- Guided bushwalks in Bouddi National Park Enjoy a gentle guided walk in Bouddi National Park with Bells at Killcare. You’ll trek through lush rainforest bordered by spectacular ocean views on scenic coastal tracks near Gosford.
- Junior ranger: Bouddi coastal adventure tour Embark on an outdoor adventure with a NPWS discovery ranger these school holidays. You’ll explore coastal bushland and scan the horizon for marine wildlife in Bouddi National Park, near Gosford.
A natural paradise
A variety of animals and birds live in Bouddi National Park, enjoying its quiet beaches and native vegetation as much as its visitors do. Remember to take your camera as you may be lucky enough to spot a resident sea-eagle, echidna or tree frog. Plus, photos of the park's fascinating rock formations provide excellent memories of your visit. The 300-hectare Bouddi National Park Marine Extension protects the park’s diverse marine life and is one of Australia’s earliest Marine Protected Areas. The park also offers great whale watching opportunities from one of its many lookouts– spot humpback whales between May and July and again in September and October and southern right whales from late July.
- Box Head track This easy walk winds through bushland to the Box Head lookout, offering scenic views across the Hawkesbury River and cross Broken Bay and Lion Island to Sydney.
- Gerrin Point lookout Experience stunning views at Gerrin Point Lookout, a short walk from Putty Beach in Bouddi National Park on the NSW central coast. Enjoy whale watching during the winter months, birdwatching or just absorb the view.
- Junior ranger: Bouddi coastal adventure tour Embark on an outdoor adventure with a NPWS discovery ranger these school holidays. You’ll explore coastal bushland and scan the horizon for marine wildlife in Bouddi National Park, near Gosford.
Culturally fascinating
The park and surrounding area contain numerous Aboriginal sites, more than 100 significant sites have been recorded, with more still likely to be found. Rock shelters adorned with engravings and Aboriginal art, grinding grooves, middens and other archaeological deposits are fascinating to behold, and make a visit to Bouddi National Park a very special experience.
- Bouddi guided Aboriginal heritage tours Join Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences for a fascinating 3hr tour. You'll discover timeless Aboriginal culture and heritage in beautiful Central Coast landscapes near Gosford.
- Daleys Point walking track Daleys Point walking track offers easy walking, spectacular views and a place to take in the natural beauty and unique Aboriginal cultural heritage of Bouddi National Park.
So many outdoor activities
Bouddi National Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors – both in water and on land. From abundant walking tracks, mountain biking trails, fishing spots, campsites, picnic areas and beaches just waiting for swimmers, surfers and snorkellers, this park really does have it all. You can even join an adventure tour.
- Bouddi coastal walk Located near Gosford, Bouddi coastal walk is known for its beaches, boardwalk and birdlife. Go whale watching, picnic or swim at Maitland Bay, or simply absorb the ocean views.
- Bouddi Ridge explorer Try the awesome Bouddi Ridge Explorer mountain biking trail in Bouddi National Park near Gosford. Looping several smaller track the 10km trail offers great variety and scenery.
- Maitland Bay track Maitland Bay track is one of the central coast's most popular bushwalks. This short, steep walk takes you downhill to the beautiful Maitland Bay and its shipwreck.
Plants and animals protected in this park
Animals
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White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.
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Superb fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus)
The striking blue and black plumage of the adult male superb fairy wren makes for colourful bird watching across south-eastern Australia. The sociable superb fairy wrens, or blue wrens, are Australian birds living in groups consisting of a dominant male, mouse-brown female ‘jenny wrens’ and several tawny-brown juveniles.
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Sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps)
The sugar glider is a tree-dwelling Australian native marsupial, found in tall eucalypt forests and woodlands along eastern NSW. The nocturnal sugar glider feeds on insects and birds, and satisfies its sweet tooth with nectar and pollens.
Plants
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Wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana)
The wonga wonga vine is a widespread vigorous climber usually found along eastern Australia. A variation of the plant occurs in the central desert, where it resembles a sprawling shrub. One of the more common Australian native plants, the wonga wonga vine produces bell-shaped white or yellow flowers in the spring, followed by a large oblong-shaped seed pod.
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Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)
Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark.