2026 WHALE TRAIL: Bouddi Nat'l Park MACMASTERS to KILLCARE! Hardy's Hidden Pub!
Details
Not only is this All Trails' #1 hike on the Central Coast... it's my personal favourite. The weather looks so damn juicy, and with the whales running south… let’s get on the Coast for a Summer Session and a delightful, sneaky little bar called “Hardy’s Hideaway!” Macmasters Beach to Killcare makes my shorts move. It makes my plums hum. Let's fahkin' goooooooo.
THE HIKE. Macmasters Beach to Killcare Beach & Hardy's Hideaway (13.5kms).
It's such a delightful coast hike... it's 13.5kms of an absolute stunner of rolling hills, coastal views, secluded / beautiful beaches... Macmasters Beach. Maitland Bay. Bullimah Beach. Marang Lookout. Killcare Beach. And more... Bouddi National Park is fucking beautiful. With 25 and sunny the plan, let's stop 20minutes for a lunch / swim (optional) break.
Our first rest stop is called Little Beach. You can see what that looks like on instagram HERE. WOOOOWOWOWOWOW.
Upon hike completion... you won't find a more unique bar in Hardy's Hideaway. I ADORE this joint, and the friendly locals inside (who saved the bar with their own hard earned cash post-COVID) love hosting us hikers. It's such a special joint, and the only way you're going to see it is if you're hiking in the area. It's a hidden gem - it's a "MJ how in the world did you find this joint" kinda place we won't want to leave.
THE LOGISTICS.
The start is a little tricky, but it's worth it. We meet at Woy Woy Station (drivers too). If we get enough drivers, that would be grand we'll be able to get to the start. If we don't please be prepared for a $10-$12 per trip taxi at the start / finish of the hike. I'll plan it all in the whatsapp group.
Central Station to Woy Woy train flies with only 4 stops in between... you'll see us all when you get off the train. Again - it's in the whatsapp chat.
On the way back? We'll get ya to Woy Woy Station or, the ferry from Wagstaffe to Palm Beach is easily one of the prettiest in NSW - truly this is a WOW type finish if you take the ferry.
AN AD FROM THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT.
September!!! Here's what's on in We Hike... to the Bar:
5th Saturday… Macmasters Beach to Killcare to Hardy’s Hideaway
6th Sunday… Blue Gum Loop Hornsby & New Quarry
12th A Hike, Sunset & ABBA
13th Cronulla to Kurnell, Cook @ Kurnell.
17th Byron Bay – 21st Byron Bay
26th Saturday… Not sure yet. Let’s see.
27th Sunday… Secret Beaches to Sunday Sippers at Bilgola Beach SLSC (my new, fav hike and bar of 2026)
Can't wait for this one in Bouddi. Big day. Long day. Damn fun day. Such a memorable hike with summer temps!!!
See you there! MJ
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THE DETAILS.
WHATSAPP. You’re not 100% confirmed until you’re in the whatsapp group. Join it 'cause we love it, and we use it! Click on the link (above) – if not, sadly you’ll be removed from the event on MeetUP.
Cancels / No shows. Treat your RSVP like a restaurant reservation. No show / cancel on the day? That restaurant is my hiking group – you won’t be welcomed in the future. Respect and manners matter as I put my credit card down for your reservation. Double booked with another group? Come on… be kind.
Gratuity. $15 PayID or Cash.
Safety. Let’s chat, let’s have some laughs… but let’s be safe.
Fitness. Yup. Fitness matters for all of our hikes – especially if we are going into National Park.
Guests. Bring mates, dates, co-workers.
Good energy, smiles, and laughs… Bring ‘em all! You’re joining the most fun hiking group in Sydney.
In pressing the “Attend” button for this hike, you acknowledge that:
a) You are healthy and fit to complete the hike describe;
b) You have read and will follow NSW National Parks Bushwalking Safety Guidelines for this hike;
c) You have no chronic / underlying health issues that deter you from completing this hike;
d) You understand your host is just that – your host, not a professional hiker – and that you and you alone are responsible for your hiking health, safety, and wellness;
e) You’ve been advised to download the “Emergency Plus App” and
f) You’ve been advised to obtain individual hiking insurance from 1Cover.
g) Over 60yrs old, and new to the group? Send me a note first please.