Bouddi Spur Track
This beautiful walk in Bouddi National Park starts out at a gentle slope, and then gets steeper (and steeper!) before rewarding nature explorers with breathtaking ocean views and a gorgeous beach to wander along. Part of the Coastal Track, it features three viewing platforms, large sandstone steps and clearly marked paths. Along the way you can spot plenty of birds and bugs, bright native flowers and did we mention the views??
The best bit is, there's plenty of secret nature business going on while you explore. Kids' perseverance, balance and coordination will get an all-natural workout as they navigate the steps, rocks and sand. The deep blue ocean sights are a gentle reminder to create space in your life for peace, tranquility, and perspective.
And with the beach's soft warm sand and the rhythmic sound of the gentle waves, you'll find yourself immersed in moments of quiet contemplation (a wonderful way to rest and reset your brain after a busy week). While the stairs back up can be hard yakka, there's something about conquering the hill as a family that makes it all worthwhile.
Nature Play Ideas
Brave adventurers can climb across rocks on the eastern side of the cove to look for the shipwreck of the Maitland SS - you can only see it at low tide (and we definitely wouldn't recommend trying to navigate the rocks at high tide!) and there is a bit of clambering and balancing required.
Or, stroll along the sand looking for shiny shells, seaweed and maybe a sea jelly or two. There's loads of driftwood for kids to experiment with in the dunes, and it's the perfect place to relax, enjoy a snack and see what they come up with. Remember you're in a National Park, so any beach treasures need to stay on location.
The one hard thing about this walk is the epic number of stairs to climb. We had some success with counting the steps to encourage our youngest hiker to persevere. I think we got up to around 500 - eek!
Getting To: Bouddi Spur Walking Track, Maitland Bay
Drive to Mount Bouddi Road, McMasters Beach in Bouddi National Park, and park in the picnic carpark at the end. The path starts on the southern side, just past the picnic shelter. Follow the signs to Maitland Bay. The walk is 3km return and you will need to take your own water (and maybe a walking pole or two to help on the way back up!). Start your adventure among the gum trees at the Mt Bouddi carpark, and follow the trail down. At the bottom you'll arrive at Maitland Bay Beach, where there are a number of excellent nature experiences waiting for you.