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Bouddi National Park

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Overview

Bouddi National Park is on the central coast of New South Wales in Australia.

Facts

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Coordinates

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage

Media

From Wikipedia488 words

WBP editorial3

Coastal walks with a marine‑life bonus

Beyond the well‑marked bush trails, the park’s shoreline offers informal pathways that hug the tide‑pools. Early morning walks reveal migrating humpback whales silhouetted against the horizon, while low tides expose a kaleidoscope of colourful anemones and tiny crabs. For walkers who prefer a quiet route, the lesser‑used stretch between Little Turpentine Point and Wamberal offers uninterrupted sea views, occasional sightings of fur seals, and the chance to hear the distant call of the pied oystercatcher nesting on the sand.

A quiet alternative to the Blue Mountains

Travelers seeking the calm of eucalyptus forest without the crowds of the Blue Mountains will find Bouddi’s temperate rainforest a satisfying substitute. The gentle canopy of ferns and mosses creates a cool, damp microclimate perfect for a mid‑day respite after a coastal ride. Pair a short hike with a stop at the nearby village of Killcare for a coffee brewed from locally roasted beans, and you’ll experience a blend of forest and seaside that feels both distinctively regional and comfortably familiar.

Practical tips for a seamless visit

Parking at the main trailheads fills quickly on weekends, so aim for a weekday arrival or use the free shuttle service from Gosford’s central bus station. Carry a reusable water bottle; the park’s water taps are limited and some sections lack shade, making hydration essential. Mobile reception is sporadic, so download offline maps of the walking tracks beforehand. Finally, respect the fire bans that are often in place during the hotter months – the park’s management relies on visitors to keep the bushland fire‑free.

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Introduction

National park in New South Wales, Australia Bouddi National ParkIUCN category II (national park)The national park from the Bullimah OutlookBouddi National ParkLocationNew South WalesNearest cityKillcareCoordinates33°29′54″S 151°25′04″E / 33.49833°S 151.41778°E / -33.49833; 151.41778Area15.32 km2 (5.92 sq mi)Established1 October 1967 (1967-10-01)Governing bodyNSW National Parks & Wildlife ServiceWebsitehttps://web.archive.org/web/20141013202643/http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/Bouddi-National-Park The Bouddi National Park is a coastal national park that is located in the Central Coast region of New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The 1,532-hectare (3,790-acre) national park is situated 93 kilometres (58 mi) northeast of Sydney. A section of the national park extends into the Tasman Sea, creating fully protected land, shore and marine habitats. The park contains one of the last mature temperate rainforests on the Central Coast, Fletchers Glen.

History

[edit] The Bouddi National Park was originally known as the Bouddi Natural Park. It received its name at the second meeting of the park trust held on 5 July 1936. Other names considered were Maitland Bay Park, Cape Three Points Reserve and Gerrinbombi Park. The reason for the choice was that Bouddi is the authenticated aboriginal name of the most conspicuous feature of the district and appears on maps as early as 1828. Bouddi is an indigenous word for the heart. The trust had been founded the year earlier to manage the reserve and had representation from the NSW Federation of Bushwalking Clubs and Erina Shire Council. In 1967 the park, by then totalling about 1,310 acres (530 ha), was dedicated as a national park under the newly passed legislation and was renamed Bouddi State Park. Its management became the responsibility of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and soon afterwards the trust was reconstituted as an advisory committee. On 1 January 1974, the National Parks and Wildlife Act dispensed with the category of state parks and Bouddi was renamed Bouddi National Park.

Biology

[edit] Flora[edit] The Park contains three broad categories of vegetation: heath, Eucalyptus forest and grassy woodland. Fauna[edit] The park contains a wide diversity of animal life. A number of mammal species, including microbats, greater gliders and other marsupials are found in the Park. Reptile species present include lace monitors, green tree snakes and water dragons. Over 150 species of bird have been documented in the area. The marine component of the Park has similarly high biodiversity. The marine extension of the park was found to have led to a 70% increase in fish numbers in the area than nearby comparators, and 60% higher numbers of species. A number of large mammals regularly frequent the area, including humpback whales, southern right whales and bottlenose and common dolphins. Leopard seals and fur seals have occasionally been seen on coastal rock platforms.