We know getting into hiking can be daunting. Where do you start? How do I know if I’ll be fit enough? Will I have the right skills? We’ve all been there. But getting out into nature and exploring is something that we feel needs to be done! And that’s why we’re writing this blog on the easy hikes Central Coast NSW has to offer. These hikes have been chosen with beginners in mind and are great ways to hone in on your skills, acknowledge what you need to work and we promise you won’t miss out on the views. If you’re looking for some tips for hiking make sure you check out our post for new hikers!
Once you’re feeling more confident, make sure you check out this hike to find the best view on the Central Coast!
On the Central Coast, we are honestly spoilt for choice with our hikes and bushwalks. There is something here for everyone at every fitness level and deciding what is best for you is the best way to start enjoying hiking the outdoors. One thing that the Central Coast is known for is our beautiful landscapes and the best way to view these are on foot. The hikes which have been chosen on this list are some of the best hikes Central Coast has to offer and are also perfect for beginners and are also family-friendly hikes. Each hike is unique and offers new scenery and new experience so shouldn’t be missed!
First Things First
Every time you go hiking remember to pack the following:
- First Aid Kit – We recommend this emergency first aid kit as it is designed for travel and can easily be placed in your day pack.
- Water – For obvious reasons.
- An offline map – not everywhere has access to the internet and you need to be prepared.
- Snacks – for extra energy.
- Camera – so you can capture some memories.
- Multi tool – So you’re prepared for anything.
Norah Head Nature Trail
Length: 2.3kms Grade: easy
The Norah Head Nature trail is one of the more popular trails on the Central Coast and for good reason. This easy hike on the Central Coast is varied in scenery and takes you through forest scenery and along the jagged coast at Norah Head. There is plenty of signage and requires little to no navigation skills so is perfect for anyone without hiking experience. This trail also offers the opportunity for some off-trail exploration if you feel up to it along the rock shelves at the base of the Norah Head Lighthouse.
This is easily one of the best short walks Central Coast has to offer.
Hot Tip: Go at low tide and explore the rock shelves.
Lilly Pilly Loop
Length:5kms Grade: Moderate
This is a popular trail off of Wilfred Barret Drive in-between The Entrance and Norah Head. Unfortunately, this trail doesn’t have the wow factor many of the other trails in this list have, but it is still a great walk! There are plenty of hills to give you a challenge and the trails are abundant with birds and other wildlife. The trail also offers lake views on the western part of the track.
Hot tip: Join with the red gum trails to make a 6.6km walk
Crack Neck Lookout – Wyrrabalong Lookout
Length: 2.7kms Grade: easy
This walk has been featured a few times in our blog, so you know that it’s a good walk! This is a popular track, so don’t expect to get it all to yourself. The track has also recently been made more accessible, with the council placing stairs where steep rocky hills used to be. The views along this entire trail are great, and there are countless side trails if you’re feeling adventurous. This trail requires zero navigation skills and while some of the staircases can be tough, it is a great trail for any fitness level.
Hot Tip: Crackneck is one of the Central Coasts’ best whale-watching spots. If it’s whale season have a break at the end and try and see some whales!
Somersby Falls
Length: 600m Grade: Easy
This hike is the definition of short and sweet. This is of the most popular easy hikes on the Central Coast. The track begins at the car park and then it is a quick and steep descent to the falls. There are 3 waterfalls to check out along this trail, Middle falls, one unnamed waterfall at the base of the second staircase and Lower Falls. These waterfalls are some of the most iconic scenes on the Central Coast and are a definite must-see. But don’t let the length fool you, this short trail is a great way to test your fitness as you’ll climb hundreds of stairs down to the lower falls and back up.
Hot Tip: Visit after some rain to make the most of the falls
Arboretum and Bellbird Tracks
Length: 3.7kms Grade: Easy
Located in Stickland State Forest these dog-friendly trails are great for all fitness levels. The varied tracks offer something for everyone. The trails run along the gulley and feature many fallen trees and a swing bridge. This trail is one of our favourite easy hikes on the Central Coast as it feels like you’ve travelled a lot further than a few minutes from Gosford.
Hot Tip: Don’t visit after rain as it gets very muddy and leeches are known in the area.
Strickland Falls Trail
Length: 1.7kms Grade – Easy-Moderate
If you want to feel like you’re in Jurassic Park, this one is for you. Located in the Strickland State Forest as well, this trail is a little harder than the last. This track offers a much more varied landscape with many hills and trees blocking the path. The falls are relatively disappointing however the forest is spectacular. The tall trees make you feel like you’re in another world. Many of the rocks are covered in moss and are slippery. The track is easy to follow and requires no navigational skills unless you head off trail.
Hot Tip: Link this track with the Stoney Creek Trail for a longer hike
Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Length: 2.9kms Grade: Moderate
This hike is featured in our secret spots blog, and already got its own post and chances are you’ll be the only one there. 90% of this trail is on the Bambara fire trail. However, with this being said, it does require some navigation skills to find the glyphs themselves. head off the Bambara Fire trail onto the first well-worn track you see on your left (approx. 1km in) and follow this track until you see the grandmother tree. This is the biggest red gum in the area and you cant miss it. The Glyphs are in the rock formation to the right of this tree and require some scrambling around and over boulders to be found. There is no signage on this track at all, so you need to keep your wits about you when you do some exploring to find the glyphs.
Hot Tip: Wear sturdy shoes. There are many loose rocks when looking for the glyphs.
We hope we’ve been able to help you start exploring and find some easy hikes! Make sure you check out some of the best wild swimming in the area too!