A short version of the Wyrrabalong Coast Walking Track, this walk covers some of the highlights through this long thin strip of beautiful coastal forest, with fantastic views of the coastline from many vantage points along the way. Crackneck Lookout, at the end of the walk, has stunning views and would be a great spot for a picnic lunch. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darkinjung & Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Picnic area above Bateau Bay beach. | Photo by admin, 2009.Stunning views across Bateau Bay. | Photo by admin, 2009.Coastal forest. | Photo by admin, 2009.Narrow and shaded track. | Photo by admin, 2009.Beautiful spot to sit. | Photo by admin, 2009.Well signposted. | Photo by admin, 2009.Great ocean views. | Photo by admin, 2009.Twisted trees. | Photo by admin, 2009.Steps on the track. | Photo by admin, 2009.Endless coastline. | Photo by admin, 2009.Picnic tables at Crackneck lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.Crackneck lookout. | Photo by admin, 2009.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Getting started Starting from the track intersection beside the beach access steps, this walk follows the faint track a very short distance across the picnic area, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. The walk soon arrives at some seats and an open viewing area, to the left, with stunning views across the water. From the viewpoint, this walk goes south across the picnic area, keeping Reserve Dr to the right. The walk passes a fenced viewing area just before reaching an intersection at the end of the picnic area, with a concrete beach-access track to the left.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 65 m find the "Bateau Bay Beach picnic area and lookout" (on your left).
Bateau Bay Beach picnic area and lookout
Bateau Bay Beach picnic area and lookout
This unnamed picnic area and lookout is within Wyrrabalong National Park, at the intersection of Reserve Dr and Harbour St, Bateau Bay. The picnic area overlooks Bateau Bay and the beach. There are large grass areas, plenty of shade and facilities including picnic tables, garbage bins, and beach access steps. There are beautiful views along the coast and out to sea from the picnic area. There are free electric BBQs at Sutton Reserve, a block further south along Reserve Drive. Takeaway food is available at a small shopping centre near the intersection of Harbour St and Bateau Bay Rd, one block from the picnic area.
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This unnamed picnic area and lookout is within Wyrrabalong National Park, at the intersection of Reserve Dr and Harbour St, Bateau Bay. The picnic area overlooks Bateau Bay and the beach. There are large grass areas, plenty of shade and facilities including picnic tables, garbage bins, and beach access steps. There are beautiful views along the coast and out to sea from the picnic area. There are free electric BBQs at Sutton Reserve, a block further south along Reserve Drive. Takeaway food is available at a small shopping centre near the intersection of Harbour St and Bateau Bay Rd, one block from the picnic area.
After another 15 m pass a seat (10 m on your left).
After another 175 m head into the park.
After another 70 m pass the toilet (20 m on your right).
After another 25 m find the "Southern Bateau Bay beach picnic area" (9 m on your right).
Southern Bateau Bay beach picnic area
Southern Bateau Bay beach picnic area
This picnic area, near the intersection of Reserve Dr and Rushby St, Bateau Bay, overlooks the southern end of Bateau Bay and the beach. The facilities include toilets, picnic tables, garbage bins and some slides for the kids. There are great views along the coast and out to sea. There is plenty of shade.
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This picnic area, near the intersection of Reserve Dr and Rushby St, Bateau Bay, overlooks the southern end of Bateau Bay and the beach. The facilities include toilets, picnic tables, garbage bins and some slides for the kids. There are great views along the coast and out to sea. There is plenty of shade.
After another 4 m continue straight.
After another 370 m veer left, to head along The Coast Track.
After another 115 m pass a seat (6 m on your left).
After another 135 m turn left, to head along The Coast Track.
After another 235 m veer left, to head along The Coast Track.
After another 330 m head into the park.
After another 45 m come to the end.
A picnic table.
About 15 m past the end is a seat.
About 20 m past the end is "Crackneck Lookout".
Crackneck Lookout
Crackneck Lookout
This lookout, at the end of Hilltop St, Bateau Bay, has stunning views up and down the coastline, and out to sea. There are picnic tables and an information board about marine mammals. There is a hangliding launch spot beside the lookout.
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This lookout, at the end of Hilltop St, Bateau Bay, has stunning views up and down the coastline, and out to sea. There are picnic tables and an information board about marine mammals. There is a hangliding launch spot beside the lookout.
About 40 m past the end is a seat.
About 45 m past the end is a sign.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Bateau Bay Picnic Area to Crackneck Lookout
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
1.6 km
Time
40 min to 1 h 30 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Some facilities on route
Toilet: There is one 325 m from the start.
Seat: There are 4 on route, on average they are 350 m apart with the largest gap of 830 m.
Bushwalk
40 min to 1 h 30 min
Toilet: There is one 325 m from the start.
Seat: There are 4 on route, on average they are 350 m apart with the largest gap of 830 m.
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After 65 m find the "Bateau Bay Beach picnic area and lookout" (on your left).
A picnic table.
About 20 m past the end is "Crackneck Lookout".
About 45 m past the end is a sign.