Killcare Beach and Surrounding Areas Ultimate Guide

Welcome to Killcare Beach, a hidden gem on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Nestled along this stunning coast filled with national parkland, you'll discover perfect days in paradise. From breathtaking sunrises to serene beachcombing and thrilling water adventures, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.

Eat & Drink

Sightseeing

Shopping

Killcare Restaurants

Breakfast

Try Hardy’s Bistro or The Fat Goose Cafe which are right at the front of the apartment on Killcare Road. They both are great for coffee and breakfast. The Fat Goose is an excellent bakery with fresh croissants and pies every morning.

Hardy’s Bay

Ettalong

Coast and Lords of Pour are two of our favourite cafes in Ettalong.

Avoca

Check out Becker and Co. for a cool local vibe at Avoca Beach or check out the surf views from the Point Cafe. If all you are looking for is a take away coffee and brekkie roll grab something from The Kiosk on Avoca Beach Point.

Lunch

Try Hardy’s Bistro or The Fat Goose Cafe have equally good for lunch as they are for breakfast. If you need a quick bite both are great options.

Bells Killcare is a must for lunch if you have never been there. Make sure to take a break between courses and have a walk through the gardens. If you are looking for something more relaxed check out Hardy’s Bay Club for pub food and a pint within a 400 meter walk.

Hardy’s Bay

Ettalong

If you want to have a lunch with a great view of Brisbane Waters and the national park check out The Box at Ettalong.

Avoca

If you are looking for a nice meal and cocktail with a view Avoca Beach House is a must. For something more relaxed try Avoca Beach Seafood for a delicious fish and chips on the beach.

Dinner

Bells Killcare is great for dinner if you have never been there. The service and food are equally good. This is a great place for a special dinner celebration.

If you are looking for something more relaxed check out Hardy’s Bay Club for pub food and a pint within a 400 meter walk.

You can also check out Tallows Restaurant, which is 50 meters from the door of the apartment.

Hardy’s Bay

Ettalong

There is a large selection of places to eat dinner in Ettalong. The nice thing as well as they are mostly consolidated in the Galleria at Ettalong Beach. Our favourite places there are:

Avoca

If you are looking for a nice meal and cocktail with a view Avoca Beach House is a must. For something more relaxed try Avoca Beach Seafood for a delicious fish and chips on the beach.

Shopping at Killcare

After a nice beach walk return back to Hardy’s Bay village to check out the local shops.

There are a few great boutique shops right at your doorstep on Killcare Road. Moochinside and the Bouddi Gallery are two shops that are worth a look, but have a wider explore through the village of Hardy’s Bay. There is also the Killcare Cellars and General Store located directly across the street for any food and drink requirements.

If you want a larger selection and a cool eclectic local shopping experience take a 15 minute drive to Ettalong Markets.

If you need food supplies for the house we recommend driving 15min to Kincumber Shopping Centre, where you will find Coles and the best butcher we have been to in NSW, Saratoga Quality Meats. If fresh local seafood is what you are after try Seacoast Fishing Co-op in Kincumber.

For a wider selection including Harris Farm, Woolies and Coles take a 25 minute drive to Erina Fair

Killcare Parks and Nature Attraction

There are some amazing beach and bush walks in and around Killcare. Killcare Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the central coast is a 15-minute walk. Once on the beach you can walk another 15 minutes north to Puddy Beach, which is in the Bouddi national park.

If you are feeling adventurous keep walking north up the Bouddi Coastal Walk that will take you to the beautiful Maitland Bay, which is only accessible via the walking track.

For a beautiful view and walk that takes 1 hour round trip (see photo to the left) make sure to check out the Bullimah Spur Trail. The views are spectacular and the walk is fairly flat and kid friendly, with adult supervision. The entrance to this walk is a short 5 min drive to the top of the hill.

Another amazing lookout with a 30 min round trip is Allen Strom lookout. This is a very easy flat walk appropriate for any age group. The entrance to the walk is a 5 min drive and is a good option for a sunset wine to end the day of adventures

Water Adventures

For water enthusiasts, there are kayaks, SUPs, pontoon boats are available at Boat, Bike and Paddle Hardy’s Bay, which is located across the street from Casa Parker at the marina wharf at 39 Araluen Dr, Killcare.

Best Scenic Coastal Walks in Killcare

Immerse Yourself in Nature

Embark on scenic coastal walks along the shoreline. Start with the Bouddi Coastal Walk, a stunning 8-kilometer trail offering spectacular views. Explore Gerrin Point Lookout for panoramic vistas and keep an eye out for local wildlife.

Additional options for scenic coastal walks in the Killcare Beach area include:

  • Maitland Bay Track: This trail takes you through lush rainforest and leads to the secluded Maitland Bay, a hidden gem ideal for a relaxing day by the water.

  • Box Head Track: Offering breathtaking views of Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River, this trail is a must for nature enthusiasts. You'll also pass by the historic Box Head Lighthouse.

  • Little Beach to Mount Bouddi Track: This track offers a challenging hike, rewarding you with expansive ocean views from Mount Bouddi. Don't forget your camera!

  • Bouddi Ridge Explorer Track: If you're looking for a longer trek, this 10.4-kilometer trail offers diverse landscapes, from eucalypt forests to coastal heathlands.

Each of these coastal walks promises a unique and unforgettable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Killcare Beach and its surroundings.

Best Places to Dine in Killcare

When hunger strikes, discover the best nearby dining options:

  • The Fat Goose: Located in Hardy’s Bay, the Fat Goose offers great cafe style food, fresh pastries and fabulous coffee

  • Hardy's Bay Club: Enjoy a pub-style meal with a waterfront view at this nearby venue.

  • Hardy’s Bistro: Located right net door to Casa Parker, Hardy’s bistro serves up great food from lunch to dinner

  • Tallows: A waterfront cafe, bar and restaurant in the heart of Hardy’s bar with stunning views.

  • The Wild flower Bar & Dining at Bells at Killcare:

  • Killcare Kiosk: located on the ground floor of Killcare Surf Life Saving Club, the Kiosk offers freshly prepared food, drinks and coffee for take away or beach side dining