Tucked within Bouddi National Park on the Central Coast, Maitland Bay is a stunning 600-metre sandy beach accessible only via a 900m bushwalk through lush coastal gullies. Its sheltered cove-like shape and exceptionally clear, calm waters make it a top snorkeling destination. The bay is also a marine reserve, and at low tide you can spot the remains of the 1898 SS Maitland shipwreck on the eastern rocks. The surrounding bushland feels wild and remote, yet it's only 90 minutes from Sydney — a hidden gem offering brilliant blue water, dolphins sightings, and superb underwater visibility.
Maitland Bay
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 5.7 sWind Speed 1.1 knPrecipitation 10 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Maurice van CreijThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: No lifeguards
There are no lifeguards on duty at Maitland Bay — swimmers and snorkelers enter at their own risk.
Moderate risk: Shipwreck debris (low tide)
Sharp metal wreckage from the SS Maitland is exposed at the eastern end during low tide — risk of cuts.
Low risk: Steep return walk
The 900m return track is steep and can take up to 50 minutes to climb back up — physically demanding in hot weather.
Low risk: Changing conditions
The bay can experience sudden swell or currents; always check conditions before entering the water.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
4 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Sydney, take the M1 motorway to the Gosford exit and follow signs through Kincumber toward Killcare Heights. Park at the carpark on The Scenic Road, opposite the corner of Maitland Bay Drive, next to the Maitland Bay Information Centre. From there, follow the 900m Maitland Bay Track (paved with stairs) downhill through bushland to the beach. Allow ~20 min down, ~50 min back up.
Parking & facilities
Free parking available at the carpark on The Scenic Road, opposite Maitland Bay Drive. However, Bouddi National Park entry fees apply: $8 per vehicle per day (pay via machines or Park'nPay app).
parkingtoilets
National Park entry fee of $8 per vehicle per day. The Information Centre next to the carpark is open weekends and public holidays.
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Gallery ┬╖ 4 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports