Holiday houses in Killcare

Surrounded by the Bouddi National Park, and less than 90 minutes from Sydney, the small, coastal community of Killcare is the quintessential summer getaway, with a namesake beach that stretches for 1.6 kilometres. The area is a magnet for swimmers and surfers who descend on its golden sands and rolling waves. At the southern end of the beach, you’ll find Putty Beach, with a protected rockpool that’s kid-friendly and a great spot for snorkeling. Putty Beach is also the start of a scenic eight-kilometre walk through the Bouddi National Park that connects to nearby Macmasters Beach. It’s a relatively easy walk, with boardwalks in some sections, and paths down to the beaches in others. The town itself is simple but functional with a well-stocked general store, as well as restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.

Located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Killcare enjoys a fairly temperate climate that welcomes visitors any time of the year. Summer is the most popular season to book your Killcare accommodation, especially over the school holidays, when families come to soak up Killcare’s beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere. At the peak of summer, the average temperature during the day is around 29 degrees Celsius.

Autumn and spring are also ideal times to visit, with slightly cooler weather, fewer visitors, and water that’s still warm enough to swim in. Autumn brings less rainfall, and is an ideal time to explore some of the nearby bush walks and trails. Winter is the quietest time of year in Killcare, and offers the benefit of an uncrowded surf beach and crisp, clear skies. Average day-time temperatures in winter hover around 18 degrees.

The beaches

Offering both a surf beach and the calm, protected waters of Putty Beach, Killcare is popular for surfing, swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. There’s also some spectacular snorkelling, thanks to the waterways being a protected marine habitat. If you’re keen to venture a little farther afield, you can also explore the nearby Hardys Bay, Pretty Beach, and Lobster Beach, which also offers great fishing.

Hardys Bay

One of the best ways to experience Killcare is on the water, and at nearby Hardys Bay, you’ll find a range of vessels for hire. You don’t need a license to hire any of these boats, and it’s also possible to hire kayaks and paddleboards.

Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk

One of the most beautiful walks on the Central Coast, the Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk stretches for just over eight kilometres, from Putty Beach to Macmasters Beach. There are picnic spots along the way, and lots of opportunities for whale and dolphin spotting. It’s a relatively flat and easy walk, though can also be broken into smaller sections for beginners or children.