MacMasters is the Coast at its most unhurried
There is not much at MacMasters Beach, and that is exactly the point. One surf club, a cafe, a long stretch of golden sand and Bouddi National Park wrapped around the back of it all. No shopping strip, no pub, no queues. Locals have kept it quiet for years, and once you have spent a weekend here you will understand why.
The beach itself is a beauty. Flags fly at the southern end near the surf club through the warmer months, a natural rockpool sits in the rocks for the kids, and a right hander peels off the point when the swell lines up. Walk north along the sand and you reach Cockrone Lagoon and Copacabana in about twenty minutes.
Behind the village, Bouddi National Park does the heavy lifting. The coastal walk to Putty Beach is one of the best in New South Wales, Maitland Bay rewards the steep track down, and in winter the lookouts along The Scenic Road become front row seats for the whale migration.
Fill your days
Bouddi Coastal Walk
The famous one. It runs between MacMasters and Putty Beach through Bouddi National Park, with boardwalk sections hanging over the sea and plenty of spots to stop for a swim. Allow around four hours one way, or just do the first stretch to Little Beach.
Maitland Bay
A protected crescent of sand inside the marine reserve, reached by a steep two kilometre track from the information centre on The Scenic Road. At low tide you can still spot the remains of the SS Maitland, the paddle steamer wrecked here in 1898.
The rockpool
A natural ocean pool tucked into the rocks below the surf club. One end is shallow enough for little ones and the other is deep enough for a proper dip when the surf is up.
Whale watching
Drive up to Marie Byles Lookout on The Scenic Road or walk out to Gerrin Point in the national park. Humpbacks head north from late May and come back with calves through spring, often surprisingly close to shore.
Eat & drink
MacMasters keeps it simple on purpose. One good cafe at the surf club, and the Copa shops are five minutes over the hill when you need more.
Macs Beach Cafe
In the surf club with the best seat on the beach. Coffee and breakfast most mornings, dinner on Friday and Sunday evenings. Closed Tuesdays.
Burnt Honey Bakery
Five minutes away at Copacabana and worth the trip on its own. The croissants and sourdough have a following well beyond the Coast, so go early.
Lady Copa
Woodfired pizza and cold beer on the Copa shopping strip. An easy dinner when nobody feels like cooking.
Explore the area
Our Macs homes.
Browse all stays →When to come
Summer
Warm water, flags on the beach and the surf club cafe in full swing. School holidays book out well ahead, so get in early.
Book earlyAutumn
The sneaky pick. The ocean stays warm into April, the crowds head home after Easter and the walking weather is perfect.
Locals' pickWinter
Quiet, crisp and all yours. The whales stream past from late May and the lookouts above the village are among the best places on the Coast to watch them.
Whale seasonSpring
Wildflowers through Bouddi, whales heading south with their calves and the water slowly warming up again. Patrols return in late September.
About 90 minutes from Sydney
Take the M1 north, exit at Kariong, then follow Avoca Drive through Kincumber and The Scenic Road down to the village.
Gosford, then 25 minutes
Gosford is the nearest station, so catch the train and grab a taxi for the last stretch. There is no direct bus, and you will want a car while you are here.
Free and easy
The surf club car park and street parking on Marine Parade cover most days. Hot summer weekends fill up, so walk down if you can.
Kincumber, 10 minutes
There are no shops in MacMasters itself. The Copa strip covers bread, coffee and pizza nights, and the supermarket at Kincumber is about ten minutes away for a proper shop.