Weekender buyers eye Bouddi Peninsula north of Sydney, where national park is the star

You can travel to the Central Coast’s Bouddi Peninsula by car, train or ferry but perhaps the very best way to get there is aboard a sea plane from Rose Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

You’ll fly north over the harbour and above the northern beaches to Hardys Bay, which alongside Killcare, McMasters Beach, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe, make up the villages on the peninsula, all wrapped in the green embrace of the national park.

It was love at first sight for Brian and Karina Barry, who have lived on the peninsula since 2007.

“We were in business with [adman] John Singleton at Blue Tongue Brewery in Newcastle when he bought Bell’s at Killcare,” says Karina.

“He needed someone to run it and we came to have a look and give him some advice. We just fell in love with the area, so we asked for the lease and turned Bell’s into a boutique destination hotel.”

National treasure

Last year Singleton sold the property to the Barrys, who live on four hectares across the road where they grow produce for the restaurant, headed by executive chef Dean Jones.

And while Bell’s has become an iconic destination in the area, attracting both domestic and international visitors, Karina says it’s Bouddi National Park that is the area’s true star.

“The national park is definitely the number one attraction. We have always seen it as a world-class destination.

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“We’ve got the topography of the Blue Mountains with the sandstone escarpment, there’s lots of indigenous art on the rock ledges, and you’re surrounded by beaches.”

The eight-kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk is the perfect way to soak up the scenery and work up an appetite. Yum Yum Dining at Hardys Bay and the Fat Goose cafe and Hardy’s Bistro, both in Killcare, should all be on your must-visit list.

Linger for a while at boutique store Moochinside, selling clothes and local art, or head to the Bouddi Art Gallery where the Aboriginal Art hails from artists in remote Australian locations.

Weekenders wanted

Cathy Baker of Belle Property Killcare says the peninsula remains a firm Central Coast favourite with locals and ex-pats alike.

“We get lots of inquiries from farmers coming from country NSW looking for weekenders,” she says.

“Then there are buyers from Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Mosman, and from Hong Kong and Singapore who are buying holiday retreats for the Christmas holidays and taking advantage of lucrative holiday rental returns in the area.” 

9 Bulkara Street, Wagstaffe has private access to a secluded beach.
Photo: Supplied

Built on land that was once part of the Radford family’s sprawling San Toy Estate, this Kevin Snell-designed home in Wagstaffe claims 1958 square metres of deep waterfront reserve, facing due north.

“The expanse of space is quite unusual for a waterfront property in this location,” says Baker. “I love the privacy and the aspect, and the way the house really capitalises on the views.”

There is a selection of living spaces, a mosaic-tiled pool and spa and private access to a secluded beach.

Expect to pay between $3.6 million and $3.9 million for this five-bedder.

See more of 9 Bulkara Street here or download the Domain app to search for other properties for sale on the Central Coast