5 Lands Walk

The 5 Lands Walk is a stunning 10 km walk on the Central Coast of Australia.

It happens every year, just after the winter solstice toward the end of June. Thousands of people take part.

The 5 Lands Walk traverses five beaches. It starts at Macmasters Beach and ends at Terrigal Beach.

It's not a race – you can start at any time and go at any pace.

Everybody walks. Young and old. Fit and unfit.

There are things to see and do at each beach. Enjoy Aboriginal music performances, barbecues, cafes & restaurants, sculptures and art exhibitions.

But you don't have to walk the whole way - if you get tired during the walk, hop on a shuttle bus. It will take you to the beaches ahead or back to the start. Shuttle buses circulate between 7.00 am - 5.00 pm.

The 5 Lands Walk also happens during the migration of whales. You can be nearly one hundred per cent sure to see whales. We saw three this year.

If you live in Sydney, come to the Central Coast for the day. Take the Palm Beach Ferry to Ettalong, then hop on a free shuttle bus. Or take the scenic train ride to Woy Woy Station, takes a bus to Ettalong wharf then get on the free shuttle bus.

Try to get there early and enjoy the sunrise.

The idea behind the 5 Lands Walk is to connect “people to people” and “people to land”. Hence the stunning location of the walk and the art and entertainment by Aboriginal, cultural and local communities.

Here it is from start to finish:

1. Macmasters Beach to Copacabana Beach

1.4 KM ON THE BEACH

There are things to see and do at Macmasters Beach before heading for the walk:

• Opening ceremony 
  
• Art exhibition
• Sand sculptures

Here you can “Take a pebble of possibility, hold it on your journey, and when it feels right cast it into the ocean as your gift of energy and intention”.

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Then start walking.

The first stretch on the beach is, of course, the easiest. Legs are rested, and minds are oblivious of the 10 km and hills ahead.

Adults walk, and children play.

There’s just something about walking alongside dozens of other people. I don’t know what it is, but it’s motivating.

There's also something to look forward to like music, art, whales, food and other fun things.

Here’s what we found at Copacabana Beach:

• Toilets
• Water refill station
• On-stage music performances
• Sausage / egg & bacon rolls
• Face painting
• Art exhibition

The music performance was superb. Kids were dancing.

Soon, adults were dancing, too.

The art exhibition from local high school students was excellent.

2. Copacabana Beach to Avoca Beach 

4.6 KM OVER A HEADLAND

The walk is up the road to the top of the headland.

At the top is Captain Cook Lookout. It’s whale watching time.

Then the walk goes down to Winnie Bay through a lovely bush path.

Then it's up again. It was the toughest hill for the kids. It was too for many others who seemed to be trying to catch their breath at the top.

Then it goes down and down to Avoca Beach.

There are lots to see and do at Avoca Beach. Here's what we found:

• Toilets
• Water refill station
• On-stage music performances
• Sausage / egg & bacon rolls
• Sculptures
• Art exhibition
• Restaurants and cafes

Many people decide to stop there – it's been a long walk from Macmasters Beach. You can hop on a shuttle bus.

The girls were exhausted. But they were ready to hit the road again after a giant milkshake.

3. Avoca Beach to North Avoca Beach

1.6 KM ON THE BEACH

This section is a pleasant flat stroll on the beach.

Kids like the middle section of the beach as there are lots of kites. They get to fly their kite.

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Here's what we found at North Avoca Beach:

• Toilets
• Water refill station
• DJ and loud music
• Art exhibition
• Giant kites, kites for kids

4. North Avoca Beach to Terrigal beach

2.7 KM OVER A HEADLAND

The walk goes up the headland and down to Terrigal Beach.

There's a killer of a hill to climb for those already tired. By this stage, the girls had almost reached their limits. But if you're pretty fit, the 5 Lands Walk is a nice long stroll.

From the top of the headland, the walk goes down through back laneways. The ocean views in the background are beautiful.

If you're still keen to walk around, there are more things to see and do at Terrigal Beach. Here's what we found:

• Toilets
• Water refill station
• On-stage music performances
• Jumping castle
• Eateries and restaurants

When you’re ready to go, take the shuttle bus back to Macmasters Beach.

5 Lands Walk Information

5 Lands Walk Map

Getting There

By Car

There's limited parking at Macmasters Beach. They suggest you park at Terrigal and take the shuttle bus to Macmasters Beach to start walking. You'll finish the walk at Terrigal, near your car.

Parking at Terrigal is free at the Haven and the Wilson Rd carpark. You can also park off-street at Copacabana Beach, Avoca Beach or North Avoca Beach.

By Ferry

Take the Palm Beach Ferry from Palm Beach.

There's a free shuttle bus at Ettalong Wharf. The shuttle bus will take you to the start at Macmasters Beach.

Then the shuttle buses from Terrigal take you back to Ettalong in time for the ferries to Palm Beach. The last bus is at 5.30 pm.

By Train

Take the scenic train on the Sydney to Newcastle line.

Alight at Woy Woy Station. Catch the Busways bus to Ettalong Ferry Wharf. Then catch the free shuttle bus to the start of the walk at Macmasters Beach.

See the current information on transport.

5 Lands Walk Beaches

Want to learn more about the beaches you'll meet at the 5 Lands Walk? Read about: 

• ‌Macmasters Beach
• Copacabana Beach
• ‌Avoca Beach
• ‌Terrigal Beach 

What Time Does the 5 Lands Walk Start?

You can start the walk at any time from 7 am onwards. 

How Long is the 5 Lands Walk? 

The 5 Lands Walk is 10 km long. It stretches along the coast from Macmasters Beach to Terrigal Beach. 

More Information

For more information, visit the 5 Lands Walk official website.