Since learning that Bouddi means ‘heart’ in the local indigenous language, I have been that little bit more endeared to this stunning national park on the Central Coast.
When I emerge at the entrance to Little Beach, my fate is sealed. I fall head over heels in love.
On this crisp and sunny day, it’s a pristine picture-perfect slice of our coast.
The emerald water of Little Beach
Visiting from Sydney one Sunday, Dad suggests the spontaneous little excursion. Along with one of his oldest friends and Mum, we park the car on Grahame Drive at Macmasters Beach and make the easy 10-minute walk through tall gum forest.
After a short descent, we emerge onto grass and Little Beach spreads out before us.
Towering bushland and sharp cliffs envelope the small golden cove that is aptly named – it is a tiny beach, no more than about 100 metres wide.
The aptly-named Little Beach
Flanked on either side by fields of boulders in shades of crimson, grey, purple and brown, it’s an alien landscape and exploring takes time and careful steps.
There is something so striking and intriguing about the rocks that call Bouddi home. Each one seems to have a story to tell.
Some are like intricate and bizarre natural sculptures; others have dainty shells sewn on as if for decoration.
Little Beach’s rocky landscape
But what is most captivating about Little Beach is the extraordinary colours.
The ocean is a dazzling liquid emerald; a carpet of healthy seagrass giving the water its vibrant blush. It’s the definition of natural beauty.
Around the fringes, rock pools are bursting with seagrass and seaweed that sways gently as the pools are perpetually flushed with waves of water.
Little Beach rock pool
When we return from our adventure around the northern point, some giggly, gossipy teenagers are lazing on the rocks and a couple of people have ventured into the water and are dolphin diving over the rolling waves.
Back on the beach, a young family is playing in the sand and I wonder if this could be the makings of a happy lifelong memory. It has the hallmarks of one of those rare, carefree days.
There is no doubt this little piece of Bouddi National Park has earned a place in my heart.
Coastal Chic Tip: To see the vibrant green waters of Little Beach, visit on a calm, sunny day. To wake up in paradise, there is camping at Little Beach from $14/adult.
