Is Macmasters Beach the best family beach on the Central Coast?

The Macmasters Beach Rock Pool, access to the Bouddi National Park and the beachside playground make Macmasters Beach great for families.

The Central Coast, to the north of Sydney in New South Wales, has seemingly hundreds of beach suburbs. Each has their own vibe and different set of people it appeals to. Australia Travel Questions has guides to Patonga Beach, Pearl Beach, Forresters Beach, Terrigal, Toowoon Bay and Wamberal Beach.

Macmasters Beach is by no means the best-known beach on the Central Coast. For walkers, it marks the end of the Bouddi Coastal Walk from Putty Beach. For nature lovers, the bushland and wildlife of the Bouddi National Park is massively appealing. The national park starts at the southern end of the beach.

Central Coast with children at Macmasters Beach

But the group Macmasters Beach really works for is families. If you’re visiting the Central Coast with children, this beach should be near the top of your list.

This is partly due to the beach itself. It’s not the safest swimming beach in the world – there are a few rips to look out for. But it is patrolled by lifeguards, and the swimming between the flags is pretty safe.

Get your Aussie beach kit on the cheap
Fix up great deals on swimwear, beach towels and snorkelling gear now.
And look for discounts on sunglasses, sun cream or a really good book.

Macmasters Beach Rock Pool

However, there is an alternative to the ocean. The Macmasters Beach Rock Pool is at the southern end of the beach. Carved into the rocks in the 1960s, this pool isn’t the biggest of the ocean baths in New South Wales. But it’s deep enough to swim at one end and shallow enough for a good paddle at the other.

Ocean pool at Macmasters Beach on the New South Wales Central Coast — The ocean pool at Macmasters Beach is one of the best options on the Central Coast with children. Photo courtesy of Central Coast Tourism.

Near the Macmasters Beach Rock Pool is the Barefoot Café – a great spot for a coffee and light meal. There’s a big outside area for al fresco drinking and dining, which means kids don’t feel caged at a restaurant table.

The deal is sealed by the playground in the grassy reserve behind the beach. It’s right next to the public toilets, so there’s no panic trying to hunt a loo when a toddler announces they’re suddenly desperate.