Bouddi National Park is a coastal national park located in the Central Coast region of New South Wales, in eastern Australia. The park covers an area of 1,532 hectares (3,790 acres) and is found 93 kilometers (58 miles) northeast of Sydney. Part of the park is near the Tasman Sea, which helps protect land, shore, and ocean areas. The park includes Fletchers Glen, one of the last grown temperate rainforests on the Central Coast.

History

The Bouddi National Park was first called the Bouddi Natural Park. Its name was chosen during a meeting of the park trust on July 5, 1936. Other names considered were Maitland Bay Park, Cape Three Points Reserve, and Gerrinbombi Park. The name Bouddi was selected because it is the official Aboriginal name for the most noticeable feature in the area and appeared on maps as early as 1828. The word Bouddi means "heart" in the indigenous language. The trust was created the year before to manage the reserve and included members from the NSW Federation of Bushwalking Clubs and Erina Shire Council.

In 1967, the park, which covered about 1,310 acres (530 hectares), was officially named a national park under new laws and became known as Bouddi State Park. Management of the park was then handled by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the trust was changed into an advisory committee. On January 1, 1974, the National Parks and Wildlife Act removed the category of state parks, and the park was renamed Bouddi National Park.

Geology and climate

The rocks found beneath the Bouddi peninsula are mainly Hawkesbury sandstone. Coastal areas have several examples of tessellated pavements and laterite plateaus. There are also important examples of the Terrigal Formation.

Biology

The Park includes three main types of plant life: heath, Eucalyptus forest, and grassy woodland.

The Park is home to a wide variety of animals. Many mammal species, such as small bats, greater gliders, and other marsupials, live in the Park. Reptiles found here include lace monitors, green tree snakes, and water dragons. More than 150 different bird species have been recorded in the area.

The marine area of the Park also has high biodiversity. Studies show that the marine part of the Park has 70% more fish than nearby areas and 60% more fish species. Large mammals such as humpback whales, southern right whales, bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins often visit the area. Leopard seals and fur seals are sometimes seen on coastal rock platforms.

Nearby National Parks

The following National Parks are located within 50 km of Bouddi National Park:

• Brisbane Water National Park
• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
• Lane Cove National Park