Kylies Hut

Attraction
A close up of the exterior of Kylies Hut before it was burnt down in the 2019 bushfires. Photo:
Gallery showing 1 of 1 images

Park alerts

Crowdy Bay National Park

3 current alerts · Checked 12 Oct 2026, 11:05 pm

  • Safety alerts

    Diamond Head Road - changed conditions and scheduled works

    8 September 2026 update:

    • Diamond Head Road, from the northern (Dunbogan) entry point to Kylies Beach campground, was graded in mid-July.
    • Diamond Head Road, to the south of Kylies Beach campground leading to Coralville Road, was graded in early-August.
    • Crowdy Bay Road, between Coralville and Crowdy Head Road, was graded in late-August.
    • The next round of grading is anticipated to occur in late November/early December.

    Diamond Head, Indian Head, and Kylies Beach campgrounds, and the Diamond Head walking tracks, are currently best accessed using Diamond Head Road from the northern park entry point via Laurieton/Dunbogan to minimise the length of driving on gravel roads.

    Crowdy Gap campground is best accessed using Crowdy Bay Road from the southern park entry point via Harrington to minimise the length of driving on gravel roads.

    For more information, contact the NPWS Port Macquarie office on (02) 6588 5555.

About

While enjoying a day trip or overnight stay in Crowdy Bay National Park, Kylies Hut is well worth a visit. Set in a shady glen surrounded by coastal forest, you'll pass paperbarks and sheoaks along Metcalfes walking track on your way to the hut.

Local farmer Ernie Metcalfe built the rustic hut for the novelist and journalist Kylie Tennant in the late 1960s. With a single room, verandah and stone fireplace, its appearance harked back to a time when Crowdy Bay was wild coastal heathland and swamp. It was during Kylie's time here that she wrote The Man on the Headland, a novel influenced by her years spent living in the natural beauty of Crowdy Bay.

Sadly, the original hut was destroyed in the 2019-20 bushfires that burned through much of the area. It was reconstructed in 2022 with the help of a local builder skilled in traditional woodwork techniques, to preserve this important piece of history.

After you've explored the hut and surrounds, there's plenty to see and do nearby. Picnic in the shade of the paperbarks or take a dip at Kylies Beach.

Crowdy Bay National Park · North Coast

Visit Kylies Hut along Metcalfes walking track in Crowdy Bay National Park, near Port Macquarie. The historic hut was used as a writer’s retreat by award-winning Australian novelist Kylie Tennant.

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Entry
Park entry fees apply

What to bring

  • Drinking water
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Suitable clothing

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

7 questions

Get in touch

Port Macquarie office

02 6588 5555npws.hastingsmacleay@environment.nsw.gov.au

22 Blackbutt Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm

Where you'll be

Kylies Hut trail

Crowdy Bay National Park NSW 2443