Things to do in the Central Coast

Charming coastal towns and hinterlands decorate the lush forms of NSW’s Central Coast, with abundant dining, adventure and culture for all.

A family playing in the water park at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort in Umina

A family play at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. Credit: Destination NSW

Built on a history of agriculture, tourism and maritime venture, New South Wales’ Central Coast offers travellers experiences as varied as the geography of the area itself.

Just over an hour north of Sydney’s centre, and featuring townships such as Gosford, Erina, Bateau Bay, and Umina Beach, the Central Coast makes a perfect destination for Sydneysiders seeking both longer stays and day trips.

A boom in popularity in the last few years has seen the area gain a slew of new dining, adventure and culture hotspots spread around its many inlets and mountains.

What to eat

Watch the tide roll away by the rock pool of MacMasters Beach at Macs Beach Café . Sip a juice, coffee or smoothie and have a bite to eat as you look north towards Copacabana. Evening trading hours on Fridays and Sundays mean you can unwind after a long day of exploring.

Combining a restaurant, bar and kiosk a stone’s throw from the shore of Ettalong Beach, The Box on the Water has something for everyone. Duck in for a quick fish and chips between swims or head into the restaurant for some finer dining and a cocktail.

It’s not all coast: move slightly inland and pull up a seat at Bar Botanica, nestled inside the lush gardens of the Botanica Distillery. Although producing an assortment of liqueurs, the distillery is known for its gin, so order a drink or even spin up your own with a cocktail -making class hosted by the distillery.

Couple enjoying a walk through The Fragrant Garden located within the grounds of Distillery Botanica, Erina

Couple enjoying a walk through The Fragrant Garden located within the grounds of Distillery Botanica, Erina. Image: Destination NSW

Where to play

Chasing a little action during your time on the Central Coast? Ourimbah Mountain Bike (MTB) Park houses more than 18km of National Cup-calibre cross-country and downhill trails. Community-funded and free to use by all, the park can be accessed seven days a week.

Avoca and Terrigal beaches are both famous for their surf. Offering point and beach breaks, and patrols on weekends and public holidays during summer, all levels of experience can feel comfortable paddling out from these spots.

For those wanting a slower pace, Magenta Shores Golf Course offers 18 holes on beautiful grounds between Tuggerah Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Voted among the top 30 golf courses in Australia, the course also has dining and accommodation options.

A spectacular sunrise at Avoca Beach. Credit: Destination NSW

A couple enjoys drinks at The BOX restaurant. Credit: Destination NSW

Terrigal Rock Pool on the Central Coast. Credit: Destination NSW

The 18-hole course at Pullman Magenta Shores. Credit: Destination NSW

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Where to learn

Not your typical gallery, the Gosford Regional Gallery sits on 26 hectares of beautiful public reserve along the Caroline Bay in East Gosford. Comprising an art gallery, education centre, and the Edogawa Commemorative Garden – considered to be one of the best Japanese Gardens in Australia – there truly is something for all members of the family.

Steeped in history, the Norah Head Lighthouse was constructed in the early 1900s to help guide ships travelling between Sydney and Newcastle. Now renovated, travellers can indulge in historic tours and even stay in the original lighthouse keeper's cottages.

Sun setting over Norah Head Lighthouse, Norah Head, Norah Head

Sun setting over Norah Head Lighthouse, Norah Head, Norah Head. Image: Destination NSW

Learn about the Darkinjung people, the Central Coast’s Traditional Custodians, with a Girra Girra Aboriginal Cultural Experience . Guided walking tours including stories, smoking ceremonies, singing and dancing are available, covering Girra Girra’s Erina homebase and its surrounds.

NRMA Rewards members receive 20 percent off all Fantasea whale watching cruises.

Where to stay

The NRMA’s own Ocean Beach Holiday Resort can be found beside Umina Beach. Minutes from the water and shops, with basic cabins to more luxurious ‘Glamtainer’ rooms, and even two newly opened water slides, the Ocean Beach Holiday Park’s got something for everyone.

From studios to penthouses, the Mantra Ettalong Beach gives visitors a wide array of options for their next coastal stay. Look out over the glistening waters of Brisbane Bay from a lounger beside the rooftop pool or stroll to the nearby bars and restaurants.

For those after a more modest seaside experience, Copacabana Shores offers access to the nearby beach, lagoon, and restaurants and bars.

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