Being so close to Sydney and Newcastle, the Central Coast is the perfect place to while away the summer holidays. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or family fun, those long summer days are here to enjoy.
NSW’s only in-water dining experience
Did you know that the Central Coast starts at Broken Bay, just 45 minutes north of Sydney CBD? Start your Central Coast holiday at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, where you can visit the Hawkesbury River oyster leases and taste famous Broken Bay oysters. Treat yourself to the only in-water dining experience allowed in NSW with oysters and prawns served at your private in-water table!
Waterfalls, Aboriginal art and nature at its best
This place has it all! Girrakool picnic area in Somersby is the perfect place to enjoy lunch before taking a short loop track bushwalk, with scenic waterfalls, Aboriginal rock engraving, local birds and wildlife. Be sure to take your camera for snaps at Illoura and Andamira lookouts.
How many beaches?
With 41 Central Coast beaches between Patonga to Budgewoi, 15 of them patrolled, relax, cool off or catch a wave on one of our magnificent golden beaches. Plentiful rock pools make it easy to discover marine life, and enthusiasts will love Terrigal’s Marine Discovery Centre. With interactive exhibitions, activities, a café and playground, the centre is open every day except public holidays.
Fish feeding with a little art…
…or art with a little fish feeding depending on your audience. There’s something for everyone at Gosford Regional Gallery & Edogawa Commemorative Garden. Regular exhibitions and the Japanese gardens will delight culture vultures, while the café, shop and Koi fish feeding from the ornamental bridge will please young and old alike
Heavenly ginger
Give your tastebuds a holiday too with a visit to Adri’s Gingerbread in Lisarow. Each gingerbread is made by hand using carefully selected ingredients, sourced from local suppliers wherever possible. Continue your love affair with ginger at Six String Brewing in Erina with a sweet and tart ‘Hard Ginger Beer’. For something stronger, sip on a stout, IPA or a seasonal brew. Book a tour and tasting to discover unique beers brewed locally on the Central Coast.
Step back in time
One of the few remaining active lighthouses, Norah Head Lighthouse is a major drawcard for families and romantics alike. Built in 1903, step back in time as you explore the reserve, and imagine being a lighthouse keeper more than 100 years ago. You can even stay overnight at the Keepers Quarters! Picturesque walks nearby include the Lillypilly Loop and Red Gum Trail in Wyrrabalong National Park.
Find love and whisky passion in Wyong
Wyong’s annual summer Love Lanes Festival takes place on 10th February 2024 with live entertainment, tempting food, laneway art and a kids’ zone. But you don’t have to wait for
February to enjoy ‘passion, savoir faire and excellence’ at Amber Lane Distillery, Yarramalong Valley, just outside Wyong. Book a Saturday Open Day tour to discover why these award-winning whiskies are becoming recognised as some of the finest in the world.
Retail therapy
If Mother Nature lets you down, indulge in some retail therapy or movie magic at Erina Fair or Westfield Tuggerah. Nearby activities for kids include Erina Ice Arena and Slam Factory Tuggerah indoor skate and scooter park.
Central Coast Makers Trail
The Central Coast Makers Trail is the perfect adventure on your summer holidays. Meet skilled artisans and providores as you explore the best of the Central Coast. Gather picnic goodies, enjoy gourmet tastings, voyages of discovery and hands-on epicurean delight. Discover a trail that suits your summer.