With 80 kilometres of stunning coastline from Patonga to Budgewoi, it’s difficult to pick the best beach on the Central Coast. In fact, given so much choice, surely the best Central Coast beach is whichever sandy spot suits your mood today! Relaxation, exercise, adventure, family fun – take your pick. To help you decide, we have picked some of our favourite Central Coast beaches from south to north. Indulge all your senses with sun, sand and surf plus a special experience along the Central Coast Makers Trail.
Jewels of the South – Umina Beach & Ocean Beach
Situated in a protected bay on the southern coastline of the Central Coast, Ocean Beach and Umina Beach share 1.5 kilometres of pristine sand. They are perfect Central Coast beaches for families and learn-to-surfers. Throw down your towel and enjoy the view towards Barranjoey Head and Palm Beach, where Home and Away is filmed, or drive up to Mt Ettalong Lookout for spectacular views of Broken Bay. A large public playground close to Umina Beach car park, complete with flying fox and skatepark, provides extra entertainment. For fashion and homeware lovers, nearby West Street retail therapy awaits.
Continue your love affair with the ocean by discovering our local hidden gems that grow below the surface by visiting Broken Bay Pearl Farm at Mooney Mooney. Admire fine pearls at the Shellar Door or book a tour to discover rare Akoya pearl oyster leases.
If the fresh air has given you an appetite, don’t miss a visit to The Chocolate and Nougat Factory in Gosford. The rustic café is filled with savoury and sweet treats. Enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate, design your own bespoke chocolate bar with Create-a-Bar, or book a Factory Tour experience.
The Centre of Attention – Wamberal Beach & Terrigal Beach
Within easy reach of Central Coast locals, Sydneysiders and Novocastrians alike, the famous 4-kilometre stretch of beach from Terrigal to Wamberal doesn’t need any introduction. Rolling ocean waves, golden sand as far as the eye can see, a tidal ocean rock pool, dolphin and whale watching, diving, fishing… no wonder Terrigal and Wamberal capture attention as the best Central Coast beaches for tourists and locals alike! Further around the Skillion Headland, Avoca Beach is also popular.
Just a short drive from Wamberal and Terrigal is an oasis of calm at Firescreek Botanical Winery in Holgate. The winery produces 25 different wines at any one time, winning over 45 medals. Visit the Cellar Door, or book a Foraging and Mixology session and create your own Instagrammable garnished cocktails.
Northern Neighbours – Shelly Beach & Toowoon Bay
The Central Coast beaches of Shelly Beach and Toowoon Bay have something for every mood. If you want action, Shelly Beach is a popular surfing beach, and it is also home to one of the most scenic golf courses on the eastern seaboard. Meanwhile, Toowoon Bay is a protected haven, with rock pools to meander around at low tide, great snorkelling and the perfect place to catch up with your favourite author!
Also on the northern Central Coast is The Little Creek Cheese Factory in Wyong, the award winning, handmade gourmet cheese factory and outlet. Book a Private Tasting or a complete Cheese Experience, making your own ricotta and paneer to take home after your day at one of the best Central Coast beaches.
Playing it Safe
Mother Nature also likes to play on the best Central Coast beaches so please always enjoy your swimming between the flags. Explore stunning patrolled Central Coast beaches from end September to end April at:
- Avoca Beach
- Copacabana Beach
- Killcare Beach
- Lakes Beach, Budgewoi
- Macmasters Beach
- North Avoca
- Ocean Beach
- Shelly Beach
- Soldiers Beach
- Terrigal Beach
- The Entrance
- The Entrance North
- Toowoon Bay
- Umina Beach
- Wamberal Beach
As well as enjoying the Central Coast’s best beaches, don’t miss an opportunity to meet the best artisans and producers along the Makers Trail. Shake the sand off your towel, book an experience and immerse your senses in all that life has to offer!