With daylight saving finally here, the days are ripe for exploring! The NSW Central Coast has some of the best outdoor activities for young and old. Indulge your thirst for adventure and satisfy your hunger along our fabulous Central Coast Makers Trail.
Surfing action with a sweet finish
Without a doubt, skimming the waves is one of the best Central Coast outdoor activities. Bombora’s stand up paddle (SUP) boarding at Ettalong or Central Coast Surf School lessons at Umina are great options for beginners. Reward your hard work with a visit to the Chocolate Factory at West Gosford, known locally as the sweetest place on the Central Coast. All day brunch at the rustic café and a treasure trove of sweet and savoury sensations will satisfy the most demanding appetite.
A pearl of a waterway
If you prefer quieter waterways, possibly the best Central Coast outdoor activity is a self-guided tour of Mooney Mooney Creek or Woy Woy Bay with Kayak Central Coast. BBQ boat hire on Brisbane Water (Andersons Boatshed) or a houseboat on the serene Hawkesbury (Hawkesbury Afloat) will suit explorers who prefer to keep their feet dry. The Hawkesbury is home to Broken Bay Pearl Farm where you can visit the sublime Shellar Door and learn about the secrets of pearl farming. Book the Ultimate Experience, and enjoy a 4-hour private tour with a bespoke grazing platter on the Hawkesbury River plus your own pearl to take home.
Dive into botanical wine
The famous tourist attraction, ex HMAS Adelaide, simply must be included in the best Central Coast outdoor activities. After serving the Australian Navy for more than 20 years, the warship was scuttled off the NSW Central Coast in 2011 to create an artificial reef. Scuba divers can now enjoy a thrilling diving experience with Pro Dive Central Coast setting off from the boat ramp at Terrigal Haven.
When you’ve had your fill of fascinating marine life, make your way to Firescreek Botanical Winery in Holgate, which embraces permaculture and regenerative farming techniques. Pre-book an immersive wine making experience or visit the cellar door for tasting with no bookings required.
Golf, farms, adventure and award-winning cheese
Not all the best Central Coast outdoor activities involve water, although your golf ball may disagree if you go off course at Kooindah Waters or Wyong Golf Club. Water hazards await along with those luscious fairways.
For land lovers, visit Grace Springs at Kulnura to learn about sustainable farming, Amazement Farm at Wyong Creek to meet native and exotic animals, or hold a massive python at the Australian Reptile Park. If a python isn’t enough, get your adrenalin fix by swinging through the eucalyptus trees on the high ropes at Treetops Adventure Park in Wyong Creek.
Once the adrenalin has settled, head over to Little Creek Cheese at Wyong to salivate over gin cheddar, gold-medal haloumi and creamy goat fetta. Go behind the scenes to make your own ricotta and paneer and taste award-winning cheeses.
With so much on offer, it’s difficult to pick the best Central Coast outdoor activities. Whatever you choose, be sure to combine it with a Central Coast Makers Trail experience for a superb day out!