Things to Do in Central Coast, NSW

The Central Coast is the perfect place for informed international visitors to live like a local. Here are some of the things the locals do… which you can too!

SCENIC SPOTS

Somersby Falls, Central Coast

• Hardy's Bay – Meet friends and enjoy a catch-up while sitting under the shade of the iconic Yum Yum trees.
• Crackneck Point  - Share rug space with friends or family nibbling on cheese and crackers while watching the last of the sunlight slowly disappear from another beautiful day or catch the sight of a whale during the migration seasons.
  Location: Wyrrabalong National Park, Bateau Bay
• Norah Head Lighthouse - Witness the spectacular sunrise of a new day dawning on the grounds of the lighthouse.
  Location: Bush Street, Norah Head
• Patonga Public Wharf - Sit on the wharf and absorb the serenity before the ruckus sets in of the kid’s first catch of the day.
  Location: Patonga
• The Skillion - Enjoy the short walk to the top of the local landmark to take in the 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Kids of all ages love the exhilaration of rolling down the grassy slope afterwards!
  Location: Terrigal Haven
• Somersby Falls - Listen to the tranquil sounds of water tumbling over the rock formation while setting up a camera to capture this natural beauty.
  Location: Brisbane Water National Park, Somersby

NATURE WALKS 

• Lands Coastal Walkway - Get out and enjoy the fresh coastal air on this spectacular 9km coastline hugging trail.  
  Start: MacMasters Beach; End: Terrigal (or vv)
• Bouddi Coastal Walk - The alluring beauty of the glistening coastline draws walkers along the track time and time again.
  Length: Approx 8 km one-way; Start: Putty Beach; End: Little Beach (or vv)
  Location:  Bouddi National Park
• Kincumba Mt Reserve - Stop for a breath and to take in the elevated valley and ocean views while traversing the meandering network of walking trails.
  Length: Various; Location: Kincumber
• Patonga to Pearl Beach - Experience a piece of history as you walk a small section of the Great North Walk through the Brisbane Waters National Park with wildflowers ablaze in springtime.
  Length: Approx 4.5 km; Start: Patonga; End: Pearl Beach (or vv)
• Pearl Beach Rock Pool & rock walk - Take a refreshing dip in the rock pool followed by an ambling walk along the rocks in search of shells and sea creatures.
  Length: Short; Location: Pearl Beach

CYCLEWAYS/SHARED PATHWAYS

• Tour de Brisbane Water - Gosford to Woy Woy - The family-friendly, practically level pathway, is worth the energy for a walk or ride.
  Start: Waterfront, Gosford; End: Fishermen’s Wharf Woy Woy
• Kincumber to Davistown - Enjoy a re-energizing walk or ride around the Kincumber to Davistown shared pathway after uncovering local historical facts at Illoura Reserve. 
  Length: Approx. 5 km; Start: Illoura Reserve, Kincumber; End: Davistown
• Ourimbah State Forest - Enjoy the thrills and spills hitting the off-road trails through the forest on a mountain bike.
  Location: Yarramalong Valley
• Tuggerah Lake - Chittaway Point to The Entrance - Enjoy a brisk early morning leisurely ride around the lake in the crisp morning air.
  Start: Chittaway Point; End: The Entrance 

MARKETS

• Avoca Beachside Markets - Soak up the sunshine, creative vibes, friendly smiles and tasty treats found at the colourful markets on a lazy Sunday.
  When: 4th Sunday of the month; Location: Avoca Beach
• Ettalong Beach Markets - Enjoy the thrill of finding a bargain or two in the coast’s largest undercover markets.
  When: Every weekend; Location: Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach
• Wyong City Farmers Market - Gather from the markets fresh, local seasonal produce to take home to make my next ‘MasterChef’ quality dish.
  When: 1st & 3rd Saturday of the Month; Location: Wyong Racecourse 

CULTURE 

• 5 Lands Art Trail - Engage local artists in a chinwag at their studio to discover their inspiration.
  When: Set weekends throughout the year; Location: Various
• Avoca Beach Picture Theatre - Love the retro ambience and variety of films showcased at our very own historic movie theatre.
  Location: Avoca Beach
• Cinema Paradiso - Discover the architecture and sculptures reminiscent of Italy before taking a seat in the cinema for the next screening.
  Location: Ettalong Beach
• Gosford Regional Art Gallery & Edogawa Commemorative Gardens - Feeding the fish in the Japanese garden followed by soaking up the artwork of the latest exhibition but always making time to eat some cake!
  Location: East Gosford
• Ken Duncan Gallery & Sanctuary Café - Take refuge from daily life to admire inspirational photography of the Central Coast and beyond.
  Location: Erina Heights
• Laycock Street Theatre - Sit in the intimate theatre waiting in anticipation for the curtain to rise on the next enthralling performance - local amateur or touring professional - you just can’t go wrong. 
  Location: North Gosford 

ATTRACTIONS 

• Amazement, Yarramalong - Listen to the melodious laughter of children as they make their way around the maze.
  Location: Yarramalong Valley
• Australian Reptile Park - Watch the kids’ faces light up as they walk alongside the giant Galapagos tortoise, Hugo, during his daily walk.
  Location: Somersby
• Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park - Stumble on the ancient aboriginal sandstone carvings as you explore the grounds of the wildlife park.
  Location: Calga
• Mt Penang Gardens - Admire the seasonal beauty of Australia’s native flora during a meandering wander through the gardens.
  Location: Mt Penang Parklands, Kariong
• Pelican Feeding, The Entrance - Watch the natural comical frenzy of the daily pelican feeding at The Entrance.
  When: Daily, 3.30 pm; Location: Memorial Park, The Entrance

ACTIVITIES

• Aqua Fun - Splash about on a paddle boat as you navigate your way around the lake.
  Location: Avoca Beach
• Central Coast Stadium - Watch and admire world-class talent take the field at Australia’s most picturesque stadium.
  Location: Gosford
• Central Coast Ferries - Trade the car in to explore the scenic waterways on the local ferry service.
  Location: Woy Woy Wharf
• Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures - Canter on a horse through the gorgeous valley with sounds of thundering hooves, the rush of wind passing your ears and bellbirds chiming in the distance.
  Location: Peats Ridge
• Norah Head Lighthouse - Uncovering the nautical history of the NSW’s last manned lighthouse while admiring the tower's top ocean views.
  Location: Bush Road, Norah Head
• Palm Beach to Ettalong Ferry Ride - Enjoy the ferry ride on one of the most scenic waterways in the world.
  Location: Ettalong Beach
• Rhythm Hut - Allow the rhythm to consume your body as you tap along to the culturally diverse beats.
  Location: Gosford
• Treetops - Enjoy the thrill of launching off a platform to fly through the air on one of the flying fox experiences.
  Location: Ourimbah State Forest, Wyong Creek 

DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT

From coffee and cake to fish and chips, fresh produce to fine dining, the Central Coast’s delicious range of dining experiences will keep you coming back for more.

Locals are spoilt for choice with an extensive range of waterside restaurants serving up fresh seafood, local and international flavours, many with views to dine for. Local clubs boast a wide range of dining options from bistros and buffets to signature restaurants. A number of venues provide a lineup of live entertainment, featuring local, national and international artists.

Local clubs are a great place to meet the locals. Goway’s representatives will show you how to join for free or for a very nominal fee.

INDULGENCE 

• Bamboo Buddha - Devour the aptly name vegetarian Buddha Burger in the tranquil garden setting.
  Location: Holgate
• Bells at Killcare Restaurant (Manfredi at Bells) - Indulging in the signature dish at the coast’s hatted restaurant – locally raised roasted duck breast with aged balsamic vinegar.
  Location: Killcare
• Fisherman's Wharf – Savour a long lazy lunch with a great view, great seafood and a great selection of boutique beers!
  Location: Woy Woy
• Gnostic Organics - Enjoy a visit and pick up fresh organic products coupled with a chat with the friendly, helpful staff. 
  Location: Woy Woy
• Kincumber Hotel - Anyone up for a good pub burger?  Drop on a Sunday afternoon and you will also enjoy some live music.
  Location: Kincumber
• Little Creek Cheese Factory - Scoff a cheese platter on the banks of the river hoping to catch a glimpse of a platypus.
  Location: Wyong
• Point Café - Just try to resist the aromas flowing out of the cafe as you pass by, if that doesn’t get you in, the ocean views from the tables surely will.
  Location: Avoca Beach 

SPORTS

• Golf - Players of all abilities will enjoy a golfing experience at one or more of the distinctive and challenging courses found throughout the region. Courses are easily accessible either by taxi (pooling), public transit, rental car or walking. Buggy, golf clubs, club storage, motorized cart hire are available at most courses at a reasonable cost, (particularly when compared to North America).
  For general information on golfing in Australia please click here.
• Diving and snorkeling - Novice or experienced snorkelers and scuba divers will enjoy the buzz from close encounters with the abundance of local marine life. The dive spots of the Central Coast offer a range of offshore rock reefs, drop-offs, swim-throughs, wrecks and caves. Jump in and share the waters with schools of fish, big blue gropers, weedy sea dragons and giant stingrays.
• Fishing - All the top angling species can be taken from the lakes and along the surfing beaches. Night prawning rivals fishing as a favorite holiday activity. Big hauls are taken from the rich sandflats in the estuary and drag netting at Long Jetty and Canton Beach has landed legendary catches.