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20 incredible Central Coast beaches to visit this summer

Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
The Central Coast is renowned for its beaches but if you really want to know the best of the best, you ask a local. Here, Megan Arkinstall lets us in on her top 20.

Home to more than 40 beaches that occupy an 80-kilometre coastline, the Central Coast of New South Wales is the perfect summer holiday destination or mid-winter seaside getaway. But with so many strips of sand to choose from, where do you start?

Here, a guide to the best beaches on the Central Coast to suit sun seekers of all kinds – from water babies to surfing pros to people who just enjoy long walks along the sand.

Note: patrol season is from late September to late April

1. Avoca Beach

an aerial view of Avoca Beach on the Central Coast
Kick off your beach trip with a refreshing Avoca dip. (Image: Destination NSW)

Patrolled

The hometown of many surfing greats, including Wade Carmichael and Adrian Buchan, it’s no surprise that Avoca Beach is popular for those chasing waves (even small kids on bodyboards and foam boards will love it).

But this two-kilometre stretch of golden sand appeals to all beach lovers, with a shallow rock pool and lagoon for kids to play about in, beach wheelchairs available and a rocky platform for fishermen. There is some great beachside dining including bar and restaurant Avoca Beach House, and Point Cafe located under the surf club, which is perfect for beach snacks and coffee.

You could easily spend an entire day here, but during the summer months, you’ll need to arrive early to nab a patch of sand as it can get really busy.

2. Toowoon Bay

Toowoon Bay, Central Coast from above
Toowoon Bay is a perfectly sheltered family beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Patrolled

A favourite with families, this 700-metre-long curved beach boasts calm turquoise water and white sand, perfect for little ones to splash about in the pristine shallows. The bay is sheltered by reefs, which means it’s also a great spot for snorkelling, as well as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, while novice surfers enjoy the soft rolling waves. Toowoon Bay has wheelchairs and beach matting, which makes it easier for anyone with limited mobility to walk or ride their wheelchair or rollator on the beach.

Village Kiosk is a great cafe serving brekkie and lunch at the surf club, with complimentary beachfront views. The carpark is at the bottom of a hill and is small, so don’t be surprised if you have to park up the top or even a couple of blocks away when it’s peak summer season. The playground and grassy reserve at the top is also a great spot to enjoy picnics, barbecues and celebrations.

3. Soldiers Beach

Patrolled

Just south of historic Norah Head Lighthouse  , Soldiers Beach is loved for its pristine white sand, clear water and reliable waves, which draw in the board riders year-round. There’s also a calmer swimming area for families and less confident swimmers. Beach wheelchairs are also available here for anyone with a disability.

The surf club is home to Dunes  , a restaurant with a tapas-style menu and incredible views, and there’s a kiosk at the top car park that offers burgers, milkshakes and the like.

4. Wamberal Beach

Wamberal Beach with views across to Terrigal
Waves crashing at Wamberal Beach. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

Patrolled

Around the bend from buzzy (and often busy) seaside town Terrigal, you’ll find a golden-sand beach that’s much less crowded. It has an off-leash area for dogs and is a local favourite for surfing. Beach wheelchairs are available at this beach. The surf club has a cafe but we reckon you should walk less than a hundred metres down the road to Lagune, which serves up some epic coffee and focaccia sandwiches. Between Terrigal and Wamberal is Terrigal Lagoon, which is a popular spot for playing, paddleboarding and paddle boats.

5. Pelican Beach

Unpatrolled

Surrounded by Wyrrabalong National Park, Pelican Beach – or ‘Pelos’ as locals call it – is accessed via an unassuming road (Pelican Beach Road) off Wilfred Barrett Drive. This is true surfing nirvana for experienced board riders and, due to its relative isolation, is usually uncrowded and feels a million miles away. It’s a beauty, with an untouched white-sand coastline and crystal-clear water.

6. Umina Beach

a couple sitting in front of a campervan at NRMA Ocean Beach Resort, Umina Beach
Set up camp at the NRMA Ocean Beach Resort for easy access to the beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Patrolled

The town of Umina is home to two patrolled beaches, Umina Beach and Ocean Beach, which occupy a 2.8-kilometre stretch of golden sand in Broken Bay. Both beaches are relatively calm for swimming and usually offer small waves, perfect for kids and novices learning to surf. Both beaches have their own surf clubs (Ocean Beach was the first surf club on the Central Coast) and kiosks. Beach wheelchairs and matting are also available. There’s a great walking path that runs from Ocean Beach to Ettalong Beach, perfect for strolls or taking the kids with their bikes and scooters.

Umina Beach is also home to the fantastic and family-friendly NRMA Ocean Beach Resort.  It features an incredible kids’ playground and cafe, both within walking distance from the sand. Umina Skate Park is within a thong-throw of the beach and recently underwent an $8 million-dollar upgrade.

7. Frazer Beach

Frazer Beach on the Central Coast
Frazer Beach is fairly unknown, so you may have this patch of paradise to yourself. (Image: John Spencer/DCCEEW)

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Unpatrolled

Located in Munmorah State Conservation Area, on some days, you may have secluded Frazer Beach to yourself. At 400 metres, this little patch of paradise packs a punch with striking turquoise water and white sand. Pack food and water – you’ll want to linger here. It serves up reliable surf, a calm lagoon and nearby bushwalking tracks for all-day adventures. There are picnic tables that overlook the beach, a campground and toilets, but no other facilities.

8. Shelly Beach

surfers at Shelly Beach, Central Coast
Shelly Beach is a surf haven. (Image: Destination NSW)

Patrolled

Stretching an impressive 1.5 kilometres, Shelly Beach is a great all-rounder beach. It attracts surfers of all abilities for its consistent beach break, a dog exercise section, small sand dunes for tumbling down and a great grass area up the top for picnics.

The surf club also has a restaurant upstairs and a cafe downstairs  , which is a popular spot for coffee or a sun-drenched brekkie post-swim. Shelly Beach Golf Club   is one of the most spectacular golf courses on the coast for its ocean views, too.

9. Killcare Beach

sun rising over Killcare Beach, Central Coast
Killcare Beach is one of the Central Coast’s best places to witness a sunrise. (Image: Destination NSW)

Patrolled

This secluded seaside enclave is known by holidaymakers for two luxe guesthouses: Bells at Killcare and Pretty Beach House. Both charming and indulgent options for a weekender from Sydney. Down by the water, things are just as appealing: sweeping views towards Sydney’s Northern Beaches, uncrowded golden sand, a rockpool at the western corner for the kids to splash about in, and decent waves for surfers of all abilities – what’s not to love? There’s also a wheelchair available for hire so people with disabilities can fully enjoy the beach.

10. Macmasters Beach

an ocean pool at Macmasters Beach, Central Coast
Soak up the sun in the ocean pool. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

Patrolled

Immediately south of Copacabana Beach, which is a magnet for surfers, Macmasters Beach is more of an all-rounder for beachgoers of all kinds. It has calmer conditions for young swimmers and those learning to surf, an ocean pool built in the 1960s, a great picnic spot with barbecues, an off-leash dog section and a fabulous kids’ playground nearby. Beach wheelchairs are available here.

11. North Avoca Beach

scenic views overlooking North Avoca Beach, Central Coast
Head towards the northern end of Avoca Beach for kid-friendly rock pools. (Image: Destination NSW)

Patrolled

The northern stretch of Avoca Beach is a favourite of many locals, particularly for the rock pools that kids love to hop about on. Surfers of all abilities come here for the waves and it’s a dog-friendly beach too. It’s usually less crowded than its southern counterpart but come summertime locals and visitors alike will pitch their cabanas on the sand and settle in for the day. Parking can be a bit tricky.

12. Ettalong Beach

a couple walking along Ettalong Beach at sunset
Go for a stroll along Ettalong Beach at sunset. (Image: Destination NSW)

Unpatrolled

The quaint seaside town of Ettalong has a shallow and calm beach that is ideal for families, with views across Broken Bay and towards Box Head. Stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, boating and jet skiing are popular in the waterways around here.

There’s also a beautiful three-kilometre pathway that traces the foreshore from Ettalong to Umina, past The BOX on the Water, which is a great spot for a coffee or sundowners. There’s also an excellent beachside playground that the kids love.

13. Terrigal Beach

dolphins catching a wave at Terrigal Beach on the Central Coast
See dolphins catching a wave at Terrigal Beach. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

Patrolled

Perhaps the Central Coast’s most popular holiday spot, Terrigal is a buzzy seaside town with a host of restaurants, bars and accommodation. The beach itself usually has calm and gentle waves, so it’s popular with families. During summer it is filled with umbrellas and cabanas and parking can be a headache.

Terrigal is a scenic spot to take a beachside walk, its pathway running along the beach and around a cliff-hugging wooden boardwalk to Terrigal Haven. Here, kids will love fossicking in the rock pools and climbing up – and often rolling down – Terrigal Skillion, a steep headland that offers incredible views from the top. The Haven is also home to Terrigal Pavilion, a cool bar and restaurant that is perched on the water and perfect for an afternoon cocktail.

14. Pearl Beach

Pearl Beach from above
Pearl Beach is an under-the-radar gem. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

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Unpatrolled

Sharing a peninsula with the sleepy beachside enclave of Patonga, Pearl Beach is the Central Coast’s southernmost beach and given its remote-ish location, it is much quieter than other beaches. Facing Broken Bay, the calm southern end is great for families. It’s also known for its 25-metre rockpool that was built into the cliffside during the 1920s.

There is a beautiful three-kilometre walking track that leads from Pearl Beach to Patonga Beach, through red gums and eucalyptus and includes a lookout. Before returning, you could stop at Boathouse Patonga for lunch and a drink, which is located across from the town’s tranquil bay.

15. Birdie Beach

the Birdie Beach on the Central Coast
Birdie Beach is the only nudist beach on the Central Coast. (Image: Destination NSW)

Unpatrolled

This four-kilometre stretch of white sand lapped by cerulean waters is much loved by naturalists for its clothing-optional liberties. The Central Coast’s only nudist beach, Birdie is hidden within Munmorah State Conservation Area just north of the town of Budgewoi.

Hugged by craggy cliffs, it’s not only for perfecting an all-over tan, but also a haven for surfing and snorkelling. If you prefer to stay in your cozzies, make sure you keep an eye out for the sign that indicates the ‘unclad bathing’ section and head to the southern end instead.

16. Putty Beach

Putty Beach in Killcare, Central Coast
Take in the beautiful scenery at Putty Beach. (Image: Nikki To)

Unpatrolled

Tucked away within Bouddi National Park, near the town of Killcare, Putty Beach is a quiet beach surrounded by bushland. It is excellent for beachcombing and exploring its rocky platforms. There’s a camping ground here too, with barbecues and toilets. Putty Beach is the start of the breathtaking Bouddi Coastal Walk that traces the coastline for eight kilometres to MacMasters Beach.

17. Lakes Beach

Patrolled

In the northern town of Budgewoi, Lakes Beach is a wide sandy stretch that has a mix of breaks for surfing and a calmer section for relaxed swimming. There’s a surf club with a kiosk and The Anchor, a restaurant and cafe that has incredible 180-degree views of the beach.

Lakes Beach is a quieter spot with beach wheelchairs available. Just 500 metres north of the surf club, you can run your dog off-leash.

18. The Entrance Beach

an aerial view of The Entrance Beach, Central Coast
The Entrance Beach is renowned for its vast swathes of sand. (Image: Destination NSW)

Patrolled

People have been coming to this beautiful beach to swim, enjoy beachcombing and fishing for more than a century. The Entrance Surf Club was founded in 1922 and the heritage-listed Grant McBride Ocean Baths, which comprises a 50-metre pool and a childrens’ pool, were constructed in 1938. There are beach wheelchairs here so everyone can enjoy the beach no matter their mobility.

The Coast to Lake walk is a 7.6-kilometre mostly flat pathway that traces the coastline around The Entrance, stretching from the beach to Tuggerah Lake. The Entrance is surrounded by water and from the town you can hire a peddle-boat, kayak or paddleboard from The Entrance Boat Shed, throw a line in at the channel or join one of the free pelican talks that take place at 3:30pm every weekend.

19. Cabbage Tree Harbour

sun setting over Norah Head Lighthouse from above
Take the wooden staircase to Cabbage Tree Harbour near Norah Head Lighthouse. (Image: Destination NSW)

Unpatrolled

Park near Norah Head Beach Haus – a great spot for a pre- or post-beach coffee – and take the track across the road that leads through bushland, past the historic 1903-built Norah Head Lighthouse, and down a wooden staircase to Cabbage Tree Harbour.

This quiet spot comprises a sheltered bay that’s usually ideal for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkelling. There is also a rock pool that is great for kids to splash about in, too.

20. Bateau Bay Beach

Bateau Bay Beach from above
Nature meets incredible ocean views.

Unpatrolled

This is a great place to start the Coast Walking Track in Wyrrabalong National Park, which is a six-kilometre walk that weaves through a forest between Bateau Bay and Forresters Beach. It traces clifftops with incredible ocean views and bush that is dotted with wildflowers in springtime. About mid-way, Crackneck Lookout is a lovely spot for a picnic and to watch the hang gliders and paragliders who take off from here.

Bateau Bay Beach is a curved beach with rockpools and usually gentle waves for swimming. It’s also a popular spot for fishing. Across the road, Bateau Bay Cafe is an excellent spot for a coffee or brunch post-dip.

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Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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Your guide to a summer staycation in Sydney

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

    Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

    Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

    Where to stay

    The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

    the Fullerton Hotel Sydney
    Sleep inside a 151-year-old icon.

    Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

    Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

    the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom
    Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

    Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

    The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

    Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

    Where to drink & dine

    1. The Bar

    the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar
    Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

    Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

    Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

    The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of  Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

    On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

    Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

    2. The Place

    the Fullerton Hotel the place dining
    Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

    On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

    3. Local gelato

    Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks
    Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

    What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

    What to do/see

    1. GPO Heritage Tour

    the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby
    Be awed by the building’s history.

    Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

    From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

    2. Circular Quay

    aerial of circular quay sydney
    Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

    An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

    3. Royal Botanic Gardens

    view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden
    Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

    It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

    4. Theatre Royal

    a show at Theatre Royal
    Take in a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Daniel Boud)

    Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

    Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.