Your ultimate Central Coast guide to uncovering local secrets

With enviable eco credentials, the Central Coast is the place to experience amazing nature and culture guilt-free.

Rolling waves on pristine, uncrowded beaches, lush hinterland covered with rainforest and striking native bushland: you can find it all in this Central Coast guide. From delectable dishes to a diverse list of things to do and unforgettable accommodations, here’s our guide to a perfect stay on the Central Coast.

The Savoy decor — Find funky eateries and stunning nature on the Central Coast. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay on the Central Coast

Happily, accommodation options here allow guests to retreat into nature, whether that be coastal, bushland or rainforest.

Be surrounded by bushland and mountain views in luxury lodges or glamping tents at Noonaweena . Or take in the peaceful view of Glenworth Valley Eco Cabins from an outdoor woodfired hot tub.

Enjoy peace and quiet at Glenworth Valley Eco Cabins.

Embrace your inner rancher with a stay at Cedar Tree Farm . Minimalist and stylish, enjoy modern amenities in a serene farmhouse that houses up to eight people, and wake up to no one but the cows.

Cedar Tree Farm central coast accommodation — Embrace your inner rancher with a stay at Cedar Tree Farm.

Or try Lost Ranches set on over 20 hectares of historic farmland in the idyllic Yarramalong Valley. Choose from an American-style prairie barn, a cosy country cottage or a private campsite right out under the starry night sky.

For those looking to stay closer to the action (and in supreme luxury) Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel just expanded its offering of 25 private Hampton’s-inspired suites and cottages to include four luxury lodges. Each one is located in its own eco-wilderness sanctuary with a private pool, to boot. The spa and restaurant onsite mean you never have to leave.

Where to eat on the Central Coast

From a local distillery to foraging workshops to fine dining – the Central Coast is spoiled for restaurant choice. Terrigal has developed into the perfect hub for food enthusiasts, with a range of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs all within walking distance – and right on the beach. Fine dining establishment, Meribella Restaurant and Bar , offers sleek décor and a sophisticated take on classic dishes. Swells boasts the best views of the beach along with a modern Australian menu, while the very trendy Arc is perfect for keeping things fresh with an ever-changing menu.

Sydney Oyster Farm Tours — Shuck your very own oysters with Sydney Oyster Farm. (Image: Destination NSW)

Breakfast at The Quarters in Forresters Beach is a local favourite. Later, gaze out over Brisbane Waters while dining on some of the best seafood the Central Coast has to offer at Kefi in Koolewong, or get straight to the source and join Sydney Oyster Tours to shuck your very own oysters on a private table right in the ocean they were plucked from.

Wash it all down with a visit to the Distillery Botanica (the gin selection and raspberry liqueur are perfect for make-at-home-cocktails), or join a tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery for unique fruit and botanical vegan wines. Be sure to time your trip with one of their incredible workshops, from chocolate and wine tasting to foraging and mixology.

Firescreek Winery Foraging and Mixology workshop — Book a foraging and mixology workshop at Firescreek.

Exploring Central Coast’s nature

With natural beauty like the Central Coast, it’s no wonder the region has so many things to do with such a focus on sustainability. It’s impossible to visit all of the best beaches in one long weekend.

Perhaps the best place to start is the gentle eight-kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach. Pass through rainforest, gaze out on sparkling coastal views and stop for a refreshing dip at secluded beaches along the way.

aerial shot of the central coast — Find natural beauty on the Central Coast. (Image: Isaac Tseng)

Between May and November, there’s a good chance you’ll spot migrating humpback whales along the way. To get a better look at them, join Terrigal Ocean Tours and venture out with a marine expert. The company contributes to organisations focused on marine research, education and conservation, so you can feel good about your thrilling adventure.

whale spotting on the central coast with Eco Destination Adventures — Spot whales between May and November. (Image: Remy Brand)

For a different type of water-based exploration, visit Broken Bay Pearl Farm to discover the pearl process from oyster to necklace on a tour of its shellar door (with a grazing plate included).

To learn more about the local marine life, head to Eco Certified Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre . Perfect for families, view local fish and coral in a display of the sunken HMAS Adelaide, get hands-on at the touch pool and wander exhibits on creatures below and around the sea.

Local cultural experiences

Join 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the lore, language and land of the area’s Traditional Owners through traditional ceremonies, storytelling, viewing original engravings and rock carvings and more.

Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences at Bouddi National Park — Join Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences.

If you’ve ever thought you could live off the land, test your theory with Jake Cassar Bush Craft tours . Learn to identify edible and medicinal plants and bush survival skills.

Or get arty at a range of galleries, from the picturesque Japanese garden, exhibition and workshops at Gosford Regional Gallery to a range of works by Indigenous artists at Bouddi Gallery , to the gallery of respected Australian photographer, Ken Duncan .

Get arty at a range of galleries, like Ken Duncan Gallery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Find Central Coast’s nightlife

Over recent years, a burgeoning number of bars and clubs have spiced up Central Coast nightlife and made the after-dark hours something memorable.

Things heat up at Wyong’s new speakeasy Jerry Sent Me . Find moody decor, fit for the classic whisky bar it is, creative cocktails and tasty grazing boards. Not to mention the staff are known for being friendly and knowledgable on the perfect cocktail.

The Lyons Den brought the urban jungle to Gosford with safari-inspired décor and a cocktail list to match – from the classics to signature blends like ‘Scar’s Redemption’.

Maew Maew Asian Bar and Restaurant delivers fun and kitschy glam to Terrigal. Expect a lot of pink, from the décor to the fairy-floss-topped cocktails. The Asian-inspired meals with a modern twist are also to die for.

Long Jetty’s Savoy serves up craft beer and creative cocktails alongside pizza and plates perfect for sharing inside what was once a theatre in the 1950s. Weekly DJs pump golden oldies you can tap your feet to.

The Savoy pizzza and cocktails — Enjoy pizza and craft cocktails at The Savoy. (Image: Destination NSW)

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

Your ultimate guide to uncovering local secrets of the Central Coast