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.

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.

Stay in luxury at Bell’s new lodges.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Broken Bay Pearl Farm.

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.

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

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare

From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast, however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food

Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed. Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm

Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s.

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong

Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics. Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics

See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food

Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare. One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

Your ultimate guide to uncovering local secrets of the Central Coast

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

Where to stay on the Central Coast

Where to eat on the Central Coast

Exploring Central Coast’s nature

Local cultural experiences

Find Central Coast’s nightlife

Everything you want from a 5-star coastal break at Killcare

Crowne Plaza Terrigal: The perfect seaside escape

The ultimate Central Coast summer holiday

36 incredible things to do on the Central Coast

Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Central Coast oyster experiences

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

Organic dining

Paddock-to-plate dining