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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.