The best boutique stays on the Central Coast

Soak up some seriously serene Central Coast bliss with our top pick of boutique hotels.

From Terrigal, Avoca, Copacabana and Macmasters Beach to Bateau Bay, The Entrance, Ettalong, Umina, Patonga and Killcare – you’ll need more than a few days to explore the vast beauty of the Central Coast.

As more cotton on to the unique offering of the region, holidaymakers must be organised well in advance if they plan to travel during the high season – which, let’s be honest, is most of the time these days. We’ve done the work for you and scoped out some of the town’s most eligible luxury accommodations below, or you can also check out our comprehensive guide to Central Coast accommodation for everything from camping stays to luxury hotels and resorts.

Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

Killcare is situated on the Bouddi Peninsula, marking the start of the Central Coast. You’ll find Bells at Killcare housed atop its cliff sides, with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.

The luxury five-star cottages, suites and villas provide much by way of Hampton’s design and opulence. Washed-back blues, bleached linens, driftwood walls and wide-striped awnings will remind you of summer’s past. Ralph Lauren furnishings are scattered throughout, perfect for sitting among lush native landscapes to a soundtrack of the local kookaburras.

And while the rooms at Bells make it worthy of a stay, the accolades of the restaurant make it a day-trip dining destination all on its own. Wild Flower Bar and Dining showcases a menu inspired by sun-drenched destinations like the Mediterranean and Morocco. Seafood from local waterways is served up in a bistro-style space, surrounded by Kate Swinton wallpaper and screen-print cushions.

Bells at Kilcare — Bells at Killcare’s luxury five-star cottages, suites and villas provide much by way of Hampton’s design and opulence.

Kims Beachside Retreat

Totally secluded on the sands of Toowoon Bay, relaxation is at the top of the to-do list at Kim’s Beachside Retreat .

Each of the 34 adults-only bungalows and villas is fully equipped, perched metres from the beach and shaded by ancient Norfolk Island pines. There is a forest filled with palms and tropical greenery, plus a stunning symphony of Whip birds, Lorikeets and Honey Eaters singing a morning chorus.

Choose between views of the beach or garden and indulge in the clean, luxurious amenities of your room. There are heated Jacuzzi, indoor spa baths or private swimming pools on offer, as well as a smart cocktail bar, a prime beachfront location, great food and on-site massages.

Kims Beachside Retreat — Stay in total seclusion on the sands of Toowoon Bay at Kim’s Beachside Retreat.

Pretty Beach House

It’s one of NSW’s most luxurious stays and certainly worth every penny. Also housed within the beauty of Bouddi National Park, Pretty Beach House has been living up to its name since its opening in 2015. A string of awards and accolades followed its inception, including being named in the Conde Nast Gold List and Hot Hotels of the World.

Rustic in charm and build, PBH blends effortlessly within its coastal bush surrounds. It is constructed from decommissioned railway timber pylons, handcrafted in 1883, locally sourced mud bricks, and artisan-cut sandstone, with the inclusion of brass and copper features throughout.

An off-grid blacksmith from the Blue Mountains made the bar, and original artworks by Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan and John Olsen don the walls. For furnishings, earthy tones are scattered throughout, as well as bedding made from hand-loomed luxurious Italian Busatti linen.

Bouddi National Park is the land of the Darkinjung people and is home to around 100 ancient indigenous artworks, three of which are located on the hotel property.

The historical artworks are between 8000 and 10,000 years old and are proudly shown and explained to guests every evening during a special Welcome to Country smoking ceremony led by a local Aboriginal elder around the outdoor fire.

Pretty Beach House is one of NSW’s most luxurious stays.

Escala Luxury Suites

Open the French doors, step out onto a private garden and enjoy the fresh country air at Escala Luxury Suites.

Located among the rolling hinterland hills of the Central Coast, this is the perfect getaway for those who appreciate a little inland beauty. The two self-contained suites are surrounded by a breathtaking valley, packed to the rafters with bird life and native fauna.

A private driveway lined with Murraya hedges leads to your front door. Inside you’d be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a French postcard. Provincially upholstered dining tables match the floor-to-ceiling curtains, and a king bed accommodates a maximum of two people.

Both suites are identical and have an ensuite bathroom with bathrobes, slippers, a hair dryer and Roberto Cavalli amenities. The open room interior includes a kitchenette, dining and lounge area, an air conditioning system, Wi-Fi, Netflix and an iPod-docking station.

Privacy is the priority here. Guests have access to the whole property, which boasts a private outdoor swimming pool, heated spa, expansive garden, sunbeds and a parking space.

Enjoy the fresh country air at Escala Luxury Suites.

Boathouse Hotel Patonga

The local pub at the cute coastal hideaway of Patonga has a new lease of life. Guests are now invited to drink downstairs and sleep upstairs at the Boathouse Hotel and neighbouring cottage.

Former owners Andrew Goldsmith and Pip Robb opened in sleepy Patonga at the end of 2018 and added rooms the following year, complete with the blue-white and driftwood aesthetic. The wooden ferry can bring you here from its Palm Beach sister, transporting the famed nautical vibes with it.

The offering includes three apartments above the hotel, idyllic for couples, families and groups. There are kitchenettes and balconies, as well as white-shuttered windows and low swing seats with views toward the pier. White-tiled bathrooms are stocked with L’Occitane products.

Next door, the similarly-decorated Patonga Cottage accommodates up to 10 guests. Bi-fold doors open to a large timber deck, outdoor kitchen, fire pit and swimming pool. Downstairs, the Boathouse serves as the ‘hotel’ restaurant, bar and kiosk. And on Mondays and Tuesdays, when the restaurant is closed for dinner, staff can arrange wine and cold seafood platter to be sent to your room.

Beach House Patonga — Boathouse Hotel Patonga is idyllic for couples, families and groups.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

The best luxury accommodation on the Central Coast