The best things for kids to do on the Central Coast

The Central Coast is known for its golden-sand beaches and picturesque nature walks, but did you know it’s brimming with kid-friendly activities?

Gone are the days when a Central Coast family holiday consisted solely of board game nights in or beachside fish and chips for dinner after long days spent in the water. Nowadays, you’ll find an abundance of family-friendly options on offer. From obstacle courses set up high in towering tall gum trees to getting lost in an old-school milk factory, keep boredom in check with a handful of these promising prospects.

Family beaches

Embrace the carefree vibes of a beach day that’s tailored to young families. There are a number of options for those travelling with kids in tow, each offering varying degrees of facilities, cafés, playgrounds and patrolled beaches.

Avoca Beach is one of the most popular. Lifeguards operate between the flags, granting peace of mind to those with little ones. There are surf lesson opportunities, as well as rock pools, toilets and a fully fenced playground. A collection of cafés and restaurants are within walking distance from the beach when hunger strikes.
Terrigal Beach is another failsafe. There is a heavy lifeguard presence here as well as small rock pools for exploring and plenty of boutiques and great cafés scattered along the esplanade beside the beach.
Macmasters Beach sits at the foothills of Bouddi National Park. Soak up the sun in the surrounds of towering trees and lush fauna. Kids can swim in the ocean pool or between the flags, and retreat to one of the surrounding grass areas for a picnic.
Putty Beach is a lesser-known slice of Central Coast paradise. Clear, calm and blue waters are flanked by the natural beauty of Bouddi National Park – sans many of the crowds found at other surrounding stretches of sand. Pack snorkels and inflatables for a parenting tick of approval.

Terrigal Beach is another failsafe with a heavy lifeguard presence and rock pools for exploring.

Explore the coast from the treetops

Explore the Central Coast via its towering tall gum trees, melange of birdlife and leafy hinterland.

Treetops Adventure for kids to scale up in the trees. There are 100 elevated obstacles to choose from, with rope ladders, wobbly bridges, tunnels, cargo nets and ziplines set among the magnificent gum trees.

The adjoining Treetop Networld provides a vast network of interconnected trampoline spaces. Kids are encouraged to discover a whole new sense of gravity while enjoying a variety of fun games with giant inflatable balls. Each adventure is two hours long and participants must wear enclosed shoes.

Kids aged five and over can also test their strength on one of the Treetops Vertical Challenges. Choose from three different levels and partake in the zig-zag ladder, climbing walls, polka dots and much more.

Explore the Central Coast via its towering tall gum trees at Treetop Networld.

Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park was first established in 1948 by the late Eric Worrell – Australia’s first naturalist. It now serves as one of the country’s main wildlife attractions, and the only zoo in Australia with a venom milking program that’s been in place for the past 50 years. Each year, the park saves over 300 lives by being the sole supplier for a variety of venoms, used for all snake and funnel-web anti-venom in Australia.

If the park’s lifesaving venom program doesn’t convince the kids, perhaps the other wildlife encounters will. They can hand-feed the kangaroos in the free-range roaming area, stop by on weekends to see the resident crocodiles, alligators, dingos and koalas get fed by the park rangers, and stroll through Tarantula-ville: home to some of the largest spiders in Australia.

Like all good contemporary zoos, The Australian Reptile Park also places an important emphasis on conservation work, with their ‘Devil Ark’ program helping to repopulate the endangered Tasmanian devil.

The Australian Reptile Park Central Coast

The Australian Reptile Park serves as one of the country’s main wildlife attractions.

Central Coast Aqua Park

Eleven-year-old me would have squealed with excitement at the idea of an Aqua Park like this one. Kids can spend the day navigating the inflatable obstacle course filled with endless routes of swings, slides, pyramids, monkey bars and more during the summer months. And if they fall? It’s a short drop into the splashing water below and kept buoyant by a mandatory life jacket. The park is also fully supervised by the trained lifeguards of Brisbane Water Gosford.

Kids can spend the day navigating the inflatable obstacle course filled with swings, slides, monkey bars and more!

Somersby Falls

Find Somersby Falls hidden away just 15 minutes from Gosford’s town centre. The waterfall itself is a mighty and unique feature of the secluded little hangout, trickling or gushing (depending on rainfall) down the weathered rocks that are shouldered by deep green forest. Visitors can stand under the cascading water and swim in the surrounding pools.

The neighbouring picnic area is the perfect place to enjoy an al fresco lunch. Find free barbeques and picnic tables for use. Be sure to keep a lookout for the hungry bush turkeys that might be keen on joining the picnic – uninvited.

Stand under the cascading water and swim in the surrounding pools at Somersby Falls.

Cycling Paths

Bike ownership on the Central Coast is higher than anywhere else in the state, and the residents regularly put them to use on the fantastic network of cycling paths that stretch and loop around the region. If two wheels are your preferred way of getting around, these adventurous cycling routes will definitely keep the kids in check.

Kincumber to Davistown is a comfortable 2.7-kilometre ride for kids. The flat pathway and bike track have toilets, playgrounds and cafés scattered along the way. It passes over a small steel bridge with no steps.
Take in spectacular views along the Brisbane Water Cycleway riding from Gosford to Woy Woy. Start at Point Frederick’s Pioneer Park and journey through wetlands and scenic waterways. Take the train home from Woy Woy or ferry across to Saratoga and Davistown.
Chittaway to the Entrance is the perfect shared cycleway for kids. It runs around the shores of Tuggerah Lake from Chittaway Bay to The Entrance. Along the 12-kilometre journey, you’ll encounter parks, picnic areas and playgrounds, including Saltwater Creek Park at Long Jetty with barbecues and a BMX track and find the 11-piece outdoor fitness station at Picnic Point.

Indoor Play Centres

A little rain needn’t put a dampener on your holiday. Head to Monkey Mania inside the Gosford League’s Club. Kids can spend the rainy day will getting lost inside this three-level utopia that features an inflatable jumping castle, a dedicated toddler area, a gun/cannon foam ball arena, a climbing structure, slides, and kiddies’ electric go-karts.

Clip ‘N Climb will garner the same level of enthusiasm. Twenty-eight uniquely-themed climbing walls are waiting to be scaled – with walls to suit all ages. Automatic belay devices will take in the slack as you climb, gently lowering you to the ground once you’re done.
KidsWorld play centre is perfect for those aged between 0-11. The multi-level indoor space is packed with climbing structures, tunnels, trampolines, a cannonball battle zone, an inflatable slide and even a special dedicated under-fives area for little ones to explore safely.
Inflatable World in Charmhaven is another great option. It is home to the biggest indoor inflatable playground in Australia and kids will while away the hours bouncing around the obstacles. Don’t forget the socks – they’re mandatory.

Twenty-eight uniquely themed climbing walls are waiting to be scaled at Clip ‘N Climb.

Wyong Milk Factory

A milk factory might not seem like a magnet for childlike fun from the outset, but hear us out.

Established in 1906, the Wyong Milk Factory has been lovingly restored to its former glory, now serving as a multi-disciplinary community space. Browse tasty produce at the cheese and chocolate factories, enjoy a kayak or rowboat in the river, relax with a barbeque or watch the kids on the playground from your seat at the Milk Factory Café.

The onsite family tavern is also open every Wednesday through Sunday. You’ll find live music most evenings and a kids’ entertainment area. The Wyong Milk Factory is free and open daily.

Wyong Milk Factory has been lovingly restored to its former glory.

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.