The Best Things to do on the Central Coast
From exclusive foodie experiences to secluded beaches, these are the best things to do on the Central Coast if you’re looking to go off the beaten track.
Escape the daily grind and venture to the Central Coast, a mere 90-minute journey from Sydney, packed with pristine beaches, lush national parks, and an enticing array of bars, boutiques, and eateries.
Venture off the beaten path to uncover exclusive culinary adventures, tranquil gardens, and secret spots. Ready to plan your getaway? Here's a curated list of the best things to do on the Central Coast that you can share with your pals to kick-start the holiday planning.
The Best Things to do on the Central Coast: Arts & Culture
Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience at Firescreek Winery
History and nature converge at Firescreek Winery. This unique Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience is led by a local Darkinjung Elder and lets you immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture, from the haunting melodies of the didgeridoo to the ancient tools and artefacts that tell stories of generations past. As you explore, the lush gardens provide a serene backdrop for wine tasting. Discover the award-winning wines infused with indigenous botanicals, a taste of Australia's rich biodiversity.
192 Wattle Tree Road, Holgate
Visit the Gosford Regional Gallery
For those with even the slightest appreciation of art, a visit to the Gosford Regional Gallery is a must. Beautifully set on 22 hectares of public park on the shores of Caroline Bay in East Gosford, the gallery showcases a wide variety of visual art, photography, sculpture and design. Plus, there’s an onsite café and the Edogawa Commemorative Garden with its Japanese landscaping offering a zen setting.
36 Webb Street, East Gosford
Book your spot at Centred Ceramic’s Wine and Clay Friday
For a fun night that will bring out your inner artist, book a seat at Centred Ceramic’s Friday night workshop. You’ll get expert advice as you sculpt your cup, mug or small platter, and better still, you can BYO vino. Bonus!
246 West Street, Umina Beach
Take an Art Class at Pinot & Picasso Terrigal
Head to Terrigal for a creative session with Pinot & Picasso. Enjoy a wine and paint session, as you perfect your art in a social evening class.
4/185 The Entrance Road, Erina
The Best Things to do on the Central Coast: Eat & Drink
Have Breakfast with Alpacas at Iris Lodge Alpacas
Who doesn’t love an alpaca? This fun, family-friendly experience takes place every weekend or - every day during school holidays at Iris Lodge Alpacas, a working farm in Jilliby. Expect to be greeted by a hungry alpaca and meet and feed other animals before enjoying your own breakfast while watching the alpacas – don’t let them bully you into sharing.
33 Dunks Lane, Jilliby
Design Your Own Brewery Crawl
For craft beer lovers, the Central Coast is an absolute Mecca. On your trip, why not plan your own brewery trail starting with a local ale at Bay Road Brewing in Gosford with its complimentary food truck offering, or Six Strings Brewery at Erina which has only recently partnered with Moobi Valley for a classic beer and burger combo. Block ‘n Tackle at Kincumber is well-loved and be sure not to miss Hawkesbury Brewing Co. in Lisarow!
Set out on the Meet the Makers Artist Trail
A collective of Central Coast makers and creators have teamed up to offer a Meet The Maker Trail experience that follows the Central Coast’s foodie and artisan producers from coast to hinterland. Tempt your taste buds with multi-award-winning cheeses, or try your hand at a cheese-making workshop at Little Creek Cheese. Sweeten your palette with moreish nougat and locally handcrafted chocolates at The Chocolate Factory. At Firescreek Fruit Wines you’ll sample botanical and fruit flower wines and book in for a 'meet the winemaker' experience.
Learn to Shuck an Oyster
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours guide people through operating Broken Bay oyster farms for an authentic aquatic farm experience. Visitors get to meet second and third-generation oyster farmers, learn to shuck like a pro and taste the famous Broken Bay Oysters straight from the river. It doesn't get any fresher than that!
Take the Central Coast's Unofficial Coffee Tour
In Toukley, stop into Rise Mofo for your morning brew, and be sure to take a look at their beautiful, sunny yellow mandala mural before you leave. At Lords of Pour in Ettalong, you can expect a delicious brunch feast. This uber-cool locale serves up specialty coffee and simple breakfast classics with a modern twist. We have our hearts set on the pulled pork toastie. Delish!
Experience the Hinterland’s Rich Farm-to-plate Offering
The Central Coast is a rich food bowl, home to a variety of meats, fruit, vegetables, pecans, citrus, honey and more. Book a harvest tour with Mountain Goat Trails or Grace Springs Farm.
Don’t forget to mark the diary for the annual Harvest Festival, held over the June long weekend when all the farm gates and businesses open up for this festival atmosphere, tastings and entertainment.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Bouffant
Pop into this creative wonderland to satisfy your sweet treat cravings. Serving up a variety of sugary confections, donuts and other delectable treats, you'll find it hard to order just one pastry at Bouffant.
Terrigal, Gosford, East Gosford, Umina
The Best Things to do on the Central Coast: Stay
Bells at Killcare, The Lodges
Crafted especially for small group getaways and family stays, The Lodges have been designed with memory creation at the core. The ground floor is home to the two luxuriously appointed guest rooms, an indoor rain shower and a freestanding bath. Meander outside and you’ll discover your private pool, heated to an ideal 24 degrees, double day bed and outdoor rain room. Soak in the company of those you love most whilst taking in panoramic ocean views hemmed in by an enchanting angophora canopy.
The second floor boasts a lounge room perfect for group gatherings, complete with a fireplace, wrap-around terrace and lavishly stocked kitchen and larder. A sunset deck with sweeping views out across the national park and Hawkesbury River rounds out the offering.
With tranquillity the order of the day, you won’t have to take on the mental load of deciding where to dine either. Your only choice will be to decide whether you’d like to take your breakfast at The Wild Flower Bar & Dining or receive a gourmet hamper delivered to your room to be devoured poolside.
Lunch is also sorted with freshly baked bread from Bells’ own on-site bakery and a lavishly stocked larder. A fridge full of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks ensures you’ll have no need to leave your oasis for anything. As for dinner, choose between a three-course a la carte menu or a five-course chef-tasting menu.
107 The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights
Lilypad
Giving new meaning to the term ‘lost at sea’, the aptly named Lilypad is just about as luxurious as it gets. Kitted out with resort-style comforts yet entirely self-contained, this one-of-a-kind floating villa off the shores of Palm Beach reimagines the concept of luxury waterfront living. The ultimate isolated stay for two, overnight packages are all-inclusive and offer guests world-class amenities such as chef-prepared meals, an onboard wine cellar with a collection of hand-picked bottles, an onboard infrared sauna, and your own self-drive tender for exploring nearby beaches.
1017 Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach
Pullman Magenta Shores Resort
Pullman Magenta Shores Resort is just 90 minutes from Sydney but you're bound to feel a world away on the tranquil estate that consists of 52 acres of prime beachfront land. No need to jump in the car as a golf course, spa, three swimming pools, a tennis court, restaurant and bar are all on your doorstep.
1 Magenta Drive, Magenta
The Best Things to do on the Central Coast: Shop
Drop some cash at Erina Fair
If high street brands are your go-to, Erina Fair is the pot at the end of the rainbow. Holding the title of the Central Coast’s largest shopping centre, you’ll find over 250 stores brimming with local and international labels alongside entertainment, fresh food and dining options. Housing Aussie staples from Bonds, Cotton On, Country Road and Decjuba to International faves like Dr Martens and Sunglass Hut, the centre covers all your retail therapy needs!
Terrigal Dr, Erina
Best Things to do on the Central Coast: Play
Search for pearly whites at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Take to the water with Pearls of Australia on a tour of Broken Bay Pearl Farm, NSW’s only pearl farm, harvesting the precious, local Akoya pearl by third-generation pearl farmers. Nurtured by local farmers in Brisbane Waters and the Hawkesbury River, stop in and visit the ‘Shellar Door’ to browse the jewellery and pearls, and enjoy a platter of locally grown Sydney Rock, Pacific or Akoya pearl oysters while looking out at the farm's view of the Hawkesbury and the aptly named Spectacle Island.
Want to hear more about the makers and artisans that make the Central Coast so special? Check out our guide to the Maker's Trail.
Shellar Door, 12 Kowan Road, Mooney
Make like Tarzan and swing from the treetops
Treetop Networld is the newest adventure activity combining exploration and play. Discover an exciting new world, high up in the treetops, made up of a vast network of interconnected spaces. From bouncing high on the ropes to relaxing in swinging tree chairs, you’ll experience a whole new sense of gravity and appreciation for nature.
1 Red Hill Road, Wyong Creek
Go stand-up paddle boarding on Avoca Lake
Burn off all that delicious food and drink by paddle boarding or kayaking on the beautiful Avoca Lake. You can rent gear from the team at Aquafun.
Heazlett Park, 15 Ficus Avenue, Avoca Beach
Swim and sunbake at the Central Coast’s iconic beaches
Pack your swimmers, sunscreen and towels and head to the beach. Our favourites are Terrigal Beach, Umina Beach, Toowoon Bay beach, Copacabana Beach and Frazer Beach or Lobster Beach for a little more privacy.
For the best beaches on the Central Coast, check out our hit list here.
Make the most of your next trip to the Central Coast with a mix of unique and memorable experiences. From beaches and walks, to culture and restaurants, these are the best things to do on the Central Coast.