The Best Things to Do on the Central Coast

Escape the daily grind and venture to the Central Coast, a mere 90-minute journey north 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 as part of the region's thriving food scene, tranquil gardens, and "local's only" secret spots.

Ready to plan your getaway? Whether you want to explore the pristine, panoramic coastline or the striking nature of the hinterland, 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.

Indulge in a Warm Wine & Chocolate Pairing at Firescreek Botanical Winery

Embrace the cosy charm of the chilly season with a limited-time Warm Wine & Chocolate Pairing experience at the picturesque Firescreek Botanical Winery. Promising a delightful fusion of rich flavours and comfortable aromas, experience award-winning fruit wine gently heated to perfection with matching locally handmade Belgian chocolates. The best part? It all takes place among the organically grown gardens of the winery, where you'll be surrounded by stunning Autumn foliage and views of the vineyard, rainforest and ponds.

From April to September 2024. Reservations recommended.

192 Wattle Tree Road, Holgate

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

Feast on Middle Eastern Delights at Little Miss Mezza

With an intricately designed Middle Eastern menu with a Modern Australian twist, Little Miss Mezza is one of the most innovative and unique dining spots on the Central Coast. With Insta-worthy interiors, an experimental cocktail menu,  and dishes like Kataifi Prawns, Hasselback Pumpkin and Applewood Smoked Chicken, you'll be tempted to visit again and again.

Brisbane Water Drive, West Gosford

Go Gourmet at Saddles Mount White

Set on 28 acres of sprawling bushland in the heart of Mount White, Saddles offers up a menu that showcases Australian native ingredients. Enjoy house-made charcuterie, savoury pastries and salads inspired by the on-site garden perfectly paired with top-quality wine, while sitting on the covered deck looking at the magical dam and flora and fauna. For a touch of homestead charm, take a seat in one of the venue's famed saddle chairs at the restaurant's brass scalloped bar.

20 Ashbrookes Road, Mount White

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!

Push the Taste Boundaries at Cecilia’s Restaurant & Wine Bar

A hidden gem tucked away in Toowoon Bay, Cecilia’s Restaurant & Wine Bar serves up an exciting and innovative menu, led by Head Chef Adam. With a modern, family-style feel, expect exotic flavours, new techniques and new ingredients that will have you finding new favourites. 

89 Toowoon Bay Road, Toowoon Bay

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 Botanical Winery, you’ll sample botanical and fruit flower wines and book in for a 'meet the winemaker' experience.

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 

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 Beachcomber Hotel and Resort

Known to locals as "The Beachie", The Beachcomber Hotel & Resort is an iconic waterfront destination in the heart of the Central Coast. Enjoy the sweeping waterfront views, exclusive pool-club, and multiple eateries and bars in a Hamptons-inspired ambience. With 83 newly refurbished rooms, it's the perfect place to switch to holiday mode, sit back and unwind.

200 Main Road, Toukley

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. 

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 

Explore the Serene Glenworth Valley on Horseback

Nothing says wilderness like a trail ride on horseback through the scenic hinterland. Just a 15-minute drive from Gosford, take in the spectacular scenery of the Glenworth Valley on a guided horse ride along private trails, with only the clip-clop of hooves and the sounds of the bush to keep you company. 

Immerse yourself fully into the wild with an overnight stay in a luxe glamping tent by Simple Pleasures Camping Co. who will set up a stylish tent under the stars complete with carpet and flooring, a comfy bed and cooking gear to create a cosy feast by the campfire. 

69 Cooks Road, Glenworth Valley

Search for Pearly Whites at Broken Bay Pearl Farm

Take to the water for a tour of Broken Bay Pearl Farm, NSW’s only pearl farm, to learn the secret of growing and harvesting the precious, local Akoya pearl. Nurtured by local farmers in Brisbane Waters and the Hawkesbury River, be sure to visit the ‘Shellar Door’ to browse the jewellery and pearls, and go behind the scenes to learn how pearls are graded.

12 Kowan Road, Mooney 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 Relax 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.

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 Drive, Erina

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.