Escape the hustle and bustle of the Sydney streets and beaches and head north to the more relaxed, untouched wild setting of the Central Coast Australia. Gosford is the heart of the Central Coast region which is only a short 76-kilometres North of Sydney. As Central Coast Australia does not usually appear on the tourist / backpacker radar, I have put together a guide on things to do in the area as I believe it is an area that must be visited on the East Coast of Australia.
Table of Contents
Getting There & Around
Australia’s Central Coast is a coastal region located between Sydney and Newcastle, offering numerous tourist attractions, including stunning beaches, national parks, and nature reserves.
- Train: Central Coast & Newcastle line—stops at Gosford, Woy Woy, Tuggerah; Opal Card accepted.
- Car: M1 Pacific Motorway; EV chargers now at Erina Fair, Avoca Beach & Gosford Station.
- Bus & Ferry: CDC NSW network; Riverlink ferry (Gosford ↔ Empire Bay) runs 7 days.
- Bike & Scoot: E-scooter trial in Gosford & Terrigal CBD; bike-share docks at main beaches.
There are trains from Sydney (departing from Central Station) that can take you to the Central Coast in about 1.5 hours. However, once you arrive at one of the many train stations (Gosford, Wyong, Woy Woy, Tuggerah, etc.), you won’t be able to do much without a car. Therefore, it will be necessary rent a car or campervan to explore the region in the best conditions.
Still, the simplest option remains to have your own means of transport to maintain your freedom and discover the hidden gems of the Central Coast. To get to the Central Coast, you just need to follow the M1 from Sydney, a calm route of just over an hour.
Why the Central Coast?
- Quick Escape: Under 90 minutes by train or car from Sydney Central.
- Expanded Coastal Trails: The new Bateau Bay Coastal Link (6 km) and the Terrigal Headland Track extension now form a 10 km clifftop circuit.
- Cultural Revamp: Interactive Aboriginal storytelling pods along The Entrance Mangrove Boardwalk, open daily.
- Farm-to-Table Boom: Five new hinterland cafés opened in 2024 (e.g. Wyrrabalong Farm Café), plus craft-beer taprooms in Tuggerah and Gosford.
Best season to visit the Central Coast
The best time to visit the Central Coast depends on your personal preferences regarding climate and activities. Generally, the most popular months to visit the region are from December to February, as it’s summer in Australia. Temperatures are usually warm with little rain, perfect for enjoying the beaches, water activities, and local festivals.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and the high rates of the peak season, the mid-seasons can be a good option. The months of March to May (autumn) and September to November (spring) offer cooler, but still pleasant temperatures. The landscapes are often very colorful with the leaves changing color or the flowers blooming.
Places to discover on the Central Coast
Long Jetty
Long Jetty is on the peninsula just before The Entrance.
To the west, Long Jetty runs along Tuggerah Lake. The walk along Long Jetty Foreshore Reserve is relaxing. Benches and barbecues are available for use. It’s an ideal spot to admire remarkable sunsets over the lake.
To the east, the center of Long Jetty, which consists of a single street, is a trendy, fashionable place. A few vintage shops, thrift stores, hipster bars, and graffiti confirm this impression. The cafes attract locals: Green Tangerine, Glass Onion Society, Modern Organic, Common Kitchen and Canteen.
The Entrance
The Entrance is a picturesque town where a saltwater lake meets the sea. With plenty of restaurants along the lake and a few shops, the atmosphere is typical of a small tourist seaside resort. Calm prevails except on Saturday mornings when the weekly market is held as well as the famous “Pelican Feed” at 3:30pm daily. Each visit to The Entrance will be different as the tides completely changes the landscape. Swimming in the lake is popular as the water is often warmer than the ocean. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing.
Terrigal Beach & Esplanade
Sunday Twilight Markets run all year from 4 pm–9 pm.
Don’t Miss: Annual Sculpture by the Sea pop-up in April (40 installations).
Terrigal Haven Jetty
Snorkel: Under-jetty coral gardens; guided night dives on Fridays (AUD 65).
The beaches
Shelly Beach is a large wild beach and its panoramic restaurant, The Balcony allows you to enjoy a good meal with a spectacular view. If you are travelling with a dog or are a dog lover head down to the left side of the beach as it is dog friendly. Highlights: 1.5 km “Shelly Cave Loop” with Dreaming-story interpretive signs, installed 2023.
With little to no waves and crystal-clear water, Toowoon Bay is the perfect spot for a family day out or to just float around and relax.
Avoca Beach is a rather unusual beach because it is located between the sea and the saltwater lake.
Take a walk along the Spoonbay Access Track in the Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve to end up a beautiful beaches with amazing turquoise blue hues.
Some more beaches of interest are: Lobster Beach, Little Beach, Pelican Beach, Cabbage Tree Harbor, Umima Beach, Killcare Beach, Copacabana Beach and Forresters Beach. The beaches are definitely not lacking on the Central Coast.
Activities & Excursions
Hiking and Lookouts
Worth a detour: Port Stephens
It’s not technically the Central Coast — it sits about 1.5 hours further north, past Newcastle but Port Stephens is well worth the detour. Hike Tomaree Head (a short but steep 2.2 km return climb) for sweeping views over the bay and islands, ride a camel or explore the giant Stockton sand dunes by 4×4 at Birubi Beach, and snorkel the marine sanctuary at Fly Point in Nelson Bay. Little Beach, at dusk, is the spot to watch pelicans gather around the returning fishing boats.
Copacabana–MacMasters Coastal Walk
- Distance: 7 km one-way (2.5 hours)
- Updates: Delfine Point viewing platform refurbished in 2024; binocular stations added.
Norah Head Lighthouse
The walk to the lighthouse is very short. Going down a few steps you will reach rocks that overlook the sea.
- Hours: 6 am–8 pm daily (extended to 9 pm Dec–Feb).
- Family: New vegan-friendly kiosk and electric‐bike hire on the promenade.
Wyrrabalong National Park – Crackneck Lookout
This is a hike accessible to all who can have a nice view of the bay. You can sometimes see dolphins and whales, depending on the season. From the point of view, you can also reach La coast walking track. This walk of 3 km (one way) will allow you to admire the landscape along Boat Bay. This walk is ideal during the winter months when you can watch the whales during their migration.
Brisbane Water National Park
This national park is huge and there are many hikes, suitable for all levels. One of them leads to a nice suspension bridge. You will find all the information, maps and hikes on the official website of the national park.
Hinterland & New Adventures
- Bouddi National Park:
- Tallowwood Loop (4 km): New boardwalks over wetlands and kayak access at Put-In Bay.
- Mount Ettalong Summit Track:
- Features: Refurbished stairway and 360° viewing platform opened May 2024.
Activities on the Central Coast
Visit the Australian Reptile Park
Located in Somersby, this zoo allows you to learn more about the local wildlife. You will be able to touch snakes or lizards thanks to passionate employees who will be happy to share their knowledge. There are also kangaroos that you can approach. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $44 (online purchase, $46 when you buy on site).
Snake-handling demo at 11 am & 2 pm, plus new koala encounter zone (AUD 12 extra).
Henry Kendall Cottage & The Historical Museum
Located in Gosford, this tiny volunteer-run museum showcases the story of an old convict and poet, Henry Kendall. Through him, discover the life of the first generations of Australian convicts and settlers. You can visit the cottage every day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The museum is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Gosford Regional Gallery
The small art gallery is free and the Japanese garden a haven of peace.
Six String Brewing Company
This is a traditional brewery, located in Erina, which offers beer tastings. There is also the opportunity to learn more about the fermentation and beer design.
Distillery Botanica
Also located in Erina, this is the perfect place to understand the making of Gin as well as other spirits. Philip Moore and his team share their passion and will take you on a tour of the distillery and its gardens.
The Wyong Milk Factory
They say things come in three, right? The Wyong Milk Factory has that down pat; a tiny Cheese Factory, a Chocolate Factory and a former Milk Factory transformed into a restaurant. Check for event updates on their Facebook page but, one Friday a month, DragQueens host a bingo night.
Tree climbing and zipline turns
Tree Tops Adventure Park offers several activities that will suit young and old alike: tree climbing, one of the region’s longest ziplines and other outdoor games. It is highly recommended to book in advance. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Allow at least $50 per person for the Tree Ropes Course which lasts 2h50.
Take the Ettalong Ferry to Palm Beach
Take a ride with Fantasea across beautiful blue waters and try to spot some dolphins and whales.
Shelly Beach Golf Club
For golf enthusiasts, the Shelly Beach Golf Club offers breathtaking views of the sea while having a hit. There is also a renowned restaurant on the course making it a draw card for the non-golfers as well. You do not have to be a member of the golf club to visit.
Where to Stay on the Central Coast
Most visitors base themselves near the beaches, and where you stay comes down to the vibe you’re after. Here are the main areas:
Terrigal: the liveliest base, and the most popular. A proper beach town with a buzzing esplanade, cafés, bars and the Haven at one end. It’s where most travellers stay, and it has the widest choice, from the beachfront Crowne Plaza Terrigal to smaller apartments and holiday rentals. See Terrigal stays.
The Entrance: quieter and generally cheaper, set where Tuggerah Lake meets the sea. Good for a relaxed, family-friendly stay, with lakefront options and the Ibis Styles The Entrance among the pick. It’s also the most budget-friendly end of the coast. See The Entrance stays.
Avoca & Copacabana: laid-back, leafy and low-key, a short drive south of Terrigal. Fewer big hotels, more beach houses and cottages, ideal if you want quiet over nightlife. See Avoca stays.
Gosford: the regional hub, handy if you’re relying on the train, with the most affordable everyday hotels (voco Gosford, Hotel Gosford). Less scenic, but well connected. See Gosford stays.
💡 On a budget or backpacking? There are a handful of hostels and holiday parks along the coast (The Entrance and Toowoon Bay are good bets), and lakeside holiday parks like Two Shores make an easy base if you’re travelling by campervan. If you still need a vehicle, compare campervan hire on Motorhome Republic.
👉 Browse all Central Coast accommodation
Download the complete Guide for a Road Trip on the East Coast
Our FREE 52-page guide brings together all the info you need for your East Coast Road Trip in Australia:
- Preparations (seasons, budget)
- All the best spots to visit on the coast
- The best tours & activities
- Spots to park and sleep in a campervan
