36 incredible things to do on the Central Coast

Whether you’re a sun-seeker, an adventurer, a gourmand or a creative, here are some of the best things to do on the Central Coast for all visitors.

Located just 90 minutes north of Sydney, the Central Coast has long been a favourite weekender for soaking up sand and sea. But there’s so much more to this coastal haven, from bushwalks to waterfalls, award-winning restaurants to shucking oysters, whale watching to aboriginal-led tours. The region is also certified by Ecotourism Australia as an ECO Destination, meaning a visit here is also a tick for environmentally and socially responsible travel. Here, we’ve rounded up the best things to do on the Central Coast.

• Free things to do
• Fun things to do
• Things to do with kids
• Things to do for adults
• Unique things to do
• Things to do at night
• Things to do in the rain

Free things to do

Just as in life, some of the best things are free on the Central Coast.

1. Soak up the sun at the Central Coast’s beaches

With an 87-kilometre coastline and 40-plus beaches, the Central Coast is a beach lovers’ nirvana. It almost goes without saying, part of the holiday experience is finding a patch of sand and enjoying the ocean lifestyle, whether that be splashing about with the kids at Toowoon Bay, taking a dip at The Entrance Ocean Baths or hopping about the rock pools at MacMasters Beach or Pearl Beach.

2. Hike the Central Coast’s best walking tracks

More than half of the Central Coast is made up of natural areas, with many walking and hiking tracks that weave throughout. The Coast Walking Track at Wyrrabalong National Park takes you through coastal scrub to panoramic Crackneck Lookout; Brisbane Water National Park is where you’ll find the cascades of Somersby Falls; Bouddi National Park is home to the breathtaking eight-kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk that traces an ancient headland; or walk through lush green rainforest and past waterfalls in Strickland State Forest.

3. Take a dip in the ocean baths

Enjoy the salty sensation of an ocean dip without waves and swells at one of the Central Coast’s many ocean baths. Try the heritage-listed Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance, which date to 1938 and comprise a 50-metre lap pool, a 22-metre pool and a children’s wading pool. Pearl Beach’s 25-metre ocean pool was built into the cliffside in the 1920s. For shallow frolicking in a sandy-bottomed pool, try the 1948-built rockpool at Avoca or MacMasters Beach 17-metre pool, built in the 1960s.

4. Take the time to explore the towns and villages

The Central Coast’s map is made up of an eclectic mix of towns and villages. Enjoy a languid pace at seaside villages such as Ettalong Beach and Copacabana, combine beach life with sophisticated shopping and dining at the bustling town of Terrigal, or explore urban hubs such as Long Jetty where creatives have settled in droves.

5. Stop and smell the roses at these community gardens

Stroll through Mt Penang Parklands, where 70 per cent of plants are native to Australia, or feel zen at Edogawa Commemorative Garden, which is based on a traditional Japanese ‘shuyu’ (strolling style) garden. The latter also adjoins the Gosford Regional Art Gallery, which is worthy of lingering longer.

Fun things to do

From nature-based experiences to creative pursuits, and high-thrill adventures to cultural immersion, the Central Coast doubles down on enjoyment for all kinds of travellers.

6. Go for a paddle on the Central Coast’s lakes and lagoons

The Central Coast is a haven of waterways; explore them with a paddle or pedal. At Aquafun on Avoca Lake, you can hire a pedalboat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard just minutes from the golden sands of Avoca Beach. Terrigal Paddle Boats has boards and boats to hire on Terrigal Lagoon, just around a sandy bend from town. And Bombora Ettalong Beach SUP offers board hire and runs lessons at calm and pretty Ettalong Beach.

7. Hire a boat at The Entrance

Located under The Entrance Bridge, The Entrance Boat Shed has been catering to visitors since 1927. You can hire half-cabin motorboats, open motorboats and fishing gear, as well as stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. But it’s the BBQ boat that we love – featuring a barbecue and toilet, groups of eight can enjoy a cook-up while cruising around The Entrance.

8. Learn to surf with a pro at Central Coast Surf Academy

Who better to teach you how to surf than a former pro? Central Coast Surf Academy is run by former professional surfer Amee Donohoe, with lessons at many locations including Umina Beach – which has safe conditions for learners of all ages – and Avoca Beach, which is known for its perfect point break.

9. Join Terrigal Ocean Tours on a whale-watching tour or summer cruise

Terrigal Ocean Tours runs year-round cruises to see the incredible marine life around the Central Coast. Summer Fun Tours operate from Hardys Bay (November to April), on which you may spot dolphins, seals and little penguins around Broken Bay, and Whale Watching Tours operate from Terrigal (May to November) to see humpbacks on their yearly migration.

10. Get the adrenaline pumping at Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures

Thrill seekers will love Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures, home to quad biking, abseiling, kayaking and more. For a quintessential Australian experience, join the Cattle Drive Ride where you’ll help to muster a herd of cattle through the scenic valley of eucalypt, creeks and pockets of rainforest, followed by a barbecue lunch at the homestead.

11. Walk in the footsteps of the Darkinjung people

The Central Coast is home to thousands of significant aboriginal sites where ancient rock art and middens have been discovered, such as Bulgandry Aboriginal Art Site in Kariong and Warre Warren Aboriginal Place in Upper Mangrove. Discover some of these and more with local elder Gavi Duncan of Darkinjung Cultural Tours, while also enjoying a bush food-inspired morning tea and Welcome to Country smoking ceremony.

Things to do with kids

The Central Coast is the ultimate family-friendly destination, with endless exciting kid-friendly activities to keep them entertained.

12. Hone your ice skating skills at Erina Ice Arena

A perfect way to entertain the kids rain, hail or shine, Erina Ice Arena offers daily public skating sessions, holiday skating camps where they learn skills and enjoy free time, and late night discos on the weekends.

It’s located within Erina Fair shopping centre, so if your kids are old enough to skate alone, you can enjoy browsing the shops.

13. Play mini golf at Hole in Fun

Located in Lisarow, Hole in Fun is an 18-hole mini golf course that’s fun for kids and adults alike. On this quirky course you can putt your ball up ramps, through tunnels, under donuts, into oversized birthday cakes and bathtubs. There is also a virtual golf simulator, a licensed bar and café and free pizza on Saturdays.

14. Zipline through the forest at Treetops Adventure

Summon your inner Tarzan or Jane at Treetops Adventure, which has multiple ropes courses and ziplines, or bounce, leap and play at adjacent NetWorld, which is a series of nets and ball pits elevated in the trees.

15. Spend the day with native wildlife at the Australian Reptile Park

Home to more than 2000 animals, from crocodiles to wombats to spiders, the iconic Australian Reptile Park has been delighting families for more than 60 years (as well as being involved in important antivenom and conservation work). Catch the daily shows, including feeding Elvis the croc, or book an animal encounter to go behind the scenes.

16. Delight little ones at Amazement Farm & Fun Park

Amazement Farm & Fun Park at Wyong is a fun-filled day out for tiny travellers, with hedged mazes, friendly farm animals, a ride-on train, a kids’ playground, giant lawn games and pony rides.

17. Visit the historic Norah Head Lighthouse

Norah Head Lighthouse has been guiding ships safely since 1903. Daily tours are available you can climb its 96 stairs, see the 700-prism light up close, listen to stories of shipwrecks and learn about the role of a lighthouse keeper.

18. Live the farm life for a day along Tourist Drive 33

Head to the hinterland on a road trip along Tourist Drive 33 for some unique farm experiences such as pick-your-own fruit sessions. Head to Peruch Avocados in Somersby to pick avos (from October); Wyuna Farms in Kulnura to pick oranges (from January); and The Giving Farm in Jilliby to pick blueberries (from October). Or join a Morning Chores tour at Grace Springs Farm, where small children can help with tending to the chooks, ducks, pigs and cows.

Things to do for adults

Don’t let the little ones have all the fun; enjoy some adult time with these experiences.

19. Sample award-winning gin at Distillery Botanica

Set on a three-acre property in Erina, Distillery Botanica produces award-winning gins using native botanicals straight from the blossoming garden.

Stop by the newly refreshed distillery door for a tasting experience, take a tour with master distiller Philip Moore, join a cocktail-making class or book a distil-your-own gin workshop. Next door, Bar Botanica is open Thursday to Sunday serving bar bites and cocktails and hosts a regular bottomless brunch.

20. Enjoy wine tasting with a twist at Firescreek Winery

Expand your wine-tasting repertoire at Firescreek Winery in Holgate, which produces 25 wines using natural flavours of fruits and flowers. Think of unique flavours such as elderberry, cinnamon and orange; coffee, chocolate and blackberry; and mandarin and chilli.

You can also book a bespoke experience such as Chocolate and Wine Pairing, Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting, and Foraging and Mixology if you want to try something truly different.

21. Channel your inner artist

A perfect activity to do with a group of mates or as a date, Pinot & Picasso in Terrigal runs regular painting workshops where you can also enjoy your own drinks and nibbles and either showcase your talents or have a laugh at your efforts.

If clay is your preferred medium, Centered Ceramics in Umina has a playful Wine and Clay class on Friday evenings, where you can craft a vase, mug or any type of ceramic you wish to take home.

22. Feast your way around the Coast on the Central Coast Makers Trail

This self-guided and indulgent road trip can be done in a half- or full-day or you could dedicate an entire weekend to it.

It connects 12 of the Central Coast’s best food and drink purveyors and makers, from a whisky experience at Amber Lane Distillery in Yarramalong, a stop to pick up delicious and cute-as-a-button treats at Adri’s Gingerbread in Lisarow, to the award-winning and family-owned Little Creek cheese factory in Wyong.

Unbuckle the belt for this one.

23. Dine at the Central Coast’s world-class restaurants

Adults with a penchant for good food will be pleased with the culinary offerings on the Central Coast. The region is home to six restaurants that were hatted by the Australian Good Food Guide in 2022, including the intimate and sophisticated Yellowtail in Terrigal, Wild Flower Bar + Dining at luxe guesthouse Bells at Killcare, and charming hinterland restaurant and bakehouse Saddles at Mt White.

24. Browse the Central Coast’s boutique stores

From vintage finds to bohemian clothing, the boutique shopping on the Central Coast is kept interesting by the many local designers and makers. It’s all about relaxed, chic and bohemian-style fashion on the Coast, with Bohemian Traders at Erina Heights, Shadow Bang at Long Jetty, La Boheme Lifestyle in Terrigal, and Antigua Collective, also Terrigal, among the favourites.

25. Stroll around the Central Coast’s many markets

If markets are more your style, you’re in luck. The Central Coast has a packed-out calendar of markets, including the long-standing Avoca Beachside Markets (held on the fourth Sunday of each month), Long Jetty Markets on the foreshore (held on the last Saturday of each month) and Woy Woy Waterfront markets (second Sunday of each month). You can read more about the Central Coast’s best markets in our guide.

26. Say cheers to local craft beer

Clearly, Coasties love their beer, with a handful of craft breweries calling the region home. The OG, Six Strings Brewing, opened in 2012 and has a taphouse at Erina as well as weekend brewery tours. In Gosford, Bay Rd Brewing has a light and airy taphouse with a food truck that changes weekly. Kincumber’s microbrewery, Block N Tackle offers a cheese and beer paddle in collaboration with local cheesemongers Little Creek Cheese. At Lisarow, you can try a wide range of beers and have a feed at Hawkesbury River Brewing Co., Big Little Brewing has opened at Gosford serving its craft beer alongside live music and a big screen for sports. And Goons Brewing is currently building its bricks-and-mortar brewery.

Unique things to do

From shucking for pearls to diving naval wrecks, the Central Coast has a long list of unforgettable experiences.

27. Shuck oysters while standing in the Hawkesbury River

If you’re an oyster lover, this is the ultimate experience. Don your waders and join Sydney Oyster Farm Tours at Mooney Mooney, where you will wade out in the waters where the oysters are grown, learn about the evolution of oyster farming, and then shuck and taste these delicious bivalves straight from the river.

28. Visit NSW’s only pearl farm

If you think pearl trumps oysters, then Broken Bay Pearl Farm – located on the sparkling Lower Hawkesbury River – should be on your radar. Sustainably growing the rarer-than-diamonds Akoya pearls, the run tours where you can learn about the lifecycle of a pearl, browse the jewellery at the ‘shellar door’, and enjoy some fresh local oysters.

29. Have breakfast with alpacas at Iris Lodge

Forget smashed avo at your local café; join the alpacas of Iris Lodge Alpacas in Jilliby for breakfast instead. There are more than 100 alpacas to meet and greet, as well as sheep, cows and horses. Families can also stay overnight at the farm.

30. Scuba dive the artificial reef of the HMAS Adelaide

Scuttled in April 2011, the HMAS Adelaide is located 1.5 kilometres off the coast of Terrigal and is the largest former naval dive wreck in the Southern Hemisphere. This diverse and complex dive site quickly became an artificial reef thriving with marine life, such as crabs, octopus, sponges, large grouper, turtles, dolphins and seals. Dives can be booked through Pro Dive Central Coast.

Things to do at night

The fun doesn’t stop once the sun sets.

31. Spend an evening at the theatre

Laycock Street Community Theatre has been the home of performing arts on the Central Coast for more than three decades and the HQ for Gosford Musical Society, which stages its productions – alongside other national acts – at the 396-seat theatre. The Art House at Wyong is the Central Coast’s newest state-of-the-art performance space, attracting local and international acts, including Anh Do, Opera Australia and Amy Shark.

32. Hop around the Central Coast’s best bars

Make your way to Tropicana Social Club in Woy Woy for pizzas and tropical drinks with a 1950s vibe, or rewind another 20 years with a drink at Motel Mezza, which is housed in a former 1930s bank in Wyong. Another heritage building brought back to life is that of Long Jetty’s The Savoy; this former 1950s theatre has been converted into a multi-purpose bar and restaurant, complete with regular film screenings. Hotel Gosford has become an iconic watering hole all over again after a huge refurb; its sleek Art Deco style is a nod to its 1920s origins. While in beach town Terrigal, Pocket Bar is an edgy bolthole where inventive cocktails and delicious bar bites are on the menu. Keep reading our guide for more bar-hopping recommendations.

33. Have a wild night at Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park

Located at Calga, Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park is a sanctuary for native animals including the Tassie devil, koala and wombat. Once the sun sets, you can bring a torch and follow a ranger as you spot wildlife, such as possums and bilbies, when they are most active. If you want to stay overnight, eco cabins are available to book, so you can enjoy a campfire and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush.

34. Catch a film or performance at Avoca Beach Theatre

Run by the same family since 1948, the historic Avoca Beach Theatre is a charming single-screen cinema with red velvet seats, and a café and wine bar to boot. Come to watch the latest blockbuster films as well as an impressive list of independent films.

Things to do in the rain

If you’re stuck indoors thanks to wet weather, make it fun with these perfect rainy-day activities.

35. Admire art and photography at local galleries

Ken Duncan is one of Australia’s most famous landscape photographers; visit his gallery at Erina Heights, followed by a coffee or lunch in Kew Dining next door. Gosford Regional Gallery in East Gosford has three spaces with rotating exhibitions and the popular annual Gosford Art Prize. While over at Killcare, Bouddi Gallery exclusively trades in unique arts and crafts produced by remote Aboriginal Art Centres from across the country.

36. Bliss out at one of the Central Coast’s many day spas

Disconnect from your busy schedule and connect with the ancient land at the intimate Bells Day Spa at Bells at Killcare, where native products are used in conjunction with healing techniques inspired by Indigenous Australia. At Vie Spa in Pullman Magenta Shores Resort, all-Australian organic products are used for the top-to-toe rituals, in a space that provides Japanese-style zen. Or relax in the luxe Roman Spa at Aztec Skin Clinic & Day Spa, complete with a fruit and cheese platter, followed by a Fiji-inspired treatment.