20 Things to do on the Central Coast: NSW's Newest Eco Destination

We’ve partnered with Love Central Coast to bring you the ultimate guide to the Central Coast.

Just a short 90-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Sydney awaits the idyllic Central Coast, a thriving mecca of unrivalled natural beauty, unique experiences and award-winning dining - and now an ECO Destination, accredited by Ecotourism. The perfect weekend escape – but don’t let us stop you at just a weekend – because there is so much to do, see, eat and drink that you’ll be booking your next stay before the weekend is through.

We know it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but the Central Coast’s natural beauty cannot be denied. The region is renowned for its pristine beaches – 42 to be precise – with uncrowded stretches of sand and renowned surf breaks. The Central Coast is also home to several national parks and state forests, with everything from rolling green hinterland to pockets of rainforests to rugged bushland.

To help you plan your next eco getaway, we've rounded up the best the region has to offer, from idyllic landscapes and outdoor adventures to gastronomic delights and luxe places to rest your head at the end of a busy day exploring. 

Central Coast Travel Guide: Where to Eat and Drink

No getaway is complete without fully immersing yourself in the local foodie scene, and the Central Coast’s culinary offerings don’t disappoint. 

Whether you’re after a gourmet breaky and the perfect brew or a casual lunch with a killer view, the region has become known as a foodie hotspot so you won’t be left wanting. 

In Terrigal start your day with coffee and a pastry at Sonoma and pick up something from their exclusive ‘bake at home’ range which is only available at their Terrigal location.

For dinner head to Yellowtail for eclectic but bold flavours and refined dining, or opt for panoramic ocean views and a menu centred around sustainability at, The Cowrie. Over in Ettalong, Safran, will take your tastebuds on a trip to Turkey and the newly hatted Osteria Il Coccia, is all about Italian cuisine cooked with flare in their charcoal oven. 

Why not take it up a notch with a self-guided epicurean trail which you can follow? The newly-formed Central Coast Makers Trail will see you tour a smorgasbord of culinary experiences, taking in the boutique artisans and fine producers who call the Central Coast home.

Mrs May Bistro and Bar, The Entrance Social Club  

Mrs May Bistro and Bar is a sleek and sexy space that offers a mouth-watering menu of modern cuisine and delicious signature cocktails. Flowing outside to a dog-friendly, courtyard and sundrenched deck, the bar is equipped with an Instagram-worthy backdrop of umbrellas and greenery.  

87 The Entrance Road, The Entrance  

The Dart and Feather  

The Dart and Feather is a restaurant, bar, lounge and retreat with serious vibes. It offers up live entertainment, a mouth-watering Asian and European fusion menu, a wine list that’s been curated by their expert sommelier and cocktails created by their in-house mixologists.  

7/50 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal  

Avoca Beach House  

Avoca Beach House is perfectly positioned just a few short steps from the sand and surf – the epitome of beach to bar. Enjoy a dip in the iconic beach and refuel with high-quality share-style platters and sensational cocktails in a relaxed space with 180-degree beachside views. It is the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, and everything in between. 

85 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach  

Central Coast Travel Guide: Where to Walk

Make your way into Terrigal for dusk and take a stroll along the new Terrigal Boardwalk at the southern end of Terrigal Beach which connects the village to The Haven and its walking track and the iconic Skillion landmark.  

Or if you’re after some more serious on-foot exploration, check out some of the Central Coast’s incredible walking trails. Keep it short and sweet with the Girrakool Loop Track in Brisbane Water National Park, a 2km loop through tranquil bushland offering scenic views over waterfalls, colourful wildflowers and an Aboriginal rock engraving site. 

Central Coast Travel Guide: Where to Explore

If you're keen for more adventures, try the Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place in Brisbane Water National Park where you will find some truly amazing Aboriginal rock art. The site is sacred to the local Indigenous people, and in order to protect and preserve the carvings a short, flat boardwalk has been built to tour you around each image.  

Or for the more serious hikers amongst us, the Bouddi Coastal Walk in Bouddi National Park is famous for its beaches, boardwalk and birdlife. It's one of the most beautiful (and popular) walks on the Central Coast but the route is not for the faint-hearted... 8km one way (via boardwalk and bushwalk) but it pays off when you reach breathtaking breaks at its series of coastal lookouts across the Pacific Ocean. 

Broken Bay Pearl Farm

Stop by Broken Bay Pearl Farm, NSW’s only pearl farm that sustainably grows Akoya pearls. Located on the sparkling Lower Hawkesbury River, you can take a tour of the farm and learn about the lifecycle of a pear, browse the goods in their ‘Shellar Door” and enjoy some fresh local oysters, because why not. 

Sydney Oyster Farm Tours

If you like your oysters a little more hands-on, you can’t beat the Sydney Oyster Farm Tours at Mooney Mooney. This unique experience will literally immerse you in the waters where the oysters grow. Don waders (très chic) and walk among the oyster leases in the beautiful Hawkesbury River, learning about the evolution of oyster farming, before shucking and tasting them straight from the water.   

Central Coast Travel Guide: Where to Adventure

If you like your exploration a little more active then make your way to The Entrance Boatshed where you can hire a motorboat, stand-up paddle board, pedal boat or other watercraft to help you explore the region from the water. 

Or why not go all-out Aussie adventurer and head to the iconic Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures where a host of activities for thrill seekers await? Go high-octane with quad bikes, soar to new heights with abseiling – or go back to basics with horse riding.

You can even do a Cattle Drive Ride which sees you mustering cattle through the scenic green valley of soaring eucalypt, trickling creeks and pockets of rainforest. We weren’t joking when we said there really is something for everyone!

Central Coast Travel Guide: Where to Stay

After a busy day of exploring and eating, eating and exploring there’s nothing better than coming back to a room that takes your breath away. Or better yet, a whole house...

JoJos in Wamberal is a sprawling property set on 10,000sqm and just five minutes from the ocean. It’s more than just a house – it’s a sanctuary. The property sleeps 12, with six bedrooms and four bathrooms, so it’s perfect for families and groups. 

In summer, you'll spend your time around the pool and cabana complete with resort-style facilities including a three-level magnesium pool, Infrared Sauna, fully functional kitchen, dining area and multiple lounges that overlook the pool and lush green backdrop. 

Or if lifting a finger is not on your agenda, you might prefer to take up (temporary) residence at the iconic Bells at Killcare. Bringing a touch of luxe to the Central Coast, this boutique guesthouse has been doing what it does best since 2007.

Come for the Hamptons décor stay for the day spa and world-class Mediterranean-inspired menu at The Wild Flower Bar + Dining. 

Right on Sydney’s doorstep, the Central Coast is the ultimate getaway to escape the city, unwind, indulge and explore. Offering something for everyone, the paradisiacal region truly is an ECO Destination just waiting to be explored. To start planning your own Central Coast adventure, or for more news and travel inspiration visit Love Central Coast.