Central Coast

Travel Guide
Blue Bay featuring surf and a bay or harbor
This stretch of coast between New South Wales’ two largest cities is a perfect getaway, with beautiful beaches, native rainforests, coastal villages and wildlife.

Known as “the playground of two cities”, New South Wales’ Central Coast is a scenic stretch of coastline between Sydney and Newcastle. Featuring a diverse landscape of gorgeous beaches, scenic inlets, rivers, lakes and picturesque hinterland, the Central Coast has plenty of exciting destinations for relaxation and adventure. Visit charming towns and see historic lighthouses. Hike through fragrant eucalypt forests and spot whales off the shore.

Explore Gosford, the coast’s largest township. Embark on a road trip north towards the Wyong region to tour the laid-back coastal towns. Terrigal Beach and Avoca Beach are popular swimming spots. Wax up your surfboard and hit the surf breaks at North Avoca and Soldiers Beach. Enjoy a cooling dip in the rock pools at Pearl Beach.

Experience breathtaking coastal views with a walk along the 9-kilometre (5.6-mile) trail that stretches from MacMasters Beach to Terrigal. More trails can be found in the Central Coast’s numerous national parks. See the cascading Somersby Falls in Brisbane Water National Park, near Gosford. Bouddi National Park is home to pristine beaches, jagged cliffs and several Aboriginal cultural sites. Hike through beautiful red gumtrees to Crackneck Point Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park and spot whales breaching out at sea.

Learn about the Central Coast’s diverse wildlife at the Australian Reptile Park or the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, both of which are ideal for kids. Other family-friendly attractions include the Tree Top Adventure Park, where you can ride a zip line through the trees in the lush Ourimbah State Forest.

Other leisure activities include mini golf and indoor swimming at the Mingara Recreation Club. Catch a performance at the annual Central Coast Country Music Festival or an opera production in the Arboretum.

Main towns along the Central Coast are accessible by regular trains from Sydney. Just 1 hour’s drive north from Sydney, the Central Coast is a great weekend getaway. Visit in summer for sun-drenched beach days or in winter for whale-watching season.

Where to stay in Central Coast

Spotted this little fellow as we were leaving the carpark down at the park in Brooklyn in NSW.  He was at eye view and very friendly.  
Normally possums

Brooklyn

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Brooklyn. You might want to make time for a stop at Brisbane Water National Park or Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Brooklyn
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Berowra Waters

While visiting Berowra Waters, you might make a stop by sights like Berowra Waters Marina and Marramarra National Park.

Berowra Waters
This little Island is very isolated with access only by boat. A ferry ride from Brooklyn will get you there in about 15 minutes. The ferry service is fairly frequent and reasonable in price. $6.70 Adults and $3.40 children over 5/Seniors/Concession, this is each way.
The walking track around Dangar Island is just 3.3km from the ferry wharf. Up the hills and down around bends, the views across the Hawkesbury river are second to none. Lots of quirky and artistic finds and the flora and fauna is abundant with a lot of native flowers in bloom.

Dangar Island

Travelers like the parks in Dangar Island, and Brisbane Water National Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Dangar Island
My friend and I explored the Ku-Ring-Gai forest and stumbled upon this overlook that was absolutely breathtaking. It was a great place to watch the sun set and enjoy the great day we had! #Adventure

Ku-ring-gai Chase

If you're spending some time in Ku-ring-gai Chase, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Anembo Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

Ku-ring-gai Chase
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Cowan

While visiting Cowan, you might make a stop by sights like Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Central Coast Hinterland.

Cowan
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Milsons Passage

Travelers like the parks in Milsons Passage, and Brisbane Water National Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Milsons Passage
Ocean Front at The Entrance
Ocean Front at The Entrance
4 out of 5
102 Ocean Parade, The Entrance, NSW
The price is NT$2,418 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
NT$2,418
per night
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in The Entrance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (997 reviews)
"The motel is next to the beach. Unfortunately, my room does not have a sea view. The room is spacious and clean. Wifi is good and there is Netflix."

Reviewed on 2024/3/28

Ocean Front at The Entrance
Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
3 out of 5
23 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford, NSW
The price is NT$2,854 per night from Apr 15 to Apr 16
NT$2,854
per night
Apr 15 - Apr 16
Stay at this motel in West Gosford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (811 reviews)
"Great motel, good value for money and close to the CBD. Easy going and helpful hosts."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Pine Tree Lane, Terrigal, NSW
The price is NT$5,402 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
NT$5,402
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this luxury hotel in Terrigal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Reception staff could be friendlier, happier and more helpful."

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Nesuto The Entrance Apartments
Nesuto The Entrance Apartments
3.5 out of 5
18 Coral Street, The Entrance, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in The Entrance. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,275 reviews)
"Property was good only problem was TV volume was too low"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Nesuto The Entrance Apartments
Mantra Ettalong Beach
Mantra Ettalong Beach
4 out of 5
53-54 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, NSW
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Ettalong Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 20 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,214 reviews)
"Service was nice, rooms were as expected, although a bit of damage on the inside, loose tiles, trip hazard but nothing that ruined the overall experience."

Reviewed on 2024/3/13

Mantra Ettalong Beach
Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites
Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites
4 out of 5
89 The Entrance Road, The Entrance, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in The Entrance. Enjoy free WiFi, a children's pool, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,151 reviews)
"Great atmosphere"

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Coast