The best things to do on the Central Coast.

From wild national parks and sun-kissed beaches, to bustling bars, boutiques and trendy food haunts, the Central Coast is one of the best places to escape for a weekend sojourn. Wander through the hinterland wilderness, browse the local markets or treat yourself to a shopping spree, this coastal gem is so worth escaping the city for. Here’s our pick of the best things to do on the Central Coast  ̶  the perfect list to share with your friends to kick start the holiday planning.

Arts & Culture

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 Exhale Art Studio or Pinot & Picasso Terrigal

Head to Long Jetty for a creative session with Exhale Art Studio. Known for their range of creative art classes and workshops they host everything from paint and sip to life drawing.

Enjoy a wine and art session with Pinot & Picasso in the heart of Terrigal, as you perfect your art in a social evening class.

Exhale Art Studio – Unit 7, 314-316 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty
Pinot & Picasso Terrigal – 2/6 Pine Tree Lane, Terrigal

See a show from the nation’s finest at The Arthouse Wyong

Some of the hottest acts head to The Arthouse – from comedy, music, performance and theatrical; think The Whitlams, Tommy Little, Lior, The Sydney Comedy Showcase, and much more. 

19-21 Margaret Street, Wyong

Eat & Drink

Take the Central Coast’s unofficial coffee tour

Local roasting house Glee Coffee at Wyong is a neighbourhood favourite. Housed in the historic Chapman Building precinct in the heart of the village, you’ll feel at ease sipping the day away and snacking on their delectable brunch bites. 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 heart set on the pulled pork toastie. Delish!

Glee Coffee- Shop 9, 14 Alison Road, Wyong and Shop 4, 490 Central Coast Highway, Erina Heights
Rise Mofo- 3/327 Main Road, Toukley
Lords of Pour- 199a Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach

Enjoy a long lunch at BonBon

The Central Coast’s cool hangout, The Bon Pavilion’s Bon Bon is the perfect locale for a mid-week catch up or weekend brunch. Start with bubbles and shared snacks, and make your way through their hearty classics and premium drops.

159 Mann Street, Gosford

Indulge the sweet tooth at Bouffant the bakery

Located in a heritage building in the heart of a transforming Gosford central, Bouffant is a creative wonderland that will satisfy your sweet treat cravings. Serving up a variety of sugary confections, doughnuts and other delectable treats, you’ll find it hard to order just one pastry.

38 Mann Street, Gosford

Sip on cocktails at Pocket Bar

Pocket Bar is a popular central coast hangout thanks to bespoke cocktails (if your favourite tipple isn’t on the menu – just ask the bartender to whip it up), a long wine list, and a solid selection of tapas plates. 

74 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

Book a seat at fine diner Yellowtail

Situated in the heart of Terrigal village, this cosy restaurant is all about flavour and creativity. Yellowtail’s fine dining menu heroes Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, and each dish highlights their signature culinary flair.

3/1 Campbell Crescent, Terrigal

Sip and snack at Bar Toto

Italian trattoria Bar Toto is the local go-to for cocktails and antipasti. You’ll want to try the calamari fritti, arancini and burrata truffle. Delicious! 

83/189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach

Shop

Pick up some sustainable threads at Shadow Bang Apothecary and Supply 

Not only housed in the most delightful triangular shopfront (just calling out for an Insta-photo) it’s also home to fashion and beauty with heart. Shadow Bang Apothecary and Supply are known for stocking sustainable brands by female creatives who are committed to providing ethical or small batch alternatives to commercial products for women.

310B The Entrance Road, Long Jetty

Stroll the Ettalong Markets and Mountain Growers Markets

Treasure hunt for clothing, art, and handcrafted jewellery at Ettalong Markets, then pick up fruit and veggies, freshly baked bread, antiques and homewares at Mountain Growers Markets (located at Peats Ridge). 

Ettalong Markets- 189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach
Mountain Growers Markets- 1109 Peats Ridge Road, Peats Ridge

Buy some chic threads at La Boheme Lifestyle  or Franki & Co

La Boheme Lifestyle boutique at Terrigal channels a relaxed Byron Bay vibe, with fashion brands, homewares, accessories and new-age wellness products. 

Franki & Co at Norah Head has a stylish mix of both fashion and homewares, showcasing a great selection of much loved Australian coastal brands.

La Boheme Lifestyle – 1/271 Scenic Highway, Terrigal
Frankie & Co – 15B Mitchell Street Norah Head

Up your design game with Coastal Road Interiors’ gorgeous homewares

Coastal Road at Toukley, a multi-roomed treasure trove of unique pieces and striking interior design, reflects the Central Coast’s relaxed coastal feel. You’ll need extra boot space for your trip back to Sydney after a visit to this beautiful store.

137 Main Road, Toukley

Treat yourself to Haven at Home’s bespoke collection

The treasures continue at Haven at Home in Erina Heights. An inspiring blend of homewares and gifts sourced locally and overseas, you can’t go past their beautiful array of jewellery. From Kirstin Ash finery to A LA’s stone rings, you won’t go home empty-handed.

490 Central Coast Highway, Erina Heights

Indulge in retail therapy at Bohemian Traders

Popular online brand Bohemian Traders calls the Central Coast home with their HQ based in Erina. Run by husband and wife team Emily and David Berlach, you can expect classic European designs in beautiful patterns and colours, alongside trendy seasonal looks.

Shop 2A, 490 Central Coast Highway, Erina 

Play 

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 sunbake 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. 

Learn to surf

Want to learn how to carve it up? The Central Coast Surf Academy runs classes at a string of beaches along the coast. You’ll be a surfer girl in no time!

Kick off your morning with the Patonga to Pearl Beach hike

The 2-hour hike begins at the Patonga Boat Ramp and takes you on a scenic climb through Brisbane Waters National Park. Stop at Warrah Lookout for breathtaking views of Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River. Wear your swimmers so you can go for a refreshing dip when you reach Pearl Beach. A quicker option is the Box Head Track, which takes about an hour.

Explore

Bouddi National Park

With secluded beaches, bays, rainforests, trails and thriving marine and wildlife, the park is incredible. You could spend days exploring it, or you could do the Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk. One of the most famous coastal walks in Australia, it’s the perfect snapshot of the Central Coast. Keep an eye out for migrating whales!

Picnic and splash around at Somersby Falls

The waterfall itself is stunning, and the surrounding area is perfect for picnics, with BBQs, tables, and lush rainforest views.

Maitland Bay

Pack a picnic and make your way to Maitland Bay. Walk down the 2km trail to the secluded bay, where you’ll find a shipwreck dating back to 1898. The bay is great at any time, and best at sunset.

Wamberal Lagoon

Hidden behind Wamberal Beach, the lagoon is peaceful and pristine, and ideal for water sports and wildlife-watching.

For more destination guides and local travel inspiration, head to Sitchu.