Central Coast

Travel Guide
The Entrance featuring a sunset and a beach
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

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
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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
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Wyee

While visiting Wyee, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Macquarie and Central Coast Hinterland.

Wyee
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Sunny Corner

Visitors highly recommend Sunny Corner for its beaches, and you can make a stop by Muogamarra Nature Reserve while you're in town.

Sunny Corner
Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
3 out of 5
23 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford, NSW
The price is CA $105 per night from Dec. 3 to Dec. 4
CA $105
CA $117 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Stay at this motel in West Gosford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (936 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful receptionist, clean and comfortable room, easy parking."

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2024

Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
Mantra Ettalong Beach
Mantra Ettalong Beach
4 out of 5
53-54 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, NSW
The price is CA $164 per night from Nov. 3 to Nov. 4
CA $164
CA $164 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Ettalong Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 20 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,272 reviews)
"Great location within walkable distance to the ferry wharf. Beautiful beach across the road from the hotel."

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2024

Mantra Ettalong Beach
Ocean Front at The Entrance
Ocean Front at The Entrance
4 out of 5
102 Ocean Parade, The Entrance, NSW
The price is CA $101 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $101
CA $112 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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! (999 reviews)
"Great spot, fantastic view"

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2024

Ocean Front at The Entrance
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.
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 helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,272 reviews)
"Great location within walkable distance to the ferry wharf. Beautiful beach across the road from the hotel."

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2024

Mantra Ettalong Beach
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 garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,351 reviews)
"The staff Communicate well and the room is what we really need."

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2024

Nesuto The Entrance Apartments
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, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,212 reviews)
"It was a perfect spot for a little getaway"

Reviewed on Oct. 29, 2024

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.

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Cities near Central Coast