Fiona’s guidebook

Fiona
Fiona’s guidebook

Best Beaches

The Central Coast has so many great beaches, so which one is for you? Here are our recommendations and why. I am sure at least one will hit your fancy.
12 minutes drive Pick of the beaches as an all rounder, nearby kids playground, grassy area for picnics and on the beach multiple places to swim and be protected from the swell. Best kid friendly beach option on the coast.
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Toowoon Bay Beach
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12 minutes drive Pick of the beaches as an all rounder, nearby kids playground, grassy area for picnics and on the beach multiple places to swim and be protected from the swell. Best kid friendly beach option on the coast.
11 minutes drive This one is for the surfers, when an easterly swell is running this place is where you want to be.
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Wamberal Beach
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11 minutes drive This one is for the surfers, when an easterly swell is running this place is where you want to be.
12 minutes drive Place to go if you want to combine a great relaxing time at the beach mixed with shopping, fish and chips and ice-cream. Be prepared, this is tourist central so plenty of visitors and it may be a hunt for a beachside parking spot.
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特裏加爾海灘（ Terrigal Beach
140 Terrigal Drive
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12 minutes drive Place to go if you want to combine a great relaxing time at the beach mixed with shopping, fish and chips and ice-cream. Be prepared, this is tourist central so plenty of visitors and it may be a hunt for a beachside parking spot.
11 minutes drive Off the beaten path of most tourists this beach has seclusion and natural beauty with the bushland right down to the sand. It’s a short steep walk in but don’t let that put you off. Magic place. Please note this is an unpatrolled beach.
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Bateau Bay Beach
Bateau Bay Beach Access
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11 minutes drive Off the beaten path of most tourists this beach has seclusion and natural beauty with the bushland right down to the sand. It’s a short steep walk in but don’t let that put you off. Magic place. Please note this is an unpatrolled beach.

Top walks

The central coast has a varied range of walks from beach, lake and hinterland. Here are our top recommendations to get your steps up.
9 minutes drive A scenic easy walk with wide flat concrete paths makes this one child friendly. Great views of the lake and can also do a bit of house spotting. Multiple points to hop on or off the track, recommend parking at Lions Park in Chittaway Bay. Remember to act like a local and say G'day to passer-by's.
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Tuggerah Lake
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9 minutes drive A scenic easy walk with wide flat concrete paths makes this one child friendly. Great views of the lake and can also do a bit of house spotting. Multiple points to hop on or off the track, recommend parking at Lions Park in Chittaway Bay. Remember to act like a local and say G'day to passer-by's.
11 minutes drive For coastal views it’s hard to beat this walk between Bateau Bay Beach and Crackneck Lookout. 3km’s each way, it’s well used and signposted and runs through a strip of coastal forest so it is well shaded.
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The Coast walking track
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11 minutes drive For coastal views it’s hard to beat this walk between Bateau Bay Beach and Crackneck Lookout. 3km’s each way, it’s well used and signposted and runs through a strip of coastal forest so it is well shaded.
25 minute drive This place is an ecotourism gem on the coast. There are a number of walks to choose from when you arrive or places to chill and have a picnic. Great diversity in flora and fauna, wildflowers, grass trees, Gymea lilies, tall eucalypts and lush rainforests make this a worthwhile visit.
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Strickland State Forest
Strickland Forest Road
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25 minute drive This place is an ecotourism gem on the coast. There are a number of walks to choose from when you arrive or places to chill and have a picnic. Great diversity in flora and fauna, wildflowers, grass trees, Gymea lilies, tall eucalypts and lush rainforests make this a worthwhile visit.
30 minute drive - closed for upgrades until June 2024 It’s only a 100 metre walk in via a wooden staircase from the picnic area. The falls are best to be seen in summer to enjoy its cool spray or after rain when the falls flow stronger. A bit of a tourist hot spot so don’t expect to be on your own.
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Somersby Falls
Somersby Falls Walking Track
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30 minute drive - closed for upgrades until June 2024 It’s only a 100 metre walk in via a wooden staircase from the picnic area. The falls are best to be seen in summer to enjoy its cool spray or after rain when the falls flow stronger. A bit of a tourist hot spot so don’t expect to be on your own.

Sightseeing

The central coast is loaded with natural wonders. There are also great tourist locations to check out. Here are our top picks.
25 minute drive This is a very well run and interactive Zoo with not just reptiles, but also a wide range of native fauna and flora. Don’t miss the shows; they are very entertaining as well as informative.
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澳洲爬蟲公園
Pacific Highway
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25 minute drive This is a very well run and interactive Zoo with not just reptiles, but also a wide range of native fauna and flora. Don’t miss the shows; they are very entertaining as well as informative.
20 minutes drive If you are looking for a chance to be in nature and get an adrenalin rush as well check Tree Tops out in Ourimbah State Forest. It has obstacle courses with bridges and tunnels well above the forest floor and also a zip line roller coaster ride. Ourimbah State Forest also has some great mountain bike and 4wd tracks also accessed off Red Hill rd.
Ourimbah State Forest
Bruces Point Road
20 minutes drive If you are looking for a chance to be in nature and get an adrenalin rush as well check Tree Tops out in Ourimbah State Forest. It has obstacle courses with bridges and tunnels well above the forest floor and also a zip line roller coaster ride. Ourimbah State Forest also has some great mountain bike and 4wd tracks also accessed off Red Hill rd.
19 minute drive Great for families with young children. Opportunity to pat farm animals, take a train ride through a small zoo. Be aware it isn't cheap to go and there are some additional charges for holding animals.
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Amazement' Farm & Fun Park
170 Yarramalong Rd
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19 minute drive Great for families with young children. Opportunity to pat farm animals, take a train ride through a small zoo. Be aware it isn't cheap to go and there are some additional charges for holding animals.
4 minutes drive There is an indoor 8 lane heated Olympic pool, a leisure pool which includes a whirlpool and baby pool and a hydrotherapy pool
Mingara Aquatics
14c Mingara Dr
4 minutes drive There is an indoor 8 lane heated Olympic pool, a leisure pool which includes a whirlpool and baby pool and a hydrotherapy pool

Look Out!

17 minutes drive The lookout is an impressive feature in its own right. Fantastic views and also a good spot to look for whales off the coast between May and November. Can easily tie in other activities at Terrigal at the same time.
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The Skillion
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17 minutes drive The lookout is an impressive feature in its own right. Fantastic views and also a good spot to look for whales off the coast between May and November. Can easily tie in other activities at Terrigal at the same time.
11 minutes drive. Don't let the name put you off! Great ocean views in a quiet bush setting with nearby walks. Excellent spot for a picnic. It is also the best whale watching location on the central coast from May to November.
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Crackneck Lookout
Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk
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11 minutes drive. Don't let the name put you off! Great ocean views in a quiet bush setting with nearby walks. Excellent spot for a picnic. It is also the best whale watching location on the central coast from May to November.

The Coastie Food scene

There is an emerging food scene here on the coast mostly based on coastie cafe culture of enjoying a great coffee while on a walk to the beach. Our list is a bit broader than that with breakfast, lunch and dinner options with alternative outlets as well as urban grunge. We also throw in some locations you cannot beat for decadent desserts. Hmmm, I am getting hungry just thinking about it.
15 minute drive This is a great place for dinner with a relaxed atmosphere in an old bank. There are even tables in the bank vault! Flavourful Mediterranean food and bar with plenty of plant based options.
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Motel Mezza Social Bar
98 Pacific Hwy
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15 minute drive This is a great place for dinner with a relaxed atmosphere in an old bank. There are even tables in the bank vault! Flavourful Mediterranean food and bar with plenty of plant based options.
15 minute drive Pick up some fish and chips and take them to the beach to enjoy
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Big Tuna Fish Co.
131 The Entrance Rd
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15 minute drive Pick up some fish and chips and take them to the beach to enjoy
12 minute drive. Great relaxed artisan bakery & café experience in bustling long jetty. Our current favourite for brunch or lunch.
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Green Tangerine Long Jetty
393 The Entrance Rd
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12 minute drive. Great relaxed artisan bakery & café experience in bustling long jetty. Our current favourite for brunch or lunch.
15 minute drive. Looking for a decent pizza or pasta dine in experience? Go no further than four hands.
Four Hands Pizza Bar & Grill
15 minute drive. Looking for a decent pizza or pasta dine in experience? Go no further than four hands.
20 minutes drive. Daily Dough Co at Wyong Creek serves the most decadent dough nuts you can find on the central coast and they even have vegan varieties. It is located in an old milk factory which also has a free inflatable child play area, bonus! Personally we cannot get enough hole foods in our diet.
Daily Dough Co
20 minutes drive. Daily Dough Co at Wyong Creek serves the most decadent dough nuts you can find on the central coast and they even have vegan varieties. It is located in an old milk factory which also has a free inflatable child play area, bonus! Personally we cannot get enough hole foods in our diet.
20 minute drive. If you want to spoil your partner with luxury chocolate made on site then this is the place to go, located on the site of the old Wyong milk factory at Wyong creek, you wont be disappointed with their amazing creations.
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Luka Chocolates
141-155 Alison Rd
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20 minute drive. If you want to spoil your partner with luxury chocolate made on site then this is the place to go, located on the site of the old Wyong milk factory at Wyong creek, you wont be disappointed with their amazing creations.
Quirky name for a quirky place, and yes it has a cat in its logo. Good Vietnamese food and bar with a unique ambience. Tip - great views if you ask at booking.
MAEW MAEW
Quirky name for a quirky place, and yes it has a cat in its logo. Good Vietnamese food and bar with a unique ambience. Tip - great views if you ask at booking.
Hungry Wolf's is recommended as a takeaway option if you are after good value authentic pizza. Tip: There are multiple sites on the coast but Wyong and Wyoming have significantly better reviews than the other outlets.
Hungry wolf's wyong
Hungry Wolf's is recommended as a takeaway option if you are after good value authentic pizza. Tip: There are multiple sites on the coast but Wyong and Wyoming have significantly better reviews than the other outlets.
Nestled in Bushland behind the beach and with the sounds of birdlife this popular cafe has been recently refurbished. A good combo with a local swim and walk.
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Bateau Beach Cafe
61 Bateau Bay Rd
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Nestled in Bushland behind the beach and with the sounds of birdlife this popular cafe has been recently refurbished. A good combo with a local swim and walk.
Looking for a local coffee fix you don't need to make yourself? This one is highly rated and only a few minutes away. Tip, while it has a great ambience it has poor roof insulation so hot as Hades when 30+ so consider ordering as a takeaway.
The Daily Coffee Brew
Looking for a local coffee fix you don't need to make yourself? This one is highly rated and only a few minutes away. Tip, while it has a great ambience it has poor roof insulation so hot as Hades when 30+ so consider ordering as a takeaway.

Our kayaking and paddle boarding locations

Just about every household on the coast has a recreational water floatation device of some kind, be it a boat, jet ski, surf board, paddleboard, kayak or canoe. We personally enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking so if you have come prepared this is where the locals go.
11 minutes drive. Start at Chittaway Point boat ramp and either head down stream to the lake if there is no wind or head upstream. Heading upstream is a a fun adventure, the creak starts as wide and tidal and you can check out local properties as you paddle but as you get further upstream the water becomes more fresh and the scenery more wild. You will go under a road bridge and train bridge and come to a weir if you paddle enough. If you make it to the weir and back you would have paddles approximately 9km's, a fair effort!
Ourimbah Creek, New South Wales, 澳洲
11 minutes drive. Start at Chittaway Point boat ramp and either head down stream to the lake if there is no wind or head upstream. Heading upstream is a a fun adventure, the creak starts as wide and tidal and you can check out local properties as you paddle but as you get further upstream the water becomes more fresh and the scenery more wild. You will go under a road bridge and train bridge and come to a weir if you paddle enough. If you make it to the weir and back you would have paddles approximately 9km's, a fair effort!
15 minute drive. Drive to the Entrance bridge and drop in either the north or southern side. You have choice here, paddle to the ocean mouth on the east side of the bridge or paddle out west into the heart of the lake. There are even some small islands you can land on. Amazing photography and best paddling early morning or at dusk. If going close to the entrance mouth to the ocean watch out for currents unless you want to paddle to New Zealand.
澳洲新南威爾斯州塘鵝湖
15 minute drive. Drive to the Entrance bridge and drop in either the north or southern side. You have choice here, paddle to the ocean mouth on the east side of the bridge or paddle out west into the heart of the lake. There are even some small islands you can land on. Amazing photography and best paddling early morning or at dusk. If going close to the entrance mouth to the ocean watch out for currents unless you want to paddle to New Zealand.
18 minutes drive. There are many options to explore Wyong river, you can either head toward the lake or head upstream. Lions park Wyong, Tacoma boat ramp or the milk factory at Wyong creek are all good locations to drop in. A regular jaunt for us is to head upstream from Lions park to the milk factory which is about a 1.5 hr trip at a leisurely pace, have a dough nut at Daily Dough Co and then paddle back which tends to be quicker heading downstream so allow about an hour for that. Another option is to explore upstream above the weir at the milk factory and turn back whenever you are ready. You cannot go too wrong with this location.
Wyong River, New South Wales 2259澳洲
18 minutes drive. There are many options to explore Wyong river, you can either head toward the lake or head upstream. Lions park Wyong, Tacoma boat ramp or the milk factory at Wyong creek are all good locations to drop in. A regular jaunt for us is to head upstream from Lions park to the milk factory which is about a 1.5 hr trip at a leisurely pace, have a dough nut at Daily Dough Co and then paddle back which tends to be quicker heading downstream so allow about an hour for that. Another option is to explore upstream above the weir at the milk factory and turn back whenever you are ready. You cannot go too wrong with this location.