Central Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
The Entrance featuring a sunset and a sandy beach
Central Coast
Central Coast
Central Coast showing a bay or harbour, waves and rugged coastline
Central Coast featuring bird life
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

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Dangar Island

Travellers 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

Travellers 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

Sunny Corner is popular for its beaches, and you can check out Muogamarra Nature Reserve, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Sunny Corner
Mantra Ettalong Beach
Mantra Ettalong Beach
4 out of 5
53-54 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, NSW
The price is ₹9,840 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
₹9,840
₹9,840 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Ettalong Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 20 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,316 reviews)
"Great location, clean and convenient central coast location."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

Mantra Ettalong Beach
Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
3 out of 5
23 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford, NSW
The price is ₹6,577 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
₹6,577
₹7,277 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this motel in West Gosford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (952 reviews)
"Great bed"

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

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 ₹12,402 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
₹12,402
₹13,643 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Terrigal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Great stay, clean room and very friendly staff - great location."

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 20 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,316 reviews)
"Great location, clean and convenient central coast location."

Reviewed on 18 Nov 2024

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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,217 reviews)
"It was a perfect spot for a little getaway"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites
Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat
Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat
4 out of 5
224 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Terrigal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (578 reviews)
"Lovely spot for a short stay. Facilities clean and staff friendly. Pool area is lovely and it was great to have a room with easy access. Also only a short walk to Terrigal Beach and only 5 mins drive to Erina Fair. The only down side was the construction goimg on next door which was about 2 meters ..."

Reviewed on 2 Oct 2024

Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat
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