Avoca Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Avoca Beach showing waves, a bay or harbour and a beach
Avoca Beach featuring a bay or harbour, a coastal town and a beach
Avoca Beach which includes surfing, waves and a bay or harbour
Avoca Beach
Avoca Beach which includes waves, a coastal town and a bay or harbour

Check the surf, peruse waterfront markets and art galleries or explore pretty lagoons, lakes and hinterland wilderness at this popular beachside retreat.

Hugging the shores of Avoca Lake and the Central Coast, Avoca Beach is a town with plenty of waterfront appeal. Enjoy a relaxing getaway or an exciting family holiday with Avoca Beach’s ideal golden sands, surf breaks, wooded hillsides and cosy village. Stretching south to Macmasters Beach, the Avoca Beach coastline features hiking trails and scenic headlands.

Visit the town’s namesake, Avoca Beach, for a day of seaside fun. The beach stretches over 1 mile (2 kilometres) between two rocky bluffs studded with tall Norfolk Island pines. Its surf break ranges from gentle waves for novices to powerful barrels for more experienced surfers. Swim and play in the waves under the watch of the surf lifeguards who patrol the southern section of the beach. Near the rocky southern platform, explore tide pools overlooked by the historic surf lifesaving club. Check out the different sea critters living amid swirling seaweed and hollowed rocks. You can also rent kayaks, aquabikes and other watercraft at the beach.

Stroll along the esplanade and stop at waterfront cafés, restaurants, galleries and boutiques. The Beachside Market is held here on the fourth Sunday of the month. Take a break from the beach and see a film at the historic Avoca Beach Picture Theatre.

Behind the beach, find the still waters of Avoca Lake and the Aquafun water park. This pretty expanse is great for bird-watching walks and picnics. Follow other scenic walking trails on the rocky headlands at the southern end of the beach. Investigate Captain Cook Lookout and breathtaking bush trails along the Mount Bouddi Walking Track.

Avoca Beach is a popular Central Coast getaway, about a 1.5-hour drive north from Sydney or south from Newcastle. It has a wide selection of accommodation, including relaxing retreats. Reach the town via train arriving at Gosford station, 10 miles (16 kilometres) away. Be charmed by Avoca Beach’s laid-back atmosphere at any time of year.

Avoca Beach Hotel

Avoca Beach Hotel

3 out of 5
360 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach, NSW
The price is AU$159 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
AU$159
23 Oct - 24 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Avoca Beach. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and 2 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (459 reviews)
"Always a great stay 👍"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Avoca Beach Hotel
Mantra Ettalong Beach

Mantra Ettalong Beach

4 out of 5
53-54 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, NSW
The price is AU$209 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$209
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,461 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

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 AU$167 per night from 17 Oct to 18 Oct
AU$167
17 Oct - 18 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,009 reviews)
"Staff all friendly and helpful very handy position"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
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.
Blue Seas Villa, Sth Avoca Magnificent Beach & Ocean Views

Blue Seas Villa, Sth Avoca Magnificent Beach & Ocean Views

AVOCA BEACH
Stay at this villa in Avoca Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Terrigal Beach and Avoca Beach are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (125 reviews)
"Gorgeous views and lovely beach. It was so nice to have a cup of tea and stare out at the ocean."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Blue Seas Villa, Sth Avoca Magnificent Beach & Ocean Views
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! (2,461 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

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, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,321 reviews)
"Great spot, friendly staff, clean room. Would have been nice to know if room had a balcony with water views rather than view of brick wall. Should have asked if there were accessible rooms. I am 74 and found it difficult to step over high bath to shower. Would definitely book again but ask more ..."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

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

Reviews of Avoca Beach

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 27%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 59%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 5%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great cafes and shops - and a lovely beach. Visited the Avoca markets whilst in town - definitely worth a visit.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Beach there was very choppy. Not recommend it with kids. The rock pool was nice but rocky floor.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A sleepy, charming little hollow with lots of nice cafes. Enjoyed some great fish and vhips near the surf life saving club.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

whilst a little dated, we enjoyed our stay

3/5 - Okay

DARL

Scenic but overpriced

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Before entering beach water please make sure you know how to swim and swim between the flags. A rescue occurred while we were there.

Cities near Avoca Beach

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