Central Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Blue Bay which includes a bay or harbour and surf
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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Brooklyn

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Brooklyn. You might want to make time for a stop at Brisbane Water National Park or Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Brooklyn
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Berowra Waters

While visiting Berowra Waters, you might make a stop by sights like Berowra Waters Marina and Marramarra National Park.

Berowra Waters
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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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Ku-ring-gai Chase

If you're spending some time in Ku-ring-gai Chase, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Anembo Reserve are top sights worth seeing.

Ku-ring-gai Chase
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Cowan

If you're spending some time in Cowan, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Central Coast Hinterland are top sights worth seeing.

Cowan
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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
Ocean Front at The Entrance
Ocean Front at The Entrance
4 out of 5
102 Ocean Parade, The Entrance, NSW
The price is AU$128 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
AU$128
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Absolute oceanfront property, comfortable, spacious, nicely furnished and lovely balcony. Easy walk to ocean pool."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Ocean Front at The Entrance
Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
3 out of 5
23 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford, NSW
The price is AU$150 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$150
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this motel in West Gosford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (811 reviews)
"Great motel, good value for money and close to the CBD. Easy going and helpful hosts."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 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 AU$295 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$295
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Terrigal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Reception staff could be friendlier, happier and more helpful."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 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.
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 terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,274 reviews)
"Great place perfect for longer stays as well with the kitchens in the room. Very spacious, could have a little more attention to cleanliness but definitely nothing to really worry about. The door handle for the bathroom was broken and it took me ages to get out lol."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

Nesuto The Entrance Apartments
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 pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,214 reviews)
"Service was nice, rooms were as expected, although a bit of damage on the inside, loose tiles, trip hazard but nothing that ruined the overall experience."

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 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 WiFi, a children's pool, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,151 reviews)
"Great atmosphere"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 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