The Central Coast is a region made for exploring. From its national parks and oceanfront villages to local markets, galleries and family attractions, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days. Outdoor lovers can hike coastal trails, meet native wildlife or paddle the waterways, while foodies will find fresh seafood, local breweries and hidden cafes worth seeking out.
This guide brings together some of the top things to do across the region—ideal for first-time visitors or locals looking to rediscover what’s on their doorstep. It’s a mix of nature, culture, food and fun that works in any season, with plenty of ideas to keep on hand no matter what the forecast looks like.
Central Coast National Parks
Key Central Coast National Parks
Bouddi National Park
Famous for the Bouddi Coastal Walk, this park features secluded beaches like Putty Beach and Maitland Bay, marine sanctuaries, ocean lookouts, and culturally significant Aboriginal sites. Campgrounds and picnic areas make it a favourite for weekend escapes.
Brisbane Water National Park
Located near Gosford and Woy Woy, this park offers scenic lookouts, creeks and waterfalls, plus ancient Aboriginal engraving sites and diverse native wildlife, including wallabies and powerful owls.
Wyrrabalong National Park
Split between north and south sections near The Entrance, this park is home to dramatic cliffs, red gum forests, coastal heaths and whale watching vantage points. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and walkers.
Dharug National Park
Found on the western edge of the Central Coast, this park is rich in colonial and Indigenous history. It features rugged bushland, sandstone cliffs, and the World Heritage-listed Old Great North Road, part of the convict-built Great North Road trail.
Wildlife Encounters
The Central Coast is home to several wildlife parks that offer up-close experiences with Australia’s most iconic animals. From cuddly koalas and kangaroos to reptiles, meerkats and native birds, these attractions are perfect for families and animal lovers alike. Many offer interactive exhibits, talks by keepers and the chance to learn about conservation efforts in a hands-on setting.
Australian Reptile Park – Somersby
A long-standing local favourite, the Australian Reptile Park is known for its entertaining keeper talks, hands-on reptile encounters, and variety of native species. From Elvis the crocodile to cuddly koalas and free-roaming kangaroos, this park blends education with excitement. It’s also involved in major conservation and venom milking programs that save lives across Australia.
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary – Calga
Set on 80 acres of natural bushland, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary offers a more immersive wildlife experience. Here, kangaroos, wallabies and emus roam freely, and visitors can join daily ranger-led talks and tours. The sanctuary focuses on animal welfare and conservation, creating a calm, close-to-nature atmosphere perfect for slow-paced exploring.
Explore Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary
Central Coast Zoo – Wyong Creek
Located near the Central Coast Hinterland, Central Coast Zoo is a newer addition offering wildlife encounters with a range of exotic and native animals. Visitors can take part in behind-the-scenes experiences, animal feeding sessions, and close-up encounters, all in a quiet, bushland setting.
Outdoor Adventures
Looking for something a little more active? The Central Coast has you covered. From bushland trails and water-based fun to aerial obstacle courses in the treetops, there’s no shortage of ways to get the adrenaline flowing. These outdoor adventures are a great way to explore the region’s natural landscapes, with options for families, thrill-seekers, and anyone keen to try something new.
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures
Glenworth Valley is one of the largest outdoor activity centres in the region, set across 3,000 acres of wilderness just inland from Gosford. Visitors can saddle up for a scenic horse ride through open pastures and forest trails, paddle along Popran Creek in a kayak, or get the heart racing with quad biking and abseiling adventures. With camping, glamping, and cabin options available, it’s also a great spot for a full weekend escape.
Visit Glenworth Valley →
TreeTops Adventure – Central Coast
TreeTops Adventure in Wyong Creek offers a unique way to explore the forest canopy. This eco-certified park features high ropes courses, zip lines, and swinging bridges set among towering trees. It’s suitable for all ages and confidence levels, with separate courses for kids, teens and adults. Perfect for families, school groups or anyone wanting a fresh challenge in nature.
Visit TreeTops Adventure →
Water Sports on the Central Coast
With lakes, bays and calm inlets throughout the region, the Central Coast is ideal for water-based activities. Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore at your own pace—or join a guided eco-tour to learn more about the local environment. Popular spots include Avoca Lake, Brisbane Water, and Woy Woy Bay.
Explore Water Activities →
Aquafun Avoca Lake
Aquafun Avoca Lake offers a family-friendly way to enjoy the water with a range of pedal boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards available for hire. Located right on the edge of Avoca Beach, the lake is calm, safe, and ideal for kids. It’s a great option for a sunny day outdoors, with nearby cafes and picnic areas to round out your visit.
Visit Aquafun Avoca →
Rainy Day Ideas
The Central Coast doesn’t stop when the rain starts. In fact, a little drizzle is the perfect excuse to explore the region’s cosy cafes, creative spaces, and family-friendly indoor activities. Whether you’re looking to relax, entertain the kids, or soak up some culture, there are plenty of ways to make the most of a wet-weather day.
Catch a Show at The Art House, Wyong
Home to live theatre, music, comedy and kids’ shows, The Art House is a cultural hub in the heart of Wyong. It hosts a year-round program of local and touring performances and also features a café and gallery space to enjoy before or after the show.
Visit The Art House →
Explore Galleries and Museums
The Coast is home to several galleries and creative spaces showcasing local artists, Aboriginal artworks, and rotating exhibitions. Pop into the Gosford Regional Gallery, check out the Edogawa Japanese Garden, or visit smaller venues in places like Long Jetty or Ettalong.
Explore Gosford Regional Gallery →
Book in for High Tea or a Long Lunch
A rainy day sets the perfect mood for a lingering lunch or afternoon tea. Many local restaurants and hotels offer high tea experiences—try Crowne Plaza Terrigal or Bells at Killcare for something special. Alternatively, settle into a café with a view and watch the rain roll in.
Visit Crowne Plaza Terrigal →
Keep the Kids Busy on a Rainy Day
There are plenty of indoor options to burn energy when it’s too wet to play outside. From play centres and indoor climbing gyms to movie cinemas and ten-pin bowling, you’ll find something to suit most age groups across the Coast.
Clip ‘n Climb, Gosford
An indoor climbing experience for kids and adults, with themed walls, timed challenges and a vertical drop slide for the brave.
Visit Clip ‘n Climb →
Erina Ice Arena
A full-size indoor ice skating rink offering public sessions, skating lessons, and disco nights—perfect for something a little different on a rainy day.
Visit Erina Ice Arena →
Event Cinemas, Tuggerah
Escape the weather with the latest blockbuster or a family movie. Choose from standard, V-Max or Gold Class screenings.
Visit Event Cinemas Tuggerah →
Culture, Markets and Entertainment
Beyond beaches and bushwalks, the Central Coast has a thriving cultural scene worth exploring. From traditional Aboriginal experiences and live theatre to weekend markets and local music, there are plenty of ways to connect with the region’s creative and community spirit.
Aboriginal Cultural Tours
Gain a deeper understanding of the Central Coast’s First Nations history through immersive cultural experiences. Local Aboriginal guides from the Darkinjung community lead walking tours, storytelling sessions, and workshops that offer insight into Dreaming stories, traditional practices, and the deep connection to land and sea. These tours take place in culturally significant areas like Bouddi National Park and the Brisbane Water foreshore, with some tours including smoking ceremonies, bush tucker education, or art creation.
Local Markets
Markets are a staple of weekend life on the Central Coast. They offer a relaxed way to discover artisan products, local produce, handmade gifts, and live music—all in scenic, family-friendly settings.
Avoca Beachside Markets
Held on the fourth Sunday of each month at Heazlett Park, this vibrant market by the water features over 100 stalls, street food, live acoustic performances, and a lively community vibe.
Learn More about Avoca Markets →
Long Jetty Markets
Set in a quirky, vintage-loving neighbourhood, these markets mix retro fashion, locally made art and design, food trucks, and family fun—perfect for a stroll after coffee on the main strip.
Additional local favourites include The Entrance Markets and the Gosford Waterfront Markets, which pop up throughout the year with seasonal events.
Live Entertainment
The Coast’s performance scene includes everything from theatre and comedy to live music and community showcases.
The Art House, Wyong
This modern cultural venue hosts touring productions, comedy nights, music concerts and children’s shows in a professional theatre setting. It’s a standout for both locals and visitors.
Visit The Art House →
Laycock Street Community Theatre, Gosford
Located in the heart of Gosford, this venue is known for its community-focused productions, musicals, and live shows—often supporting local performers and arts groups.
Local Pubs and Venues
Live music and relaxed dining are a big part of the Central Coast’s social scene, with many pubs and breweries offering regular gigs, trivia nights, and local food. From beachside spots to family-friendly taverns, there’s something to suit every taste and mood.
Live Music Venues
- The Savoy, Long Jetty
- Bay Road Brewing, Gosford
- Sounds on West, Umina Beach
Pubs with Dining & Entertainment
- The Settler’s Tavern, West Gosford
- The Long Jetty Hotel
- The Elanora Hotel, East Gosford
- Six String Brewery
Coastal & Local Favourites
- The Ary, Toukley
- Kincumber Hotel
- Terrigal Beach House
- Chittaway Bay Tavern
- The Sunken Monkey
- Bateau Bay Bowling Club
Food and Drink
The Central Coast has built a strong reputation for good food—and it’s easy to see why. With everything from waterfront dining to laid-back breweries, paddock-to-plate produce, and fresh seafood straight from the boat, the region offers a delicious way to explore local flavour.
Cafes and Restaurants
Taste your way around the Coast with a mix of casual beachside eats, refined modern Australian cuisine, and local icons with a view.
Terrigal Beach House
Terrigal Beach House sits right on the foreshore, offering an open-air layout, coastal classics, and a lively atmosphere with regular live music and sunset drinks.
The Box on the Water
The Box on the Water in Ettalong pairs fresh seafood with sleek, architectural design and panoramic views over Broken Bay—perfect for a relaxed lunch or something a little more special.
Fishermen’s Wharf
Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf is a long-standing local favourite where you can enjoy oysters, prawns, and fresh fish straight from the boat, either on the deck or in their waterside dining room.
Visit Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf →
Farm and Food Tours
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours offers a unique experience on the water, where you can wade through oyster leases, learn how they’re harvested, and enjoy tastings fresh from the farm.
Visit Sydney Oyster Farm Tours →
Bar Botanica
Bar Botanica in Erina is part garden café, part gin bar, and all charm. Set in lush surrounds, it’s the perfect stop for botanically inspired drinks, artisan gelato, and light meals.
The region also hosts seasonal food festivals, weekend farm gate stalls, and hidden hinterland gems worth exploring.
Iconic Sights
Some places define the Central Coast experience—landmarks that are instantly recognisable, locally loved, and well worth a visit. From historic lighthouses to sweeping lookouts, these iconic spots capture the beauty and character of the region. They’re perfect for sightseeing, photography, or simply slowing down and taking it all in.
Norah Head Lighthouse
A Central Coast landmark since 1903, Norah Head Lighthouse offers guided tours, stunning ocean views, and a peaceful setting overlooking the rock platform below. It’s also a prime whale-watching location during the migration season, and a short walk to nearby bush tracks and picnic spots.
Explore Norah Head Lighthouse →
Terrigal and The Skillion
One of the most photographed views on the Coast, The Skillion is a natural sandstone headland with a short, steep path to the top. It offers panoramic ocean and coastline views, especially spectacular at sunrise. At the base, you’ll find Terrigal’s esplanade, lined with cafés, shops, and ice cream spots for a post-walk treat.
The Entrance and Pelican Feeding
The Entrance has long been a family favourite, known for its waterfront promenade, giant chessboard, and daily pelican feeding at 3:30pm. With parks, ice cream shops, and regular weekend markets, it’s a great spot for a relaxed afternoon or school holiday outing.
Explore The Entrance →
Mount Ettalong Lookout
Tucked above Pearl Beach and Umina, Mount Ettalong Lookout offers sweeping views over Broken Bay and Lion Island. It’s accessible by car and is a great photo stop for those exploring the southern end of the Coast.
Somersby Falls
One of the Coast’s most popular waterfall walks, Somersby Falls is part of Brisbane Water National Park. With a short walking trail, picnic facilities, and a peaceful bush setting, it’s ideal after a bit of rain when the water really flows.
Visit Somersby Falls →
The Entrance Ocean Baths
For a classic dip with a view, the ocean baths at The Entrance are a local gem. Fringed by rock platforms and just steps from the beach, they’re a favourite for early morning swims or cooling off after a walk along the coast.
Keep Exploring the Central Coast
Exploring the Central Coast starts with finding the right base. At HolidayCo. we make it easy to discover handpicked holiday properties across the region, from beachfront apartments to bushland retreats and everything in between. Your next adventure starts the moment you check in.
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