Central Coast Guides Attractions Events in New South Wales

Jump into Adventure Golf - Come and try your golfing skills at the new adventure golf course at Mingara. There's lots of fun to be had for all ages, 18 challenging mini golf holes are nestled amongst waterfalls, creeks and gardens.

Amazement offers a welcoming and attractive setting with a great range of activities the whole family will enjoy: the Lilly Pilly Maze, Summer Maze, Farm Animals, Maze games, electric and pedal cars for small children, the Wild Wood.

Bring a picnic or order a hamper.

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is the only wildlife sanctuary in New South Wales with both free-roaming Australian animals and ancient Aboriginal rock art sites! Free photos with friendly koalas, wombats, dingoes are available. Walk alongside kangaroos, emus and wallabies. Meet their flying-foxes. Experience Ranger-guided Aboriginal heritage and bush tucker/medicine tours. Interact with mammals and reptiles in their daily shows.

Take the kids for active birthday parties and school holiday programs. Host a corporate or incentive event with a difference! Turn a memorable experience into an unforgettable one with their Wild Sleep-Outs and enjoy hands-on educational school excursions that are fun too! There are beautiful picnic areas and a veranda cafe on site and catering options for group activities are available.

Visit the award-winning zoo with bite that boasts non-stop ‘wow’ factor entertainment! You will discover unique exhibits such as; Lost World of Reptiles, Spider World and Frog Hollow, along with loads of exciting daily interactive wildlife shows, including the only spider venom milking show in Australia at 9.45am

Hand-feed friendly red, grey and Kangaroo Island kangaroos, have a digital photograph with a cuddly koala or for the more daring a giant snugly python! There are wombats, platypus, yellow-foot rock wallabies, giant reptiles, including American alligators and Elvis the largest salt water crocodile in NSW.

Learn how the Park is at the forefront of a national insurance breeding program to help save the iconic Tasmanian devil from extinction and see the park's baby devils interact with each other in their enclosure. Meander along the bush trail with trickling streams, wildflowers and birds. There is a children's adventure playground and free barbecue facilities.

A popular surf beach lined with towering Norfolk Island Pines, Avoca Beach has a relaxed atmosphere which is sought after by locals and visitors alike.

The beach area, which stretches almost two kilometres, incorporates both Avoca Beach and North Avoca Beach and is renowned as a fisherman's paradise. A large rock platform at the southern end of the beach invites exploration and a protected rock pool provides a playground for young children. Aquafun leisure boat hire provides opportunities for the hire of aquabikes, pedalcats, kayaks and surf skis.

Undercover barbecues and tables, grassed picnic areas, a children's playground, casual cafes, fine dining restaurants and the historic Avoca Beach Theatre are just some of the other attractions available at Avoca Beach.

The beach is patrolled every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break. There is a public beachside car park and on street parking.

North Avoca Beach is quietly tucked in between two of the Central Coast's more well known beaches - Avoca Beach and Terrigal Beach. Even though this beach is well known for its powerful north-easterly swells, it is also a great spot for a beach walk. Walkers will admire the luxury hill-side homes which take in some of the most spectacular coastal views of New South Wales.

The big waves on North Avoca Beach ensure it is a popular surfing spot for locals and visitors alike. Although the beach is patrolled, visitors are warned to keep an eye out for rips, particularly at the northern end.

Accommodation can be found in North Avoca and in nearby Terrigal. With everything from ocean facing bed & breakfasts and self-contained beach houses, to waterfront resorts and motels there is an accommodation option to suit any family and every budget.

Avoca Beach Picture Theatre is a beautiful heritage theatre, a must see theatre with old world atmosphere, velvet seats, beautiful vintage candelabras and free tea and coffee. It is located in one of the most beautiful beach areas on the Central Coast.

The theatre presents a range of quality films daily - film luncheon sessions are run on the first Thursday of each month. Theatre is open seven days a week - this an olde worlde experience that is fast disappearing from our daily lives.

Relax, come and step back in time and enjoy a new release movie or check the program for an old favourite, a real holiday favourite.

Bouddi National Park is situated on 1,532 hectares. It is one of the first National Parks in New South Wales where all marine life is protected - specifically in the eastern part of the park in the 300 hectares Marine Extension at Maitland Bay. This park also has a series of small beautiful beaches beneath forests, steep hills and cliffs.

The park offers opportunities for fishing except in the Marine Extension between Gerrin Point and Bombi Point.

Maitland Bay Information Centre provides information about the park and is staffed on weekends by local volunteers.

Car based camping is available at Putty Beach with gas barbeques, toilets and town water. Backpack camping is available at Little Beach with gas barbecues and toilets, and camping at Tallow Beach has limited facilities. Camping fees apply.

Caesars Coffee and Fine Food is the Central Coast's 'Little Italy', located in Erina.

A gourmet food lover's emporium and coffee roasting house stocking premium quality Arabica coffee, gourmet take home meals, leaf tea and fine food with all of the gourmet products made on site.

Caesars selects the best quality green Arabica coffee beans and roast them in small batches daily.

Multi award winning Caroline Bay is centrally located in the unique beauty of Gosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Japanese Gardens.

Corporate Events and Seminars, catering for up to 600 guests, cocktail style or 250 guests banquet style. Galleries are available for pre dinner cocktails. Christmas parties for either small or large groups. Private Seminar rooms available catering for up to 100 guests. Weddings - a professional wedding co-ordinator is available to assist you in planning your wedding. For small groups or up to 250 guests seated. General Functions - Caroline Bay is available for birthday parties, anniversaries, reunions, christenings. Community groups and bus tour bookings for morning and afternoon teas.

Extensive casual dining and A La Carte Menu - morning and afternoon teas, selection of gourmet homemade cakes. Lunch is very popular especially on the two outdoor dining terraces overlooking the Japanese gardens or inside the main gate.

The Central Coast Steam Model Co-op Ltd is a non profit organisation, and one of a number of miniature railways. They have a variety of almost 20 locomotives with several more nearing completion. They operate on two gauges as you will notice if you study the track. All the engines have been hand made and represent many thousands of man hours by their proud owners. They construction can only be described as a labour of love for the time and effort put into a loco's construction could never be recouped in straight money terms.

There are driveways and disabled parking along with the footpaths suitable for disabled access. A Party Area has many tables and seating along with its own station. The main station Narara Junction, has been doubled in size and a roof has been erected over the locomotive steaming bay. A signalling system now controls the train movements.

Time out needed?

Mums and Dads can relax while the kids play in one of the longest established play lands on the Central Coast. Chipmunks Tuggerah features a modern play land for the children to jump, slide, climb, shoot and play.

Activities include, the play area, drop and shop, a delicious cafe, after school care, vacation care, a fantastic ball battle zone and a designated play area for children under three.

Bucketty Site is a bypassed loop of the 1830 convict built Great North Road. There are many elements of the original convict road, culverts, the remains of a bridge, walling, road surface, side cutting and square cut drains all within three hundred metres.

There is information provided on the site, picnic tables are available and the site has part disabled access. Toilets can be found five kilometres away at the Mogo Campsite. To get to Mogo Campsite you drive along an unaltered section of the Great North road and experience the isolation of the 1830s.

To access the Convict Trail at Bucketty, take the Peats Ridge exit from the Sydney/Newcastle expressway, proceed to Peats Ridge and then follow George Downes Drive for twenty nine kilometres to the intersection with St Albans Road.

Copacabana Beach is located between Avoca Beach and MacMasters Beach and is just north of the mouth of Cockrane lagoon. Captain Cook Lookout overlooks this pretty beach and provides magnificent views of the New South Wales coastline. With local shops, including several excellent restaurants, just across the road, Copacabana Beach is the ideal spot while the sun's setting to enjoy a wonderful dinner with the whole family. As far as swimming goes, this beach is well known for its persistent and often numerous rips, so bathers are cautioned to swim between the flags; however, there's a rock pool that's perfect for children. There's ample parking at the beach and a whole range of accommodation options at nearby Avoca and Terrigal. Buses available from Gosford station via Erina Fair.

The Cowrie is Terrigal’s premier seafood restaurant offering a complimentary guest transfer service in the local area. Fully licensed with spectacular views over Terrigal and out to sea and outdoor dining.

Renowned as one of the finest seafood restaurants in New South Wales, it consistently delights guests with a truly unique dining experience and is open seven days for lunch from 12pm and dinner from 6pm.

The Cowrie offers a spectacular location, set high in the hills of Terrigal with panoramic views over Terrigal Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Combining professional service and a menu specialising in fresh local seafood, they have created a very special ambience.

They offer many many facilities and services that appeal to a diverse visitor market including complimentary shuttle service, limousine packages, function facilities and an off-site catering "Gold Licence"

Erina Fair, the largest shopping centre on the Central Coast of New South Wales, has been servicing the local region since 1987. They offer their customers an extensive selection of stores and services in a modern, safe and convenient environment.

The range of stores, combined with its single level layout, reinforces the centre's appeal as a convenient community focal point - a leisurely and enjoyable place to shop. They can do this at Erina Fair, because they have the largest range of stores in the region, together with eight cinema screens. The centre is supported by an abundance of parking and is serviced seven days a week by local bus and taxi connections.

Erina Fair has had a long association with the community of the Central Coast and continues to evolve to meet the rapidly changing needs of the area.

Ettalong beach is situated in the Peninsula Area of the Central Coast with picnic, BBQ and Toilet Facilities available. It is within walking distance to Ettalong Village.

The area hosts its own shopping centre with many accommodation outlets including caravan park, small supermarket, Post Office, newsagency, chemist, various restaurants & cafes, fresh bread and cake shops, butchers, fresh fruit and vegetable, local church, primary school, antiques and curios and much, much, more.

Major Facilities in Ettalong Beach include the:
Wharf with Ferries travelling to Palm Beach and return, plus locally.

Twin Cinema - including an outdoor cinema located at Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort including

Village Markets - the old world charm Village Markets operating weekends and Monday public holidays

Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort - Mediterranean inspired Motel and Apartment accommodation with its own
Roman Baths. Spas, Mini Tourist Desk, Twin Cinemas and Village Markets

Ettalong Beach Hotel - refurbishments soon to be completed includes TAB, Entertainment Lounge,
Apartments

Mantra Ettalong Beach Resort - offers a unique experience on the Central Coast and exciting array of leisure and entertainment facilities.

The local area has many attractions available – coach tours, bushwalking, kayaking, fishing, boat hire, bicycle hire, scenic flights etc.

Welcome to Everglades Country Club - Woy Woy, Central Coast New South Wales.

Everglades Country Club is located at Woy Woy on the beautiful Peninsula area of the New South Wales Central Coast. Occupying some of the most pristine real estate in the area. The Everglades Country Club is in the unique position of being able to offer the best of facilities to the residents of - and visitors to - the magnificent Central Coast.
The Everglades Country Club offers an excellent combination of sporting and club facilities in one premier location. As a sporting club it provides, a challenging 18 hole golf course, a well stocked pro shop, three Bowling Greens, now with a new synthetic green.

Club facilities offer a 280 seat Auditorium (available for hire), two smaller functions rooms (for Hire), excellent Bar and Lounge facilities, a Bistro, TAB and Keno.

Firescreek Fruit Winery is a small winery producing unique fruit wines. The winery is located next to the beautiful Fires Creek, in the Matcham Holgate Valley on the Central Coast of New South Wales and just a short 10 minutes from Terrigal.

You can experience the unique taste of their fruit wines in a friendly setting. Fruit wine is all about capturing the exciting array of flavours and fragrances of fruits, flowers and herbs. The range of wines is constantly changing so that visitors can sample new varieties. Some of the wines include; Fig and Date, Plum and Currant, Mango, Orange and Honeysuckle, Mint, Elderberry, Cherry and Cinnamon, their award winning Lime and Parsley, Rose petal, Lemon and
also Australian Rainforest fruits to name but a few!

Their Famous Firewater is made from a unique combination of local Sweet Oranges and Chilli. This has a genuine orange character, with zesty chilli, offering warmth without tears.

Firescreek Fruit Winery is a small winery producing unique fruit wines. The winery is located next to the beautiful Fires Creek in the Matcham Holgate Valley on the Central Coast of New South Wales and just a short 10 minutes from Terrigal.

You can experience the unique taste of their fruit wines in a friendly setting. Fruit Wine is all about capturing the exciting array of flavours and fragrances of fruits, flowers and herbs. The range of wines is constantly changing so that visitors scan sample new varieties. Some of the wines include Fig and Date, Plum and Currant, Mango, Orange and Honeysuckle, Mint, Elderberry, Cherry and Cinnamon, their award wining Lime and Parsley, Rose Petal, Lemon and Australian Rainforest fruits to name but a few.

Their famous Firewater is made from a unique combination of local Sweet Oranges and Chilli. This has a genuine orange character with zesty chilli, offering warmth without tears.

Glenworth Valley is Australia’s largest horse riding and outdoor adventure centre.
Escape amongst 3,000 acres of the finest unspoilt wilderness located in a deep valley in the hinterland region; Central Coast of NSW. Just 20 minutes from Gosford and one hour from Sydney and Newcastle central business districts.

Horse Riding at Glenworth Valley gives you the option of free-range or guided rides along 50 kilometres of unspoilt wilderness trails consisting of lush green valleys and rainforest areas. With over 200 quality horses, Glenworth Valley caters to riders of all abilities and ages and conducts horse riding lessons and adventure camps throughout the school holidays.

Participants receive individual attention and also have a variety of activities and classes designed especially for children.

Lessons are provided in accordance with a training plan which includes grooming, saddling, and ground control, walking, trotting and cantering in harmony with the horse.

Visit their website for more details.

Escape to Australia's largest Horse Riding and Outdoor Adventure Centre. Explore 3,000 acres of the finest unspoilt wilderness amongst National Parks - Located 20 minutes from Hornsby

Discover Glenworth Valley, its relaxing, fun, adventurous - you choose !

Glenworth Valley is Australia’s largest horse riding and outdoor adventure centre.
Located just 20 minutes from Gosford and 1 hour from Sydney’s central business district.

Escape amongst 3,000 acres of the finest unspoilt wilderness located in a deep valley in the hinterland region of the Central Coast.

Horse Riding options are free-range or guided rides along unspoilt wilderness trails. Glenworth Valley caters to riders of all abilities and ages.

Quad Biking is an exhilarating way to explore the bush and Glenworth Valley offers guided tours on your very own 4 wheel motorbike.

Abseiling is great fun and surprisingly easy or try kayaking through spectacular natural environments on the Hawkesbury River, Central Coast or along Popran Creek.

Glenworth Valley caters to family groups and has 150 acres of river front camping, barbecue and picnic areas to choose from, where you can relax after a fun day

Gosford Racecourse is a pleasant one-hour drive from Sydney via the F3, simply take the Gosford exit and follow the Central Coast Highway into West Gosford and the picturesque Gosford Racecourse is on your left.

The JH Little Members Stand overlooks the saddling enclosure and the Winning Post. The members stand boasts two bar areas, a café area, two separate totes and bookmakers facilities.

The MJ Cusick Stand includes a large public bar area, tote facilities, bookmaker’s facilities and a snack bar.

Gosford Racecourse offers plenty of options for raceday dining including snack bars, café areas, the Horsewalk Grill and the Brasserie Dining Room.

Set on two and a half acres with peaceful surroundings amongst large leafy trees, Henry Kendall Cottage was once a home for pioneer poet Henry Kendall. One room contains some of the poet’s possessions, while the remaining rooms are furnished as an old cottage.

The cottage was built by Peter Fagan with convict labour. It was built from various shapes and sizes of sandstone gathered from around the property. Some still have oyster shells embedded in them. A slab washhouse and two-seater pit 'dunny' complete the cottage setting.

A spacious Historical Museum now displays a wide variety of items from the past including typewriters, bottles and old memorabilia. A slab shed contains tools and farm machinery.

Barbecue and picnic facilities available with wood provided.

Absorb the view through Ken Duncan's window and see further than you ever thought possible, with stunning landscapes captured in full panoramic format. Be inspired by the extensive range of beautiful and unusual gifts. Experience Ken's ability to transport you from the chaos of everyday life and draw you into unexplored and unconsidered corners of our world, traversing our planet like you never have before. His superb panoramic images, capturing the ever-changing moods and wild diversity of Australia’s natural environment are featured in an outstanding range of Ken Duncan products. Ken Duncan Panographs are waiting to take you away... departing now from the Ken Duncan Gallery, Erina Heights.

Ken Duncan is one of Australia’s most celebrated landscape photographers and his Gallery at Erina Heights is the largest privately-owned Gallery in Australia. The Gallery features an intimate 40 seat theatrette showcasing stunning audio-visual presentations. The theatre shows Ken's audio-visual presentations hourly from 10.30am. As well as its selection of exquisitely produced framed Limited Edition Prints, the Gallery has a large range of Ken Duncan gifts to suit any budget - including postcards, books, posters, table ware and jigsaw puzzles. You can also enjoy a bite to eat at The Sanctuary Café which is an ultra-modern eatery offering an eclectic selection of fine food created by award winning local chef, Quest Keogh.

Ken Duncan Galleries are also located in the Hunter Valley Gardens Village at Pokolbin, at The Rocks in Sydney, and at the brand new Harbour Town Shopping Centre at Docklands in Melbourne.

Turn your walls into windows and add some colour to your life with Ken Duncan artworks.

Kidz HQ is located in Wyong and is one of the biggest and best indoor play centres and cafés on the central coast.

Shoot your friends in the cannonball battle, race down the triple lane supa slide, get lost in the maze or team up in the sports zone. Kidz HQ is packed with fun for the whole family.

Located on the beautiful NSW Central Coast, only 90 minutes drive north of Sydney Central Business District, Kooindah Waters is an 18-hole par 72 championship course designed by leading golf course architect Ross Watson with design input from golf professional Craig Parry. Managed by Troon Golf, Kooindah Waters provides the highest level of service & quality in all aspects, from course conditioning to practice facilities and club house amenities. Troon Golf Manages 200 courses in 31 countries around the world. Kooindah Waters is open to the public 7 days a week.

Divided into three distinct character precincts, the course has been designed to be a “thinking golfer’s course” where accuracy, ball placement and imagination are the keys to scoring well. Sleeper retaining walls and bunkering are used to provide a “rustic” feel with a feature of the layout being the island green on the par 3, 17th hole.

Kooindah Waters Golf Club caters for all golfers with the course open to the public 7 days a week. Whether you have a small group of four players, a social golf group or a corporate golf day of 100+, Kooindah Waters offer’s experienced Troon Golf staff who will ensure your day runs to complete perfection and caters to your every need.

Karinyas Bar & Restaurant Kooindah Waters Golf Villa provides the perfect place to unwind for guests and residents alike. A full Al Carte menu is available to golfers and social guests as well as the refreshment cart rotating the golf course during the round providing a variety of foods and beverages.

Endota Spa offers guests the chance to relax and unwind, you will be sure to find something to entice your senses. Using all organic Australian skincare ingredients you can expect your skin to feel sensual and renewed. In addition to body treatments and relaxation we also offer Remedial Massage for golfers to get back into the swing.

Kooindah Waters Golf Club is open to the public with bookings available 7 days a week.

Koolang Observatory is nestled in four hectares of Australian natural bushland, under a clear country sky. It has one of the largest public access telescopes in Australia.

The Observatory conducts school presentations, with lesson notes available.

Groups bookings are welcome with advance notice, opening times by arrangement.

The Laycock Street Theatre, The auditorium seats 394 in tiered upholstered seating and is available to hire by professional theatre companies, community groups, dance companies, amateur groups, business and individuals.

The Theatre is fully licenced with a range of beers, wines, champagne, spirits and soft drinks.

The Laycock Street, Theatre is the cultural centre of the Central Coast, hosting wonderful theatre productions, plays, musical comedy, hosting famous performers from all over the world. The Theatre has wheelchair accessible seating or special needs.

Lizotte's is a class act! Fabulous food, great atmosphere, magic happens here and the best live music venue anywhere on the coast. Take the opportunity to get up close and personal with fabulous first class musicians the likes of Vince Jones, Glenn Shorrock of LRB, James Reyne, Beccy Cole and on most days of the month there are talented entertainers performing in Lizotte's restaurant.

The restaurant has great atmosphere and a picturesque Valley Room that is available for your next function. When you visit the Central Coast Lizotte's is a "must do" bring your friends, coming soon to Lizotte's is the voice "Renee Geyer" and many other famous personalities. You don't even have to drive you can phone Lizotte's and a shuttle bus service will be provided.

Lizottes has a reputation on the Central Coast for fantastic food and entertainment it is open seven days a week, for functions. Lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday set a bushland setting on Avoca Drive, Avoca.

The first church service was held in this charming Chapel in 1855. It is orientated to face the picturesque Hawkesbury River, where the majority of early parishioners would have come from. Tours of the Chapel and services can be arranged and it is also available for social functions.

Like an Art Gallery, the contemporary Australian garden at Mt Penang will be constantly changing and challenging your imagination. Explore over 6 hectares of adventurous feature gardens, cascading waterways and unique water features. A garden with a sense of whimsy, boldness and the element of surprise, highlighting the unique, the weird and the wonderful that is part of the magnificent Australian landscape. The Dragon Garden, Cloud Garden, Bottle Tree Garden are just some of our amazing Garden rooms.

The stunning Waterfall Cafe overlooking the aquatic gardens and the magnificent water cascades. It offers light meals, and has evening dining during the summer months.

Mt Penang Gardens is family friendly, with the children's Misty Mountains and the Puddle Garden offering the opportunity for your little treasures to run, jump and stomp until they are cactus!

Lookout provides a panoramic view of the coast from Lake Macquarie to Tuggerah Lakes. Fireplaces, firewood, tables, water and toilets are provided at the lookout for the convenience of visitors. Around the lookout, you will find that several of the tree species have been labelled. These are: Blackbutt,
Tallowwood, Forest She-Oak, and Rough-Barked Apple.

Points of interest on the trail: Tree ferns, board hole in Stump Grass Tree, termites nest, Blackbutt regeneration, fire damage, fallen tree, Giant of the
Past, ringbarking, Turpentine, rainforest, Bangalow Palm, buttressing, Sydney Blue Gum, vines and epiphytes, lichens, accumulation of litter, moist
Eucalypt forest, coppicing, and Sandpaper Fig.

All forest roads are dirt roads but suitable for cars. If going after heavy rain please check with the forestry commission. A forestry map is available at
Central Coast Tourism Visitor Centres in Kariong, Gosford and The Entrance which details all forestry roads.

Munmorah State Recreation Area lies on the Central Coast between Budgewoi and Catherine Hill Bay. It preserves 1563 hectares of forest, woodland, heath wetland and temperate rainforest and 12 kilometres of spectacular and rugged coastline. On its western side it fronts onto Lake Munmorah.

In Munmorah State Conservation Area, Birdie Beach is at the southern end of the park and is a popular fishing and surfing beach. Unclad bathing is permitted at the northern end of the beach only (known as Red Ochre Beach). Frazer Beach is a much smaller beach than Birdie. There is a picturesque picnic area and there are great fishing and surfing spots. The beach is patrolled only during summer holidays and Easter. Access closest to the northern entrance off Pacific Highway, off Campbell Drive.

Soldiers Beach, on the south side of the head, faces southeast and, with a well protected north end, is a favourite with board-riders when the summer northeaster is up. Sweetly-curved one kilometre in length, the beach features clusters of rocks that build nice sand-covered reefs but demand due care when falling off your board.

There are reliable waves year-round, best when the swell comes in from the south or east. The left-hand point-break is beloved of long-boarders, although as soon as it gets over two metres the short-boarders take an interest in it too.

The beach break can be world-class on its day, notably a spot down the south end called Sunset which can generate big rights and lefts with a heavy hold-down section. Off Norah Head at the north end is a series of left and right-hand reef breaks that work on different waves and tides, though they’re for experienced surfers only. When the swell drops away these reefs are great for snorkelling, and the rock pool on the north side of the headland is perfect for a lazy swim and ideal for families.

Norah Head Lighthouse was built 1901 - 1903. Perched on a headland, the lighthouse takes in magnificent ocean vistas and is the Central Coast's most spectacular icon. A walking track skirts around the side of the lighthouse and leads to stairs which climb down to the rock platform below and to Lighthouse Beach.

The Norah Head Lighthouse celebrated its 100 years Centenary on November 15, 2003. Apart from the electrification of the light, few changes have been made to the lighthouse since it was established in 1903. Buildings on the headland comprise the Lighthouse, the Flag Locker, Head Keepers Quarters and the first and second assistant lightkeepers quarters as well as stables. Two of the cottages are available to rent for tourist accommodation. Tours of the lighthouse are available on weekends and other days during school holidays. There is a fee for the tours. The views from the top of the lighthouse are magnificent.

The North Entrance Bridge is located just north of The Entrance township. The beach is flanked to the north by Wyrrabalong National Park and to the south by The Entrance Channel opening to Tuggerah Lakes. Energetic surf averages 1.6m and features a double bar system running the length of the beach. Swimming is safest south of the surf club, but bathers should avoid the currents and holes at the opening to Tuggerah Lakes at the far south. Fishing and prawning are a popular pastime at North Entrance Beach and in Tuggerah Lakes. Visitors can bring their own fishing gear or hire some at one of the local bait & tackle stores. Ocean front restaurants and alfresco dining options are within a few minutes drive of the beach. There is a plethora of accommodation options ranging from budget style cabin/caravan parks, holiday houses and self contained apartments to upmarket resorts, motels and bed & breakfasts. Buses also available from Wyong train station.

Located between Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach at the southern end of the Central Coast and nestled within the protection of Broken Bay you will find
over 2 km's of golden sand to relax on and enjoy. Ocean Beach provides the beauty of an ocean beach with the safety of an inland waterway, offering a
perfect location for families. Picnic tables with seating are available, along with BBQ's and a children's playground.

The beach is patrolled every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break.

Amenities: Public facilities available.

Picnic Areas: Grassed and under cover picnic tables available.

BBQ Facilities: Electric BBQ's (no charge).

Parking: Public beachside car park and street side parking.

Experience Terrigal's finest beachfront Onda Restaurant, offering a contemporary Italian menu in a modern, relaxed dining atmosphere. Overlooking Terrigal lagoon and beach with a relaxed atmosphere, Onda offers outdoor dining, is fully licensed and open seven days for lunch and dinner. Try the two-course lunch special or savour the exquisite a la carte menu. A complimentary guest transfer is available in the local area and bookings are recommended.

Enjoy the adrenalin pumping excitement of playing probably the worlds fastest growing and most exciting adult sport. Paint ball is a combination of 'cops and robbers', hide and seek, and tag...only more challenging. It involves teams having objectives to achieve, such as the securing or capture of a flag.

The opposition is eliminated by tagging with a paint ball, which is a thin skinned gelatine capsule filled with non-toxic biodegradable food dye of various colours. These paint balls are expelled from an air gun using co2 gas and break upon impact clearly marking your success.

Legal age for players is 18 years of age. People from all walks of life enjoy the sport.

There are packages for ladies, experienced trained referees and a fabulous barbecue lunch available.

Pearls on the Beach a la carte restaurant boasts cuisine that has been described as a "beautifullly balanced journey from Thailand to Turkey with an Italian stopover". Looking out onto Broken Bay, Pearls on the Beach has a warm and relaxed atmosphere with gracious and knowledgeable service, less than 20 minutes from Woy Woy on the NSW Central Coast.

It is also fully licenced with BYO wine only.

Situated amidst the peaceful beauty of Terrigal Haven, the Reef offers spectacular 180 degree ocean views, second to none.

The combination of fine food, friendly service and relaxed atmosphere makes the Reef your ultimate dining experience.

Sourcing high quality local produce to create an array of tantalising dishes, the menu consists of classic and modern creations which await your indulgence.

The Reef is fully licensed, offering a wide range of wines of varietals and regions.

Restaurants in Terrigal include Reef Restaurant at The Haven, Cove Cafe at The Haven, The Cowrie Restaurant, 108 Scenic Highway, and Onda Restaurant, 150 Terrigal Drive.

Excellent dining opportunities are available in very cosmopolitan restaurants in Terrigal.

For further information please phone Central Coast Tourism or you can visit their website.

Rumbalara Reserve lies immediately to the east of Gosford City Centre. The magnificent tree covered slopes are characteristic of the natural scenery encompassing Brisbane Water.

Extensive views of the entire Brisbane Water, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, North Gosford, Wyoming and the rural lands of Gosford can be experienced from the various lookouts located in the reserve. The focus of the park is on recreation. Facilities include picnic sites, scenic lookouts and walking trails.

The name Rumbalara commemorates the original inhabitants of the area, an Aboriginal word for rainbow or an expression of something picturesque. It is the home of many creatures including blue tongued lizards, tree snakes, brush tailed possums, birds and butterflies. There are bronze sculptures of the famous explorers Charles Sturt, Matthew Flinders and Edward Eyre and of Charles Kingsford Smith.

Soldiers Beach, located at picturesque Norah Head, is one of the few Central Coast beaches totally untouched by urban development. Neither homes nor shopping centres will interrupt your experience of this fabulous stretch of coastline. On a clear day, from the highest point of the beach at the northern tip, visitors will enjoy an amazing view of the New South Wales coast in both the northern and southern directions.

The beach is flanked on the northern side by Norah Head Lighthouse. Built in 1903 the Lighthouse is no longer manned, but still operates automatically guiding ships travelling along the coast. To the south, Soldiers Beach borders the southern end of Wyrrabalong National Park where bushwalkers can enjoy a number of different scenic coastal walks.

Soldiers Beach is a surfers' dream and a swimmers delight. There’s plenty of car parking nearby and picnic tables and a small kiosk are also nearby.

The entrance to Strickland State Forest is at the top of Mangrove Road, Somersby. For a small forest, Strickland contains an impressive diversity of flora and fauna. Strickland is home to one of the oldest arboretums (native and exotic tree plantings) in Australia.

Picnic facilities are set in unique dry eucalypt forest. Barbecues, rustic seats, water and toilets are provided.

Educational walking trails feature cabbage tree palms, rainforest vegetation and historic site of first national forestry school. The Forest is associated with historic plantings and brilliant wildflower display in Spring.

Taste Gourmet Grocer and Cafe is a true food lover’s destination, a cafe, gourmet provedore, deli and hamper store, with fabulous food at reasonable prices, an innovative all day cafe menu, the Coast’s best coffee, gourmet groceries, deli specialties, local regional products, take home meals, gourmet hampers (and now with a new online food store) and more.

Opened in May 2006 in Victoria Street, East Gosford, the heart of the Central Coast’s most exciting dynamic and diverse shopping village, Taste Gourmet Grocer and Cafe is a true food lover’s destination.

Owners Brian Lawler and Michele Menchin focus on fabulous food at reasonable prices, from gourmet grocer basics to deli specialties, the Central Coast’s best regional products, fresh take home meals, gourmet hampers, an innovative cafe menu and the Coast’s best coffee.

Their award winning cafe is and gourmet grocer is open seven days.

One of the best-known beaches on the Central Coast, Terrigal Beach is a cosmopolitan seaside town, as popular with locals as it is with visitors.

The patrolled beach offers safe swimming all year round and has a small ocean rock pool tucked into the cliff at the southern end. Also at the southern end of Terrigal Beach is Terrigal Haven, a protected boat harbour with boat ramp, fishing charters, scuba diving and snorkelling, picnic and barbecue facilities.

The beach is patrolled every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break.

Picnic areas include grassed and under cover picnic tables available.

Barbecue facilities are at Terrigal Haven - electric barbecues at no charge.

Parking at public beachside car park and street side parking.

Call in and chat to the friendly staff who will be able to provide you with information on local events, places of interest and details of the surrounding area

The Basin camping area, in the Watagan Mountains State Forest on the Central Coast, is an open, grassy area with easy access and a flowing creek nearby.

Located away from the more popular areas, the Basin is suitable for large groups.

Creek lyrebirds are common in the area and are heard calling in winter. Nearby creeks can be used for swimming in the warmer months.

The Rock Lily Walking Trail, which can be accessed from the camping area, features rainforest vegetation, rock lilies and the beautiful Wollombi Brook.

The camping area includes picnic tables, barbeques, and an amenities block.

A popular all-year-round aquatic playground. The patrolled beach is within walking distance of a host of attractions and facilities including the sea baths, coastal boardwalk, children's playground and park, undercover BBQs and picnic tables, Vera's Watergarden, shops, cafes and restaurants, weekend markets and live entertainment. Tuggerah Lake and The Entrance Channel provide a mecca for boaties and fisherman with boat ramps and several boat hire outlets in the area.

Also available for hire are catamarans, sailboards, canoes, surf skis, pedal boats and aqua bikes. One of the most popular attractions is the daily feeding of the pelicans in Memorial Park at 3.30pm.

Patrolled: Every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break.

Amenities: Public facilities available.

Picnic Areas: Grassed and under cover picnic tables available.

BBQ Facilities: Electric BBQs (no charge).

Parking: Street side parking and public car park within easy walking distance.

From Paddock to Plate farmer fresh is best! The Entrance Farmers and Craft Market is a fantastic opportunity to sample and purchase farm fresh produce accompanied by the knowledge and advice of farming and produce professionals.


The markets are held on 3rd Saturday of every month check our website for the exact dates.

Have a dip in the Entrance Ocean Baths - the only ocean pool on the Central Coast. There is a 50 metre pool and a children's pool and the necessary associated facilities.

The Baths were constructed between 1938 and 1965 and show how far ocean baths have come in the twentieth century. The Ocean Baths began as just a rock pool and are now an engineering masterpiece.

Come and discover the exciting and beautiful world of Australia's native plants and flowers. Visit this specialist plant nursery, with hundreds of different Australian native plants to choose from including a wide range of tube stock. Take home an Australian plant today and create a haven for Australian birds. Magnificent fresh cut Australian native flowers are delivered daily fresh from farms all over the country. The Giftware Shop has a unique range of giftware featuring exquiste Australian arts and crafts, just the place if you're looking for something beautiful and different.

Located just a five minute drive south-east of The Entrance, Toowoon Bay is one of the Central Coast's best kept secrets.

It offers a picturesque horseshoe-shaped protected beach that is great for families, but bathers should be careful of currents near the rocks at the southern end. The bay area is popular for windsurfing and the beach occasionally gets some good swell.

The beach is located adjacent to a picnic reserve with shelters, open grassed areas and a children's playground and there are a few shops nearby offering some good dining options.

There is ample parking and nearby accommodation includes caravan and cabin parks, holiday houses and luxury bed and breakfasts. Buses are also available from Wyong train station.

Located just a five minute drive south-east of The Entrance, Toowoon Bay is one of the Central Coast's best kept secrets. It offers a picturesque horseshoe shaped protected beach that is great for families, but bathers should be careful of currents near the rocks at the southern end.

A small bay surrounded by a reef which becomes exposed at low tide, it offers protection from the ocean swells and provides safe swimming for all ages. A popular spot for snorkelling and a good location to see migrating whales and playful dolphins as they come in close to the coastline.

Boat ramp, barbecues, undercover picnic tables and chairs and grassed picnic areas.

The beach is patrolled every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break.

Public amenities facilities are available.

Parking is available at public beachside car park and street side parking.

The Toukley and District Art Society has a waterfront gallery displaying the work of leading local Central Coast artists. You won't find a more interesting, varied or affordable range of gifts and cards. There is also an information centre service within the gallery. You’ll be sure to enjoy your day out at the Toukley and District Art Society’s gallery.

Treetop Adventure Park is a recreation area in the tree tops, where participants can slide down flying foxes, move from tree to tree on suspension bridges and enjoy many other exciting activities up to 15 metres above the forest floor!

This sensational experience is carried out at the participant’s own pace with each course designed with different levels of difficulty (from children over three years old, through to easy, medium, and ‘adventure lover’).

Established on the Central Coast in Ourimbah State Forest, TreeTop Adventure Park aims for minimal environmental impact on the forest, especially as the trees are the real stars of the course.

76 challenges including 12 flying foxes.

Night experiences now open. It is essential to book over the phone and a minimum of six participants per session applies. Night sessions can start from 5pm and last approximately two to three hours. Full moon experience is also available.

Stretching for approximately six kilometres, Tuggerah Beach is one of the longest on the Central Coast. This secluded beach is hidden alongside the North Entrance Beach and surrounded by Wyrrabalong National Park, making it also one of the most scenic. Tuggerah beach is not patrolled and as it is quite open, swimming is not recommended. From this, it is not surprising that Tuggerah Beach is mostly frequented by local fishermen and local surfers keen to catch a good swell.

Access to the beach is only by car as there is no public transport. There is ample parking, but access roads to the beach are hidden and difficult to find, although as far as beauty goes the beach is well worth it once you get there. There is plenty of accommodation within a short driving range including cabin/caravan parks, motels, resorts, apartments and bed and breakfasts located at nearby Toukley, The Entrance and Budgewoi.

Tuggerah Lakes Golf Club at Shelly Beach; known as "The Club with the best view on the Coast". 18 hole public golf course with spectacular ocean views.

The Clubhouse has a brassiere, conference and wedding facilities. Corporate Golf Days - a great way to do business; let the professional staff tailor a golf day to meet your requirements.

Beginners golf - enjoy the spectacular views while you exercise! The specially designed beginner’s golf program includes a six week coaching clinic with the Club Professional.

Seaspray Chargrill and live entertainment is available.

Weddings and Functions; specialising in weddings, parties and corporate function. There are a variety of packages available, or allow us to tailor a package just for you.

The Watagan State Forest is part of a chain of state forests which start from Ourimbah in the south and stretch north to Cessnock. The most well known is the Watagan as it contains not only beautiful mountain scenery but has all the necessary facilities for bushwalkers, four wheel drivers or campers.

To get to the Watagans:
From Wyong travel via Dooralong Road and pick up the Watagan Forest Road.
From Cooranbong travel via Martinsville and pick up Martinsville Hill Road or Freemans Drive and then onto Mount Faulk Road.

All roads are not sealed but are accessible by car. If unsure after heavy rain, check with the Forestry Commission.

Information handouts are available upon request or an excellent Forestry map can be purchased at Central Coast Tourist Information Centres located in Kariong, Gosford and The Entrance.

Wyrrabalong National Park is the youngest park on the Central Coast and covers an area of 597 hectares. It is divided into two sections: north and south.

The northern section is five kilometres north of The Entrance and stretches from North Entrance to Pelican Point, Norah Head and is bisected by Wilfred Barrett Drive. Magnificent beaches are to the east with access points off Wilfred Barrett Drive and via Norah Head.

Red Gum Forest and lake is to the west. Red Gum Forest has a series of walking tracks. An information handout on these tracks is available from National Parks office located in Gosford.

The southern section extends from the northern end of Bateau Bay to Forresters Beach in the south. There are three access points for walks in this section, from Reserve Drive (opposite Sutton Reserve), Hilltop Street and Crackneck.

Picnic tables are provided at various points, but there are no barbecues or camping.