Due to Covid restrictions the Central Coast is currently closed to visitors, so save your visit for a later date, jump online and get to know these awesome businesses and places a little better.

Whether you’re a local, or visiting NSW’s idyllic Central Coast, this seaside region spoils you for choice. From stretches of uncrowded beaches to stunning bushwalks, restaurants, bars and breweries to activities for the whole family, there's something for everyone. Here’s our list of the top 12 things to do on the Central Coast. 

Terrigal Boardwalk

In April 2021, Terrigal Boardwalk and an upgraded rockpool was opened and has provided an exciting new attraction for locals and visitors alike. Designed to complement the natural environment and withstand the elements it's an incredible walk, joining Terrigal Beach to Terrigal Haven, with plenty of seating along the way. If you are up for more of a challenge, race your kids to the top of The Skillion and check out the amazing sea views. After you descend, treat yourself to a well-deserved meal at one of the many fantastic restaurants in Terrigal, and of course a spot of window shopping.

Bushwalks

If it’s time to slow down and connect with nature, the Central Coast offers an abundance of walking options. From breathtaking ocean views, rainforest canopies and native wildlife, you won’t be disappointed. So, strap on those hiking boots and explore one of these breathtaking bushwalks.

• Somersby Falls – Lush rainforest and waterfalls await you here. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy this 30-minute walk – it is rather steep and slippery at spots so take a bit of care. It’s a perfect spot in summer as the falls and the rainforest will keep you comfortably cool. To explore click here.
• Bouddi Coastal Walk – Named after the local Aboriginal name of the area, the area has many Aboriginal sites such as engravings, middens and rock carvings. Bouddi Coastal walk is approx. 8kms of quiet beaches, sweeping views, and boardwalks as you hike from Putty Beach to Macmaster's Beach. There are plenty of inviting picnic spots along the way to enjoy and is a great way to showcase the Coast to your family and friends.
• Strickland State Forest – This walk is for the entire family, including your four-legged pals! Endless walking trails, impressive flora and plenty of stops to rest with shelters, picnic spots, and fire pits – it’s a perfect place to explore, then kick back and relax. (A word of warning - due to ticks, you’ll want to make sure your dog is up to date with treatment). To explore click here.

Dining out on the Central Coast 

Now that you have worn yourself out and after a bit of R&R - it's time to start thinking about what's important, like, where to eat, drink and get social on the Central Coast. The best way to describe the Coasts dining scene is little pockets of gold scattered right from the north all the way down to the south.

To help narrow things down be sure to consider Ettalong which is fast becoming known as a foodies playground. Some highlights include - La Taco, Bar Toto and Osteria il Coccia or if it's waterfront dining you're after, The BOX on the Ettalong Beach is the perfect place to unwind.

Terrigal is of course a go-to for either lunch or dinner with Rhonda's, the Terrigal Beach House, Charred by Pocket and Arc just a couple to consider.

Other highlights include Saddles at Mount White, The Wild Flower Bar & Dining at Bells and the dreamy waterside views of the Patonga Beach Hotel should be on everyone's list.     

Glenworth Valley 

If you're more of an adventure or an adrenalin junkie, be sure to check out Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures. Unforgettable quad-biking, horse-riding, abseiling, and laser skirmish await on an expansive wilderness property. Why not make a weekend of it? You can camp or spoil yourself with a luxury cabin or villa, or glamp! Perfect for families, a group of mates or a romantic getaway.

More Info: click here 

Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park is a must see on the Central Coast. Here you can get up close and personal to a range of animals with the knowledgeable staff walking around with a range of creatures in their arms to meet (or avoid!).  You can see plenty of cuddly koalas eating gum leaves, and emus and kangaroos roaming around. Wombats, dingoes, Tassie devils, platypuses and a huge saltwater crocodile are all also home to the Reptile Park. There is a fab playground for the kids to explore, a café, and you are welcome to bring your own picnic and utilise their free-of-charge BBQs.  Certainty a great day will be had by all. 

More Info: click here

Palm Beach Ferry

Fantasea Palm Beach Ferries offers ferry services to and from Palm Beach, Ettalong and Wagstaff and is fun for your whole family, including for your 4-legged pal. It’s a spectacular 30-minute trip where you’ll pass Barrenjoey Headland, made famous by the long-running TV show ‘Home & Away’. You’ll also see Lion Island, national parks and endless rugged coastlines – perhaps even a whale or two during the migration season. Once at Palm Beach, you can hike up to the Barrenjoey lighthouse, have lunch at the popular Beachhouse or take a dip at the Palm Beach Rockpool. Whatever you choose to see and do, you’ll have a great day.

The Art House

The Art House in Wyong is a new 500 seat theatre, with an exhibition space, meeting facilities and a café/bar. A home for performers, creators and anyone who loves performing arts. You can enjoy a pre-theatre drink in the relaxed courtyard, or perhaps a preshow meal at one of the local pubs and restaurants. Within walking distance, you will find The Grand Hotel, Motel Mezza, Osteria A’Mano and many more, all of which will certainly enhance your theatre experience.

More Info: click here 

Central Coast’s FOREPlay 

When it's raining on the Central Coast, a whole day with the kids is always a LOOONG one. Fear not, save your sanity and the state of your house with this fun indoor activity.  FOREPlay at Erina is Central Coast’s new indoor golf venue which offers state-of-the-art golf stimulation for players of all levels. Be immersed in some of the best golf courses around the world, providing you with an authentic golfing experience. Following your game, you can kick back and enjoy a cocktail in their very own lounge bar.

More Info: click here 

Mystery Picnic with Friends

If it's a romantic picnic for two check our best picnic spots on the Central Coast guide. If there's a group of you, why not explore the Central Coast with a Mystery Picnic experience? Starting with a picnic basket, you will have fun solving personally created clues and riddles that will take you on a journey to collect your special gourmet picnic food bit by bit. Each clue will bring you closer to your next picnic food pickup and even closer to your final picnic destination. Certainly, a fun, filling, and original way to explore the Coast!

More Info: click here 

The Factory Central Coast

Come and visit the sweetest place on the Central Coast! Home of Australian confectionery producers Nougat Limar, Bon Bon Fine Chocolate, and The Sydney Marshmallow Co. The Factory is open for visitors to enjoy trying and buying locally made chocolate, nougat, and marshmallows. You can take a guided tour or enjoy a signature hot chocolate and cake in the cafe. Kids can take part in a fun-filled Junior Chocolatiers Workshop. The café is open Wednesday to Sunday 9 am-4 pm for all-day breakfast and brunch, serving up simple meals and a kids’ menu.

More Info: click here 

Treetop Adventure Park

Treetops Central Coast Adventure Park is a high ropes course up in the treetops, where participants can slide down flying foxes, move from tree to tree on suspension bridges, and enjoy 115 challenges including 20 flying foxes, the longest at 200 metres. 

If you are feeling brave - The Crazy Rider is the world’s longest roller coaster zip line! It allows you to swoop, twist and zigzag through the trees.  You’ll also get to have a blast at NetWorld - a boundless network of interconnected bouncy spaces for all ages. Experience a whole new sense of gravity as you bounce while enjoying a variety of fun games with gigantic inflatable balls.  

You’ll also discover a range of vertical challenges, where anyone over five can enjoy climbing through various challenges from the ground up with a fun zig-zag ladder, challenging climbing walls, polka dots and much more. 

More Info: click here 

Escape Rooms

Escape Rooms Central Coast are running exciting new outdoor escape adventures around The Entrance. The games are filled with fun and intrigue, using high-tech augmented reality to give you a game with a difference!  

You and your friends or family will be provided with an iPad and an Action Pack, and you will need all your super-sleuthing skills as you follow the course using ‘Google Maps’, unlocking clues and puzzles along the way.  

This is an easy two-kilometer walk around Memorial Park and the mall at The Entrance, offering a fun challenge for all ages. Great for holiday activities, birthday parties, social outings and team events.

More Info: click here