From Killcare to Terrigal and up to Norah Head, the Central Coast has some of the most beautiful, not to mention the quietest, beaches on the east coast of Australia. 

For day-trippers and locals alike, there is somewhere for everyone to splash and cool down on our glorious coastline. Check our guide out below.

Avoca Beach

This vast beach has multiple entry points with the furthest being North Avoca. With the kidlets, we suggest coming in via the surf club entrance where you are welcomed by an amphitheatre-styled sandstone wall, hardened sand and a perfect rock pool that allows for sitting, splashing, and, for those who are a little braver, the chance to wander into the deep end.

Bateau Bay Beach

Located in the southern section of Wyrrabalong National Park, Bateau Bay Beach is great for kids to explore with its sheltered surf and rock pools.

Bullimah Beach

This small stretch of sand bordered by cliffs can only be accessed on foot from Maitland Bay or Putty Beach, or by boat.

Copacabana Beach 

Whilst Copacabana Beach on the Central Coast looks a little different to the world-famous Brazilian mecca, we are comfortable with our bias when we say our Copacabana is better. With Captain Cook's lookout giving spectacular panoramic views across the headlands to being able to access the 5 Lands Coastal Walk, Copa (as she is affectionately known) is a great swimming beach and super family-friendly with a lagoon to splash around in as well. 

Emerald Pool

Located in Popran National Park, this all-natural swimming hole can be reached via a short walk through the bush.

Ettalong Beach

This renowned fishing spot is also great for families with young children with its calm and shallow beach.

Forresters Beach 

This long uncrowded stretch of sand is a great spot for dog walking and for keen surfers.

Frazer Beach

This little hidden oasis located in the Munmorah State Conservation Area, is only 400m long but offers a quiet slice of paradise.

Killcare Beach

Killcare Beach sits at the foot of Bouddi National Park. The vast beach allows you to explore the northern end where you reach Putty Beach and the fantastic walking tracks through the National Park. Driftwood huts and artistic creations are usually found scattered along the beach and even with the rockpool, this is a beach for confident beachgoers with limited shallow water and some decent swell.

Little Beach

A cruisy 750m walk through bushland brings you out to this secluded cove in Bouddi National Park – Little Beach is popular for both camping and for young families as the little ones explore the rock pools.

Lobster Beach

Located in Broken Bay and tucked along the Bouddi National Park, Lobster Beach offers a small stretch of sand perfect for a peaceful dip.

MacMasters Beach

MacMasters Beach is the first of many beaches that are included in Bouddi National Park. This fringe beach is an ideal family bay with a great rock pool for the little ones to explore safely and the main beach boasting some great waves and a scenic outlook. 

With only one café in the surf club, be prepared to wait, which is easy when you have such a great beach to enjoy and a large waiting space to enjoy the views.

Maitland Bay

This 600 m-long stretch of untouched sand is tucked in the bushland of Bouddi National Park and is one of the Coast’s best kept secrets. 

Moonee Beach

A short bushwalk through the Munmorah State Conservation area will bring you to untouched Moonee Beach.

Pearl Beach 

Pearl Beach is a mostly sheltered beach in Broken Bay and borders Brisbane Water National Park. With the residents being mostly holiday homes these days, the beach is very seasonal and therefore gets busy during the holidays.

Featuring a playground right on the beach, an ocean pool for laps, a protected bay, and one of the Coast’s best restaurants on the beach (Amalfi Pearl Beach), this is an absolute gem to discover.

Pelican Beach 

Located at the northern end of the Wyrrabalong National Park, Pelos (as it is more commonly known) is popular amongst surfers, swimmers, and fishermen.

Shelly Beach 

Shelly Beach is the Central Coast’s favourite all-rounder beach. Great for surfers with its consistent break, a patrolled swimming area, a dog section, and small dunes. 

Spoon Bay 

A stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Terrigal, to access Spoon Bay, park at the end of Spoon Bay Road and walk down the path through the bush. A perfect spot for a long stroll back to Terrigal.

Soldiers Beach 

Soldiers Beach in Norah Head may just have the best rock pool for toddlers on the Central Coast. The water is crystal clear and only a short walk from the amenities and playground. Another great location for the kids in Norah Head is exploring the grounds of the iconic Lighthouse and the rock plateaus below.

Tallow Beach

This secluded gem is for the truly adventurous. To access, you’ll have to walk the 1.5km bush track.

Terrigal Beach 

Terrigal Beach on the Central Coast NSW has it all, being one of the more popular beaches on the Coast this is a busy and family-orientated beach. Wamberal Beach leisurely connects to Terrigal via the lagoon where you can take out paddle boats, SUP, or Kayak. 

Terrigal Rock Pool

Make your way along the Terrigal Boardwalk until you find the rock pool at the end of the beach. Enjoy the refreshing swim and take in the stunning view of the Terrigal Promenade and out into the South Pacific Ocean.

The Grant McBride Baths

Otherwise known as The Entrance Ocean Baths, this spot takes centre stage for this coastal suburb. Featuring three ocean pools – an Olympic-sized lap pool, a 22m lap pool, and a wading pool for the little ones.

Toowoon Bay

The 700m long curved beach is perfect for families with its calm surf. Sheltered by reefs, it is also a popular spot for snorkelling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

The Entrance

The Entrance is a perfect family location. From pelican feeding to Veras Splash area you can find something for everyone here.  There is a 50-metre ocean pool as well as a kids’ wading pool. Feel like fishing? This is also possible here.  

Umina Beach 

Umina Beach is another great family beach located on the Peninsula. The beach is protected and there is a large playground next to the beach. The surf club is an all-rounder venue, equally good for an afternoon beverage or morning coffee alike. The south end of the beach is more suitable for smaller kids in the shallows. 

Woy Woy Waterfall Pool

One of the Central Coast’s best kept secrets is none other than the Woy Woy Waterfall Pool. To access, you’ll need to gear up for about a 6km walk (return).

Do you think we’ve missed somewhere? Email us!