The Central Coast is close to both Sydney and Newcastle as a short getaway or even a day trip, so with the weather warming up, take advantage of the great outdoors and the huge range of activities in the area. For locals, bookmark this link as a reminder of all the adventure that lives in your own backyard, or as a tour guide for your visitors! 

Recently named in the ‘Green Destinations Top 100 List’, the Central Coast is the only NSW destination that made the cut. With beaches, lakes, national parks, rural hinterland, and wildlife galore, it’s time to see why this area is worth celebrating. Here are the top Outdoorsy Things to do on The Central Coast!

ON FOOT

There are no shortage of walks to get you outdoors and active around the Central Coast. From coastal tracks to bush walks, try the Bouddi Coastal Walk, Somersby Falls, The Coast Walking Track at Wyrrabalong, Maitland Bay to Killcare, Patonga to Pearl Beach, or the Piles Creek Loop for the famous rope bridge Instagram shot! For more walking trails click here.

WILDLIFE 

Get up close and personal with a herd of 60+ alpacas and llamas at Iris Lodge Alpacas in Jilliby. Choose a Farm Tour, a Meet and Greet, or kickstart your morning with the “breakfast with the alpacas” package. 

A new interactive experience “Meet the Meerkats” comes to Walkabout Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Calga. The whole family will enjoy learning about these curious and friendly creatures in a private personal encounter. 

Believe it or not, a pride of lions now call the Central Coast Zoo at Wyong Creek their home! The last six performing African Lions in Australia from the Stardust Circus have retired to the conservation of The Central Coast Zoo's Savannah Sanctuary. Guests will be able to learn about wildlife conservation and the various species of African animals including ostrich, camels, meerkat, and a boa constrictor. 

ACTIVITIES 

If you’re after outdoor adventures, Glenworth Valley has you well and truly covered! Set on 3000 acres of spectacular natural beauty you can go horse riding, quad biking, abseiling, kayaking, axe throwing, and cattle driving. With on-site Eco Villas, camping and glamping spots you could stay a few days and try them all!

Walking through a vast field of sunflowers is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face and The Food Farm Sunflower Harvest lets you do just that. Taking place during the Spring and Summer months in Wyong Creek, this beautiful experience makes for great photos, and you can grab some fresh farm produce while you’re there!

Give the kids an authentic farmgate experience with a ‘pick your own oranges’ trip to the Dooralong Orchards in the Central Coast hinterland. This 164-acre farm has been growing Valencia oranges since 1907 and you can pluck them straight from the trees over summer. 

Get out on the water with the iconic Terrigal Paddle Boats and SUPs. The paddle boats are a Central Coast tradition featuring in holiday memories for over 30 years. Alternatively, take it up a notch with a yacht charter with Hardys Bay Yacht Charter sailing Broken Bay, The Brisbane Water, and The Hawkesbury River. 

Head up into the trees, at Tree Tops High Ropes Course in Ourimbah. The park features 8 courses to suit all levels, a Zipcoaster (think zipline cross rollercoaster!), and Networld for the kids to safely explore the treetops. 

PICNICS

The Central Coast boasts both great food and great views so why not combine the two and head outside for a picnic. Pack your blanket and your picnic hamper then choose if you’d like to dine by the bush or by the beach.

Some top notch spots include Crackneck Lookout, Long Jetty Foreshore, Soldiers Beach Headland, the Banksia Picnic Area in the Strickland State Forest, and Terrigal Haven. For more click here.

INDIGENOUS ROCK CARVINGS

The Bulgandry Art Site near Kariong, is a sacred Indigenous site home to a wide range of well-preserved rock engravings. Located down an easily accessible forest track dotted with wildflowers, the site contains numerous carvings, most of which are over 200 years old. The largest is thought to depict the story of Baiyami, the creator.

ON YA BIKE!

The Central Coast is dotted with waterfront bike paths for your Sunday ride. Try Kincumber to Davistown, Gosford to Woy Woy (‘Point to Pelican’), or the Tuggerah Lakes track along the shore at Chittaway and Long Jetty. If mountain biking is more your thing, the Ourimbah MTB Park is a free 20km trail network of cross-country loops, gravity trails, and jump lines.