The Central Coast Makers Trail continues to evolve with the diverse food, drink, rich agritourism and aquaculture self-driving journey now including four new artisan producers. 

Coming on board are two award-winning breweries, a world-renowned herb and spices brand, and a one-of-a-kind in-water oyster tasting tasting and tour experience. Complementing the already award-winning cheeses, botanical wines, chocolate and nougat, all crafted by boutique artisans and fine producers who call the Central Coast home. 

Starting in Mooney Mooney the trail traverses the region all the way to Wyong Creek, along the way highlighting a mix of flavours and experiences that offers something for everyone.

Here’s what you can expect; 

Sydney Oyster Farm Tours

Go behind the scenes and taste farm-fresh oysters, from farm to plate. The family-owned oyster farm on the Hawkesbury River, that has been supplying oysters to the Sydney and regional NSW market for over 15 years, offers a variety of in-water tours for a memorable aquaculture experience.  

Considered one of the most sustainable types of farming compared to other forms of aquaculture due to its minimal burden on the environment. Drawing their nutrients directly from the environment, oysters require no additional feeding making them extremely clean and less impactful on the surrounding ecosystem. 

Experience: Book into the ‘Immerse Yourself’ in-water experience to sample succulent oysters while standing waist-deep in water from an exclusive sandbank on the Hawkesbury River.

Six Strings Brewing Company

Recent winners of the highly contested ‘Champion Pale Ale’  category at the Independent Beer Awards in October 2022 with its Tropical Pale Ale (TPA), Six String Brewing Company are continually brewing up something new, different and often out-of-the-box beer concepts. 

Launched in late 2012 by Chris Benson, an avid home brewer and school mate Adam Klasterka, Six String  Brewing Co has built a strong following producing full-flavoured - or “Amplified Ales”.

Experience: Book the Brewery Tour & Tasting, running every Saturday morning at 11am, for a behind the scenes experience. 

Herbie’s Spices

Growing up in a family who pioneered the herb and spice scene back in the 1950s, it makes sense that Herbie (Ian Hemphill) Is now renowned far and wide for producing premium, restaurant-quality range of herbs and spices. Herbie has spent the last 50 years working in the industry building a strong reputation for Herbie’s Spices which are found in many renowned kitchens both in Australia and overseas.

Experience: Visit Herbie’s Spicery in Charmhaven for factory-door sales. Tester jars are on  display, with friendly staff available to help by answering visitor’s spice questions. 

Block ‘N Tackle Brewery 

Initially launching in Avoca Beach in 2015, Block ‘N Tackle has grown substantially now with its own established  brewery and taproom in Kincumber. With 12 taps to taste, and many a ‘pilot batch’ brew, the beverage line-up is ever changing. They also offer an English hand pump serving a variety of beer styles that’s rotated  all year round. 

Experience: Don’t miss their Brewery Tours, run on Saturdays hosted by the head brewer/scientist. Tours include a 4-beer paddle of their core range beers. 

Broken Bay Pearl Farm 

Discover the rare and precious Akoya pearl at NSW’s only pearl farm. Learn how these gems are naturally cultivated and taste the local Akoya pearl oysters, while overlooking the picturesque Hawkesbury River. Nurtured by local farmers in Brisbane Waters and the Hawkesbury River for nearly two decades, visit the ‘Shellar Door’ in Mooney Mooney to discover how  pearls are sustainably farmed in the waters on the Central Coast.

Experience: Book a private or group tour and learn about the history and secrets of pearl  farming. Grade a pearl and take a scenic cruise to marvel at the delicate and rare Akoya pearl oysters  growing in the local waterway. Make your day extra special and upgrade to a seaplane experience.  

Firescreek Botanical Wines 

An award-winning boutique winery awarded over 45 medals for their botanical wine  varietals, created and bottled on-site. The property’s permaculture and regenerative farming  techniques, as well as their pretty location on 2-acres of pretty parkland grounds, ensures there is much for visitors to see, learn and taste during a visit. 

Experience: Go behind the scenes touching, smelling, foraging, mixing  and making, meet the winemaker and learn about life as an organic farmer. Sample bush tucker and  learn from an Aboriginal Elder about local culture and traditions. Family-friendly tours, group workshops  and romantic wine pairing experiences available.  

The Chocolate and Nougat Factory Gosford 

Family-owned operated, the Chocolate and Nougat Factory in Gosford is the largest nougat manufacturer in Australia with up to three tonnes produced daily. Explore an immersive world of chocolate, nougat, marshmallows and take a peak through the porthole windows to see the treats coming to life.

Experience: Pre-book a factory tour or hands-on chocolate experience for the ultimate and sweetest day out. The kids will love the Junior Chocolatier Workshops. Marvel at the huge range of sweet selections in the retail store behind the big wooden doors – a captivating Willy Wonka-style experience. 

Little Creek Cheese Factory 

Indulge in gin cheddar, gold-medal haloumi and creamy goat fetta and meet the artisan cheesemakers of this family-owned and operated cheese factory that boast over 200 industry awards for their range of cheeses.

Experience: pre-book a cheese experience and meet the skilled makers, or visit the shop for a  wide range of club cheddars and marinated fetta. Or indulge in the complete cheese experience and  make your own ricotta and paneer to take home and impress the neighbours. For more information and to start planning your visit, check out the Central Coast Makers Trail.

Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Central Coast Makers Trail. Thank you for supporting the partners who make HUNTERhunter possible.