From Killcare to Terrigal and all the way 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 starting from the south and working our way up the Coast. 

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. Do not let this slip off your radar though - with 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, this is an absolute gem to discover.

Be sure to explore the area and you will find an Arboretum to meander, as well as wetlands, ancient grass trees and various rainforest species.

If you are feeling energetic you can also walk the 5km via Warrah Lookout to Patonga. The impressive lookout is worth the walk.  

Eateries in the area: Pearls on Pearl Beach, The Boathouse Hotel Patonga (5km walk away)

- Ocean pool
- Small playground
- Café
- Not patrolled

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. 

Features: 

- Patrolled Beach 
- Swim and Surf 
- Large Playground
- Café (all day) 

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. 

- Patrolled Beach 
- Rockpool
- Surfing
- Café

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 a such a great beach to enjoy and large waiting space to enjoy the views.

- Swim and Surf
- Rockpool, large and sheltered
- Picnic benches
- Wednesday morning Jazz outside the surf club
- Patrolled Beach
- Kids’ playground 

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 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. 

- Swim and Surf 
- Rockpool
- Small playground & Skate park
- Patrolled Beach

Eateries in walking distance: Burnt Honey, Cabana Café & Lady Copa Pizzeria

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 amphitheater 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.

- Rockpool, large and sheltered 
- Great surf break 
- Patrolled beach
- Fenced playground next to the beach
- Cafes, restaurants, bars, and surf club kiosk on the beach
- Wide Pathways (pram and scooter friendly) 
- Large park area which allows dogs
- Historic movie theatre
- Patrolled Beach

Eateries in the area include Avoca Surf House, (small drive) Shady Palms

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.  In the other direction, you will find the Haven – whilst this currently involves traversing a steep hill, by mid-January a footbridge above the ocean will be completed, providing a flat connection from Terrigal Beach to the Haven. 

- Boutiques, cafes & restaurants 
- Swimming
- Paddle boats, kayaking & SUP
- Fishing
- Snorkelling & diving
- Headland walks including The Skillion lookout
- Large dog exercise area
- Rockpools to explore
- Patrolled Beach

Eateries within walking distance include: Bellyfish, Pocket Bar, Daily Dough Co., Acai Bros, Yellowtail, Rhonda’s, Arc Brasserie

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.  

- Patrolled Beach
- Ocean pool & wading pool
- Family activities in town
- Vera’s Waterpark

Soldiers Beach, Norah Head

Soldiers Beach, 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.

- Patrolled Beach
- Rock Pool
- Playground
- Café
- Lighthouse & Rock plateaus

Eateries – Johnny Tapas