Commonly referred to as the ‘Newtown of the Central Coast’, Long Jetty’s wave of small businesses, creators, and innovators has breathed new life into this neighbourhood. Kerbside cafes line the main drag, boutique shops hold one-of-a-kind treasures, and street art is found down side streets and alleyways. On the eastern shore of Tuggerah Lake, this magical stretch of the coast sits between the best of both worlds – lake and beachside. 

Continue a little further North to discover the hidden gem of Blue Bay and Toowoon Bay – two swoon-worthy inlets where sapphire breakers gently lap the shore. These truly local spots are home to some little-known and tucked away cafes, takeaways, and restaurants.

Morning Coffee and a Swim

Join the locals for an early morning dip in the calm, protected waters of Toowoon Bay. Connected to Shelly Beach’s northern end by an off-leash dog area, and to curvaceous neighbour Blue Bay, Toowoon Bay’s languid waters beckon for a dip, stand up paddleboard or snorkel around the rocks.

Dust off your sandy feet and make for Toowoon Bay Village’s sweet cluster of shops. Join the queue at Flour and Co, a much-loved family-run bakery and café frequented by friends Kyal and Kara Demmrick of The Block, who previously lived across the road. Formerly known as the Toowoon Bay Pie Shop, this café and bakery has been in the Picot family for more than three decades. Pick up some old school custard tarts and raw cheesecake for the road.

Where: 88 Toowoon Bay Road, Toowoon Bay
When: Daily | 6am-3pm

Work up a hunger on the Tuggerah Lakes Cycleway

Away from the main road and hugging the shoreline of Tuggerah Lake is a 12km flat track perfect for a leisurely ride and easy for the kids. Playgrounds and benches are dotted along the way for a pit stop or to admire the view. If you don’t have a bike of your own you can hire them at The Entrance! While you’re there:

Walk the Long Jetty from where the town gets its name. At 351m it is the longest jetty in NSW and is over 100 years old. 

Lunch at The Glass Onion Society

Follow the Lulu Lemon crowd (Modern Organic next door offers yoga classes) and inked couples to this café cum gallery that kicked off Long Jetty’s reboot. Find yourself a cosy corner (or an alfresco seat if you’re dining with the pooch) at this hipster hang with its retro furniture, local artwork, and vintage camera collection. The menu includes a signature The Blackjack Stack burger packed with all the trimmings, the eye-popping Purple People Eater smoothie bowl, and smoothies that are a meal unto themselves.

Where: Shop 1&2/308 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty
When: Daily | 7am-3pm

Another Favourite to Check Out:

The Green Tangerine, 393 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty (opposite the Glass Onion Society)

Browse the Shops

Post lunch, check out Long Jetty’s fab collection of clothing and lifestyle boutiques. Pop into Plain Janes, Tiny Folk Co. (for threads for the nippers) and Shadow Bang. Take a browse around The Cacti Folk and their most spectacular range of cacti. Lucky Surf Supply is a cool surf retailer and coffee space as to The Bang Threads and Espresso. In the rear studio is the workshop and studio of local artist Grant Moloney (you’ll see his whale motifs across the Central Coast).

Float Away

If you’ve got an hour to spare, start to wind down your day with a visit to The Float Sanctuary for a relaxing and recharging soak in their state of the art, soundproof pods, filled with mineral-rich water, of magnesium and Epsom salts. This calm and meditative experience activates theta brainwaves, which our body normally achieves just before falling asleep.

Where: 2/381 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty NSW 2261
When: Mon, Wed, Sat 10am-5pm | Tue, Thu, Fri 10am-2pm

Sunset + Drinks at The Savoy

Catch a blazing sunset at Long Jetty’s ‘longest jetty’, then follow the millennial crowd to The Savoy - once home to the Central Coast’s biggest movie theatre. Enter via the stairs beside the pawnshop and find yourself a window seat at this reborn landmark. Here patrons tuck into Napoli style pizza, buffalo cauliflower bites and charcuterie platters while downing cocktails and vinos from the mostly natural, low sulphur wine list. If you’re in town on a Thursday don’t miss the Savoy’s classic film night in its grand old theatre.

Where: 2/391 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty 
When: Thurs-Saturday | 4pm-late

Dinner at Cecilia Restaurant and Wine Bar

Back in Toowoon Bay village, Cecilia's – sister restaurant to The Entrance Lake House - is delivering a contemporary Japanese-infused culinary experience to the coast. The welcome is warm, and interiors are airy at this village gem where diners can watch head chef Adam Viner work his culinary magic. Mornings are for leisurely brunches of corn and zucchini fritters but come sundown expect small plates of prawn with charred cucumber, puffed grain and wasabi, and mains like pork loin, sesame spinach, kimchi and daikon or kingfish with yuzu and dill. Allow the friendly wait staff to pair wines with Viner’s superb dishes for an elevated dining experience.

Where: 89 Toowoon Bay Road, Toowoon Bay
When: Wed-Fri 6-8pm | Sat+Sun 8am-2pm

Another Favourite to Check Out: 

Yasaka Japanese Dining, 1/328 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty

On your way home stop off at Norah Head for a swim or stretch your legs along the long stretch of sand found at North Entrance Beach. If you’re keen to explore more, book a night or two at the very beautiful Nest at Blue Bay, or the indulgent Kims Beachside Retreat at Toowoon Bay, both a short stroll from the sea and all the action of Long Jetty.