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 along sidestreets and alleyways.

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 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 cafe.

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.

Whilst 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 in Long Jetty

Drop into one of the many eateries dotted along the Long Jetty strip. Tuck into a banh mi at Keep Rollin’ Rolls, get a toastie from Cafe 2261 (formerly Belle & Co), pick up some pastries at Burnt Honey Bakery, or settle in for a big brunch at Green Tangerine, Morning Coffee Society, or Komuniti.

Browse the shops

Post lunch, check out Long Jetty’s fab collection of clothing and lifestyle boutiques. Pop into Plain Janes, Sorry Grandma, Tiki Lala, Shadow Bang, Poppy Lane, Sadie Lou, Webster’s Vintage, and Wildberry Boutique. Take a browse around The Cacti Folk’s spectacular range of cacti or pick up a bottle of vino from Upstairs Wines. Drop into the coffee and retail spaces at The Bang Threads and Espresso and Three Donkeys Home + Coffee Bar.

Sunset + drinks at The Savoy

Catch a blazing sunset at Long Jetty’s ‘longest jetty’, then follow the crowds 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.

Dinner time

Stick around in Long Jetty for an authentic Italian experience at Il Toscano Pasta Bar or head back towards Toowoon Bay and visit Cecilia Restaurant and Wine Bar.

If you’re keen to explore more of the area, why not 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.