The Central Coast is just an hour away from Sydney in the north and a perfect weekend destination for locals and tourists alike. It is known for lovely beaches, harbour setting, boutique hotels, lush national parks, great shopping, pretty local villages, and stunning coastal terrain.

Sandwiched between Newcastle and Sydney, the 40+ beaches of Central Coast offer many things and activities for couples, families, and outdoorsy people. Its hinterland forest, coastal drives, relaxed beach lifestyle, gourmet restaurants, and more makes the Central Coast one of the most visited places in Australia.

What are The Best Things to do on the Central Coast?

There are plenty of reasons to visit the Coastal Coast. Let us have a look at some here:

Golden Beaches

things to do on central coast

The Central Coast offers more than forty golden beaches on its coastline that stretches about 80 kilometers. Most beaches are kid-friendly and perfect for a family vacation. The popular ones include Avoca Beach and Terrigal.
Lifesavers are always on patrol duty to ensure the holiday is safe. Maitland Bay is one of the most enticing beaches, while Frazer Beach is among the unspoiled ones. The beach lifestyle is iconic and attracts holidaymakers throughout the year.

Some of the most favourite beaches are:

  • Avoca Beach – Known for its great surf (don’t forget about Central Coast Surf Academy), cafes, and kids’ rock pool.
  • Bateau Bay Beach – The primary attractions are bushwalks at the Wyrrabalong National Park and rock pools for the kids.
  • Copacabana Beach (Copa) is one of the best quiet holiday spots equipped with surfing and swimming. The attractions for kids include a playground, skatepark, and rockpool. In addition, one can find abundant cafes across the road.
  • Ettalong Beach – The shallow and calm beach is best for families with young children. The amenities include picnic spots, cafes, and playgrounds.
  • Forresters Beach – Mansions on top of a hill make the uncrowded beach more attractive for holidaymakers. It is a favourite spot for dog walking and surfers.
  • Frazer Beach – It is known for fishing, camping, surfing, bushwalking, and parks. Lifeguards can be seen patrolling during the Easter holidays and summer months.
  • Killcare Beach – It is perfect for toddlers. It offers a rock pool for the kids to enjoy, and parents can have a relaxing vacation. However, it is more known for its scenic beauty.
  • Little Beach – It is one of the favourites for picnic-goers with the family. It is accessible after a short walk of about 750 meters in the Bouddi National Park.
  • Lobster Beach is a slight stretch of golden sand in Broken Bay. It is quiet and peaceful.
  • Macmasters Beach – The Barefoot Cafe and a toddler-friendly ocean pool make the beach one of the fantastic picnic spots.

Scenic Bushwalks

The Central Coast is one of the best-known places for bushwalking in Australia. Many bushwalks are perfect for children. However, the Bouddi Coastal Walk is one of the attractions among the adults who love broad walks and clifftop tracks. The popular walks include:

• Somersby Falls – It offers about 15 minutes walk through a dense rainforest with two waterfalls. It is perfect for visiting on a hot summer day.
• LIttle Beach Trail – It offers an hour of bushwalk through the beautiful rainforest. It is perfect for families with kids. The camping ground, picnic tables, barbecue, and non-flush tables are added advantages of having a walk here.
• Maitland Bay track – Located beside the Macmasters and Killcare beaches, it offers a steep bushwalk through lush vegetation and gullies.
• Kariong Brook Falls – Surrounded by lush vegetation, overhangs, and sandstone walls, it is best known for being a lovely and beautiful waterfall in Brisbane Water National Park. It is simultaneously a good picnic spot.
• Piles Creek loop – It offers a 3.5-hour of enchanting bushwalk in the Brisbane Water National Park. Hiking is exciting over an old suspension bridge, underneath sandstone caves, and past waterfalls. Visiting the place in spring is suggested to witness tons of pretty wildflowers.
• Pearl Beach to Patonga walk – It offers a 6-km return bushwalk from Pearl Beach to Patonga, offering incredible views over the Northern Beaches and Hawkesbury River.
• The Coast walking track – Located in the Wyrrabalong National Park, it is one of the most popular bushwalks in the Central Coast region of Australia. The coastal views are stunning while walking. Many visit the place to watch migrating whales and enjoy a picnic at Crackneck Lookout.
• Coast to Lake walk – The bushwalk makes you pass through The Entrance, Long Jetty and Toowoon Bay. Can witness a beautiful sunset can along the Shore of Tuggerah Lake.
• Bouddi Coastal Walk – The popular bushwalk stretches between Macmasters Beach and Killcare Beach. It is an 8-km walk one-way and takes about 4 hours to complete.
• 5 Lands Walk – It is a 10-km walk one-way and takes about 6 hours to complete.

World Class Surfing

things to do on central coast

World-class surfing is synonymous with Central Coast in Australia, with no shortage of epic waves. Some of the best-known beaches for surfing are Soldiers Beach, Shelly Beach, Forresters Beach, Wamberal Beach, and Copacabana Beach. In addition, Umina Beach, Terrigal Beach, and Avoca Beach facilitate learning how to surf.

The other reasons to visit the Central Coast this summer include:
• Australian Reptile Park
• beautiful markets
• whale watching at Gerrin Point Lookout
• Crackneck Lookout
• The Skillion
• Norah Head Lighthouse and Captain Cook Lookout
• fantastic fishing to catch a wide variety of species at several hotspots like Lake Munmorah, Tuggerah Lake, Pelican Point, and The Entrance
• horse riding
• quad biking
• Treetops adventure
• charming coastal towns
• unique atmosphere
• vibrant nightlife and dining
• boutique shops
• a plethora of cafes on roads adjacent to the beaches
• camping in incredible surroundings and family picnic with kids

The Best Things to do on the Central Coast Conclusion

In conclusion, the Central Coast of Australia is a wonderful place to visit with plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy. Whether you are interested in nature, history, or just want to relax on the beach, there is something for everyone on the Central Coast. So be sure to add this beautiful region to your travel list and experience all that it has to offer.