Central Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The Entrance featuring a sunset and a sandy beach
Central Coast
Central Coast
Central Coast showing a bay or harbour, waves and rugged coastline
Central Coast featuring bird life

This stretch of coast between New South Wales’ two largest cities is a perfect getaway, with beautiful beaches, native rainforests, coastal villages and wildlife.

Known as “the playground of two cities”, New South Wales’ Central Coast is a scenic stretch of coastline between Sydney and Newcastle. Featuring a diverse landscape of gorgeous beaches, scenic inlets, rivers, lakes and picturesque hinterland, the Central Coast has plenty of exciting destinations for relaxation and adventure. Visit charming towns and see historic lighthouses. Hike through fragrant eucalypt forests and spot whales off the shore.

Explore Gosford, the coast’s largest township. Embark on a road trip north towards the Wyong region to tour the laid-back coastal towns. Terrigal Beach and Avoca Beach are popular swimming spots. Wax up your surfboard and hit the surf breaks at North Avoca and Soldiers Beach. Enjoy a cooling dip in the rock pools at Pearl Beach.

Experience breathtaking coastal views with a walk along the 9-kilometre (5.6-mile) trail that stretches from MacMasters Beach to Terrigal. More trails can be found in the Central Coast’s numerous national parks. See the cascading Somersby Falls in Brisbane Water National Park, near Gosford. Bouddi National Park is home to pristine beaches, jagged cliffs and several Aboriginal cultural sites. Hike through beautiful red gumtrees to Crackneck Point Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park and spot whales breaching out at sea.

Learn about the Central Coast’s diverse wildlife at the Australian Reptile Park or the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, both of which are ideal for kids. Other family-friendly attractions include the Tree Top Adventure Park, where you can ride a zip line through the trees in the lush Ourimbah State Forest.

Other leisure activities include mini golf and indoor swimming at the Mingara Recreation Club. Catch a performance at the annual Central Coast Country Music Festival or an opera production in the Arboretum.

Main towns along the Central Coast are accessible by regular trains from Sydney. Just 1 hour’s drive north from Sydney, the Central Coast is a great weekend getaway. Visit in summer for sun-drenched beach days or in winter for whale-watching season.

Where to stay in Central Coast

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Dangar Island

Travellers like the parks in Dangar Island, and Brisbane Water National Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Dangar Island
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Milsons Passage

Travellers like the parks in Milsons Passage, and Brisbane Water National Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Milsons Passage
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Wyee

If you're spending some time in Wyee, Lake Macquarie is a top sight worth visiting.

Wyee
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Sunny Corner

Sunny Corner is popular for its beaches, and you can check out Muogamarra Nature Reserve, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

Sunny Corner
Mantra Ettalong Beach

Mantra Ettalong Beach

4 out of 5
53-54 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, NSW
The price is Rp1.873.026 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
Rp1.873.026
Rp1.873.026 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Ettalong Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 20 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,432 reviews)
"Restaurants are all nearly"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Mantra Ettalong Beach
Waterview Gosford Motor Inn

Waterview Gosford Motor Inn

3 out of 5
23 Central Coast Highway, West Gosford, NSW
The price is Rp1.331.760 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.331.760
Rp1.464.936 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in West Gosford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"I have stayed at this motel previously and again found the motel basic but comfortable and was well-presented and located (walking distance to Gosford CBD). The room was quiet, clean, bed was comfortable and facilities in the room quite adequate. I was very happy that there was a guest kitchen where ..."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Waterview Gosford Motor Inn
Nesuto The Entrance Apartments

Nesuto The Entrance Apartments

3.5 out of 5
18 Coral Street, The Entrance, NSW
The price is Rp1.438.301 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.438.301
Rp1.582.131 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in The Entrance. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,475 reviews)
"Great accomodation always stay there when visiting the entrance! Only thing with the room we stayed in that would have made it better is better outdoor furniture where we could all sit comfortably and enjoy the view."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Nesuto The Entrance Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mantra Ettalong Beach

Mantra Ettalong Beach

4 out of 5
53-54 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, NSW
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Ettalong Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 20 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,432 reviews)
"Restaurants are all nearly"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Mantra Ettalong Beach
Nesuto The Entrance Apartments

Nesuto The Entrance Apartments

3.5 out of 5
18 Coral Street, The Entrance, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in The Entrance. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,475 reviews)
"Great accomodation always stay there when visiting the entrance! Only thing with the room we stayed in that would have made it better is better outdoor furniture where we could all sit comfortably and enjoy the view."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Nesuto The Entrance Apartments
Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat

Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat

4 out of 5
224 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Terrigal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (619 reviews)
"Lovely place. Relaxing atmosphere. Staff were friendly. Room was nice and clean. Will definately be back. great"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Central Coast