The Best Things to Do on the Central Coast.
From exclusive foodie experiences to secluded beaches, these are the best things to do on the Central Coast if you’re looking to go off the beaten track.
Brought to you by Sitchu.
The Best Things to Do on the Central Coast: Eat & Drink
Indulge in a Warm Wine & Chocolate Pairing at Firescreek Botanical Winery
Embrace the cosy charm of the chilly season with a limited-time Warm Wine & Chocolate Pairing experience at the picturesque Firescreek Botanical Winery. Promising a delightful fusion of rich flavours and comfortable aromas, experience award-winning fruit wine gently heated to perfection with matching locally handmade Belgian chocolates. The best part? It all takes place among the organically grown gardens of the winery, where you’ll be surrounded by stunning Autumn foliage and views of the vineyard, rainforest and ponds.
From April to September 2024. Reservations recommended.
192 Wattle Tree Road, Holgate
Have Breakfast with Alpacas at Iris Lodge Alpacas
Who doesn’t love an alpaca? This fun, family-friendly experience takes place every weekend or – every day during school holidays at Iris Lodge Alpacas, a working farm in Jilliby. Expect to be greeted by a hungry alpaca and meet and feed other animals before enjoying your own breakfast while watching the alpacas – don’t let them bully you into sharing.
33 Dunks Lane, Jilliby
Feast on Middle Eastern Delights at Little Miss Mezza
With an intricately designed Middle Eastern menu with a Modern Australian twist, Little Miss Mezza is one of the most innovative and unique dining spots on the Central Coast. With Insta-worthy interiors, an experimental cocktail menu, and dishes like Kataifi Prawns, Hasselback Pumpkin and Applewood Smoked Chicken, you’ll be tempted to visit again and again.
Brisbane Water Drive, West Gosford
Go Gourmet at Saddles Mount White
Set on 28 acres of sprawling bushland in the heart of Mount White, Saddles offers up a menu that showcases Australian native ingredients. Enjoy house-made charcuterie, savoury pastries and salads inspired by the on-site garden perfectly paired with top-quality wine, while sitting on the covered deck looking at the magical dam and flora and fauna. For a touch of homestead charm, take a seat in one of the venue’s famed saddle chairs at the restaurant’s brass scalloped bar.
20 Ashbrookes Road, Mount White
Design Your Own Brewery Crawl
For craft beer lovers, the Central Coast is an absolute Mecca. On your trip, why not plan your own brewery trail starting with a local ale at Bay Road Brewing in Gosford with its complimentary food truck offering, or Six Strings Brewery at Erina which has only recently partnered with Moobi Valley for a classic beer and burger combo. Block ‘n Tackle at Kincumber is well-loved and be sure not to miss Hawkesbury Brewing Co. in Lisarow!
Push the Taste Boundaries at Cecilia’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
A hidden gem tucked away in Toowoon Bay, Cecilia’s Restaurant & Wine Bar serves up an exciting and innovative menu, led by Head Chef Adam. With a modern, family-style feel, expect exotic flavours, new techniques and new ingredients that will have you finding new favourites.
89 Toowoon Bay Road, Toowoon Bay
Set Out on the Meet the Makers Artist Trail
A collective of Central Coast makers and creators have teamed up to offer a Meet The Maker Trail experience that follows the Central Coast’s foodie and artisan producers from coast to hinterland. Tempt your taste buds with multi-award-winning cheeses, or try your hand at a cheese-making workshop at Little Creek Cheese. Sweeten your palette with moreish nougat and locally handcrafted chocolates at The Chocolate Factory. At Firescreek Botanical Winery, you’ll sample botanical and fruit flower wines and book in for a ‘meet the winemaker’ experience.
Take the Central Coast’s Unofficial Coffee Tour
In Toukley, stop into Rise Mofo for your morning brew, and be sure to take a look at their beautiful, sunny yellow mandala mural before you leave. At Lords of Pour in Ettalong, you can expect a delicious brunch feast. This uber-cool locale serves up specialty coffee and simple breakfast classics with a modern twist. We have our hearts set on the pulled pork toastie. Delish!
Experience the Hinterland’s Rich Farm-to-Plate Offering
The Central Coast is a rich food bowl, home to a variety of meats, fruit, vegetables, pecans, citrus, honey and more. Book a harvest tour with Mountain Goat Trails or Grace Springs Farm.
Don’t forget to mark the diary for the annual Harvest Festival, held over the June long weekend when all the farm gates and businesses open up for this festival atmosphere, tastings and entertainment.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at Bouffant
Pop into this creative wonderland to satisfy your sweet treat cravings. Serving up a variety of sugary confections, donuts and other delectable treats, you’ll find it hard to order just one pastry at Bouffant.
Terrigal, Gosford, East Gosford, Umina
The Best Things to Do on the Central Coast: Arts & Culture
Visit the Gosford Regional Gallery
For those with even the slightest appreciation of art, a visit to the Gosford Regional Gallery is a must. Beautifully set on 22 hectares of public park on the shores of Caroline Bay in East Gosford, the gallery showcases a wide variety of visual art, photography, sculpture and design. Plus, there’s an onsite café and the Edogawa Commemorative Garden with its Japanese landscaping offering a zen setting.
36 Webb Street, East Gosford
Book Your Spot at Centred Ceramic’s Wine and Clay Friday
For a fun night that will bring out your inner artist, book a seat at Centred Ceramic’s Friday night workshop. You’ll get expert advice as you sculpt your cup, mug or small platter, and better still, you can BYO vino. Bonus!
246 West Street, Umina Beach
Take an Art Class at Pinot & Picasso Terrigal
Head to Terrigal for a creative session with Pinot & Picasso. Enjoy a wine and paint session, as you perfect your art in a social evening class.
4/185 The Entrance Road, Erina
Best Things to do on the Central Coast: Play
Explore the Serene Glenworth Valley on Horseback
Nothing says wilderness like a trail ride on horseback through the scenic hinterland. Just a 15-minute drive from Gosford, take in the spectacular scenery of the Glenworth Valley on a guided horse ride along private trails, with only the clip-clop of hooves and the sounds of the bush to keep you company.
Immerse yourself fully into the wild with an overnight stay in a luxe glamping tent by Simple Pleasures Camping Co. who will set up a stylish tent under the stars complete with carpet and flooring, a comfy bed and cooking gear to create a cosy feast by the campfire.
69 Cooks Road, Glenworth Valley
Search for Pearly Whites at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Take to the water for a tour of Broken Bay Pearl Farm, NSW’s only pearl farm, to learn the secret of growing and harvesting the precious, local Akoya pearl. Nurtured by local farmers in Brisbane Waters and the Hawkesbury River, be sure to visit the ‘Shellar Door’ to browse the jewellery and pearls, and go behind the scenes to learn how pearls are graded.
12 Kowan Road, Mooney Mooney
Make like Tarzan and Swing From the Treetops
Treetop Networld is the newest adventure activity combining exploration and play. Discover an exciting new world, high up in the treetops, made up of a vast network of interconnected spaces. From bouncing high on the ropes to relaxing in swinging tree chairs, you’ll experience a whole new sense of gravity and appreciation for nature.
1 Red Hill Road, Wyong Creek
Go Stand-up Paddle Boarding on Avoca Lake
Burn off all that delicious food and drink by paddle boarding or kayaking on the beautiful Avoca Lake. You can rent gear from the team at Aquafun.
Heazlett Park, 15 Ficus Avenue, Avoca Beach
Swim and Relax at the Central Coast’s Iconic Beaches
Pack your swimmers, sunscreen and towels and head to the beach. Our favourites are Terrigal Beach, Umina Beach, Toowoon Bay beach, Copacabana Beach and Frazer Beach or Lobster Beach for a little more privacy.
For the best beaches on the Central Coast, check out our hit list here.
The Best Things to Do on the Central Coast: Shop
Drop Some Cash at Erina Fair
If high street brands are your go-to, Erina Fair is the pot at the end of the rainbow. Holding the title of the Central Coast’s largest shopping centre, you’ll find over 250 stores brimming with local and international labels alongside entertainment, fresh food and dining options. Housing Aussie staples from Bonds, Cotton On, Country Road and Decjuba to International faves like Dr Martens and Sunglass Hut, the centre covers all your retail therapy needs!
Terrigal Drive, Erina
Make the most of your next trip to the Central Coast with a mix of unique and memorable experiences. From beaches and walks, to culture and restaurants, these are the best things to do on the Central Coast.
For more destination guides and local travel inspiration, head to Sitchu.