Central Coast NSW Attractions

Avoca Beach
Avoca Beach Avoca Beach New South Wales 2260

A popular surf beach lined with towering Norfolk Island Pines, Avoca Beach has a relaxed atmosphere which is sought after by locals and visitors alike. The beach area, which stretches almost two kilometres, incorporates both Avoca Beach and North Avoca Beach and is renowned as a fisherman's paradise. A large rock platform at the southern end of the beach invites exploration and a protected rock pool provides a playground for young children. Aquafun leisure boat hire provides opportunities for the hire of aquabikes, pedalcats, kayaks and surf skis. Undercover barbecues and tables, grassed picnic areas, a children's playground, casual cafes, fine dining restaurants and the historic Avoca Beach Theatre are just some of the other attractions available at Avoca Beach.

Copacabana Beach
Cape Three Points Road via Cullens Road Copacabana New South Wales 2251

Copacabana Beach is located between Avoca Beach and MacMasters Beach and is just north of the mouth of Cockrane lagoon. Captain Cook Lookout overlooks this pretty beach and provides magnificent views of the New South Wales coastline. With local shops, including several excellent restaurants, just across the road, Copacabana Beach is the ideal spot while the sun's setting to enjoy a wonderful dinner with the whole family. As far as swimming goes, this beach is well known for its persistent and often numerous rips, so bathers are cautioned to swim between the flags; however, there's a rock pool that's perfect for children.

Ettalong Beach
Ocean View Road Ettalong Beach New South Wales 2257

Ettalong beach is situated in the Peninsula Area of the Central Coast with picnic, BBQ and Toilet Facilities available. It is within walking distance to Ettalong Village. The area hosts its own shopping centre with many accommodation outlets including caravan park, small supermarket, Post Office, newsagency, chemist, various restaurants & cafes, fresh bread and cake shops, butchers, fresh fruit and vegetable, local church, primary school, antiques and curios and much, much, more. Major Facilities in Ettalong Beach include the: Wharf with Ferries travelling to Palm Beach and return, plus locally. Mantra Ettalong Beach Resort - offers a unique experience on the Central Coast and exciting array of leisure and entertainment facilities.

Norah Head Beach
Norah Head New South Wales 2263

Soldiers Beach, on the south side of the head, faces southeast and, with a well protected north end, is a favourite with board-riders when the summer northeaster is up. Sweetly-curved one kilometre in length, the beach features clusters of rocks that build nice sand-covered reefs but demand due care when falling off your board. There are reliable waves year-round, best when the swell comes in from the south or east. The left-hand point-break is beloved of long-boarders, although as soon as it gets over two metres the short-boarders take an interest in it too.

North Entrance
Hutton Road The Entrance New South Wales 2261

The North Entrance Bridge is located just north of The Entrance township. The beach is flanked to the north by Wyrrabalong National Park and to the south by The Entrance Channel opening to Tuggerah Lakes. Energetic surf averages 1.6m and features a double bar system running the length of the beach. Swimming is safest south of the surf club, but bathers should avoid the currents and holes at the opening to Tuggerah Lakes at the far south. Fishing and prawning are a popular pastime at North Entrance Beach and in Tuggerah Lakes. Visitors can bring their own fishing gear or hire some at one of the local bait & tackle stores. Ocean front restaurants and alfresco dining options are within a few minutes drive of the beach. There is a plethora of accommodation options ranging from budget style cabin/caravan parks, holiday houses and self contained apartments to upmarket resorts, motels and bed & breakfasts. Buses also available from Wyong train station.

The Entrance Beach
Off Ocean Parade The Entrance New South Wales 2261

A popular all-year-round aquatic playground. The patrolled beach is within walking distance of a host of attractions and facilities including the sea baths, coastal boardwalk, children's playground and park, undercover BBQs and picnic tables, Vera's Watergarden, shops, cafes and restaurants, weekend markets and live entertainment. Tuggerah Lake and The Entrance Channel provide a mecca for boaties and fisherman with boat ramps and several boat hire outlets in the area. Also available for hire are catamarans, sailboards, canoes, surf skis, pedal boats and aqua bikes. One of the most popular attractions is the daily feeding of the pelicans in Memorial Park at 3.30pm. Patrolled: Every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break.

Terrigal Beach
Terrigal Beach Terrigal New South Wales 2260

One of the best-known beaches on the Central Coast, Terrigal Beach is a cosmopolitan seaside town, as popular with locals as it is with visitors. The patrolled beach offers safe swimming all year round and has a small ocean rock pool tucked into the cliff at the southern end. Also at the southern end of Terrigal Beach is Terrigal Haven, a protected boat harbour with boat ramp, fishing charters, scuba diving and snorkelling, picnic and barbecue facilities. The beach is patrolled every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break. Picnic areas include grassed and under cover picnic tables available.

The Entrance Ocean Pools
Ocean Parade The Entrance New South Wales 2261

Have a dip in the Entrance Ocean Baths - the only ocean pool on the Central Coast. There is a 50 metre pool and a children's pool and the necessary associated facilities. The Baths were constructed between 1938 and 1965 and show how far ocean baths have come in the twentieth century. The Ocean Baths began as just a rock pool and are now an engineering masterpiece.

Toowoon Bay Beach
off Bay Road Toowoon Bay New South Wales 2261

Located just a five minute drive south-east of The Entrance, Toowoon Bay is one of the Central Coast's best kept secrets. It offers a picturesque horseshoe shaped protected beach that is great for families, but bathers should be careful of currents near the rocks at the southern end. A small bay surrounded by a reef which becomes exposed at low tide, it offers protection from the ocean swells and provides safe swimming for all ages. A popular spot for snorkelling and a good location to see migrating whales and playful dolphins as they come in close to the coastline. Boat ramp, barbecues, undercover picnic tables and chairs and grassed picnic areas.

Watagan State Forest
Off F3 Expressway Via Wyong Or Morisset Exits Wyong New South Wales 2259

The Watagan State Forest is part of a chain of state forests which start from Ourimbah in the south and stretch north to Cessnock. The most well known is the Watagan as it contains not only beautiful mountain scenery but has all the necessary facilities for bushwalkers, four wheel drivers or campers. To get to the Watagans: From Wyong travel via Dooralong Road and pick up the Watagan Forest Road. From Cooranbong travel via Martinsville and pick up Martinsville Hill Road or Freemans Drive and then onto Mount Faulk Road. All roads are not sealed but are accessible by car. If unsure after heavy rain, check with the Forestry Commission.