A Guide to the Best Attractions in Central Coast
If you are planning a holiday in Australia, you simply must spend some time in Central Coast, which is touted as Sydney’s best kept secret, and for good reason, as this magnificent stretch of NSW coastline really is the jewel in the crown of Australia’s coastal regions. Here are just some of the best local attractions that you should include in your schedule.
Bouddi National Park
Located near Gosford on Central Coast, the Bouddi National Park is an idyllic place to spend a couple of days, with some stunning coastal walks that you really should experience. Camping is the ideal way to immerse yourself in this wondrous natural region, and there are some accessible camping sites within the park boundaries.
Local Cuisine
There are some special bars and restaurants along this stretch of coast and none more inviting than the restaurant and bar in Terrigal, Central Coast, which is so busy, you will have to make an online reservation. The Joker and The Thief is a very famous venue, which is designed around Art Deco with a rock and roll edge, and you won’t be disappointed!
Exploring the Coastal Towns
If you have a hire car, you can do some exploring along this famous stretch of coastline, and there are many small, quiet towns that host art galleries and local crafts, which make for great souvenirs. Avoca is one such town, which is around 90-minutes’ drive from Sydney, while nearby, you have the unique town of Terrigal, which is a Sydney favourite for weekend getaways. The beaches along this stretch are perfect for families, and if fishing is your thing, make sure you take your rods when visiting Central Coast.
Palm Beach
About an hour’s drive from Sydney, Palm Beach is a must-visit coastal town with many great attractions. Barrenjoey Head is a highlight of this quiet little bay, where you can hop on a ferry to the pristine Kur-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, where they have a great campsite where you can spend an unforgettable night immersed in natural beauty.
Royal National Park
Another great place for nature lovers, this park runs along the coastline, and it is only 60-minutes’ drive from Sydney City centre. Here you can view some ancient cave paintings, and if you are there during the whale watching season (May to November), the clifftops are the ideal place to see these majestic creatures as they make their way along the coastline. Wattamolla Falls offer an idyllic backdrop for a picnic, so make sure to include this in your schedule.
This stretch of coastline is known by the locals as the place to go for a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and you should allow at least a week to explore this pristine stretch of NSW coastline. You can choose between camping, or staying at small boutique hotels, and the beachside bars and restaurants are second to none.
The Central Coast has so much to offer the tourist, so make sure to add this to your long list of places to visit when holidaying in Australia.
