13 family-friendly things to do on the Central Coast of NSW

Spanning the stretch of coastline north of Sydney and south of Lake Macquarie, the New South Wales Central Coast is a region of great natural beauty.

Take the M1 Pacific Motorway north of Sydney to discover the Central Coast’s uncrowded, dog-friendly beaches, National Parks and animal adventures.

1. Brisbane Water National Park

Home to an array of native wildlife, colourful wildflowers and significant Aboriginal sites, Brisbane Water National Park is on the north side of the Hawkesbury River. The area is made up of protected sandstone rock faces and dense rainforest. The cooler months are ideal for bushwalking, while summer is perfect for a paddle down Patonga Creek or Mooney Mooney Creek.

2. Bouddi National Park

Bouddi National Park is another unmissable bush experience, with an eight-kilometre coastal walk that takes in astonishing ocean views and passes secluded beaches. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Aboriginal artwork along the way and make a weekend of it by camping at one of the three campgrounds: Tallow Beach campground in the south, Putty Beach campground in the middle or Little Beach campground at the north end of the track.

Visit Maitland Bay at low tide to see the PS Maitland – a paddle steamer that was wrecked in the bay in 1889.

3. Horse riding at Glenworth Valley

Located in the hinterland, Glenworth Valley is one of Australia’s largest horse-riding and outdoor adventure centres. Kids and adults can learn to ride for the first time, or further their skills on horseback, before heading out to explore over 1,200 hectares of unspoilt wilderness in guided or free-range expeditions. Other activities on offer include quad biking, kayaking, abseiling and laser skirmish.

4. Copacabana Beach

Popular for surfing and patrolled swimming, Copacabana also has a whale-viewing platform for those trying their luck at spotting a humpback or two during the season.

5. Avoca Beach

Patrolled Avoca Beach stretches nearly two kilometres with a long line of Norfolk Island Pines along the shore and a scattering of grassy areas, perfect for a picnic. Kids will love exploring rock pools at the southern end, or if they’re ready to hit the waves they can learn to surf with the Central Coast Surf Academy, owned and operated by former professional World Tour surfer, Amee Donohoe. Mums and dads can get among the action as well, with lessons catering to all ages and ability levels.

6. The Entrance

A celebrated holiday hotspot, popular with families seeking sun, calm waters and surf all year round. The Entrance’s patrolled beach is a stone’s throw from other popular family attractions like ocean baths, an awesome playground and a coastal boardwalk lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. The waterfront park hosts weekend markets and free family entertainment, but the main event is indisputably the daily Pelican Feeding, which takes place every day at 3.30pm.

7. Terrigal Beach

With a stunning row of Norfolk pines along its upmarket Esplanade, streets of ritzy shops and restaurants and luxe accommodation options, Terrigal is one of the most popular places on the Central Coast. If you’re still not completely beached out, Terrigal Beach and the lagoon behind it are worth a visit too. Check out the Terrigal Beach Markets, held on the first Saturday of every month.

8. Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park

Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park is a working wildlife sanctuary established to protect animals and rejuvenate endangered species, while also providing an experiential learning space for visitors. Kids can catch rare glimpses of native wildlife and take part in Aboriginal cultural experiences, from tasting bush tucker to hearing a traditional didgeridoo performance.

9. TreeTop Adventure Park

At TreeTop Adventure Park in Ourimbah you’ll be strapping in safely to climb, weave and fly through the towering gum trees on a series of epic self-guided rope courses featuring ladders, bridges, tunnels and ziplines. Courses are designed for all different age groups and graded in difficulty, so everyone in the family can have a go.

10. Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park, located at Somersby on the Central Coast, guarantees exciting daily hands-on wildlife shows, uniquely themed exhibits, loads of native and exotic animals and non-stop fun. Set in the magic of the Australian bush, families can get up-close all things slithery and scaly, as well as kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, wombats and even a huge Galapagos tortoise! A good option here is to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the complimentary barbecue facilities in the picnic grounds, surrounded by an assortment of free-range wildlife.

11. Killcare Marina 

You’ll find Killcare Marina in Broken Bay on the flat waters of Hardys Bay Brisbane Waters. Killcare village has a number of cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. Hire a BBQ boat or explore the waterways by kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. You can buy a fishing rod from the local general store for the kids to throw in a line in from the floating wharf.

12. Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre 

Touch starfish, sea sponges and coral at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre. Located right on Terrigal Lagoon the centre aims to educate kids up to 12 years old with fun activities like puzzles, colouring, painting, competitions, microscopes and quizzes. Kids will love becoming a Junior Marine Scientist with a certificate to show their friends or expand their knowledge even further at an evening talk from a marine expert.

13. Toowoon Bay

The relaxed neighbour of The Entrance, Toowoon Bay is sensational for beginner surfing and swimming at a partrolled beach. At Swadling Park, right behind the beach, you’ll find play equipment, BBQ and bathroom facilities. North Shelley surf beach is unpatrolled but is great for more advanced surfers.

Stay at Toowoon Bay Holiday Park for family-friendly campsites and cabins. Dogs are allowed on the campsites too!

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Main image: Bouddi National Park © Central Coast Tourism

Keep reading:

• The Central Coast family-friendly travel guide
• The best family-friendly surf spots north of NSW