The Central Coast family-friendly travel guide

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About the Central Coast

Packed with pristine beaches and lush bushland, the Central Coast is one of NSW’s most popular holiday destinations. Surfers flock to the region in summer for some of the best waves along the East Coast, while families will love the kid-friendly lagoons and sheltered sections at many of the beaches.

The area is also home to two national parks, which contain walking and cycling tracks, campsites and some more quiet, secluded beaches. So, if it’s fun in the sun you’re after, the Central Coast is the place to be!

Main image: Avoca Beach

Central Coast facts

State

NSW

Population

327,000 (2016)

Time zone

GMT+10

Landmass

566km²

Currency

Australian Dollar

Emergency number

000

Helpful information

Where to go

Beaches

All along the Central Coast, you’ll find sand and surf. There are so many beaches to choose from, but Terrigal, Avoca and Wamberal are all pristine stretches of sand not far from Gosford, and only a 40-minute drive from Sydney’s northern suburbs.

Bouddi National Park

Those looking for a bit of picturesque adventure should look no further than Bouddi National Park. This 1,532-hectare park is packed with winding tracks, well-kept campsites and secluded beaches. A highlight is the Bouddi Coastal Walk, an 8.5-kilometre track that takes you along some of Australia’s most postcard-worthy beaches. Along the way you’ll visit Maitland Bay where, if you visit at low tide, you’ll be able to see what’s left of the PS Maitland, a paddle steamer that was wrecked in the bay in 1889.

Australian Reptile Park

Marked by ‘ploddy’ the Diplodocus (a giant dinosaur statue visible from the M1), the Australian Reptile Park is a hands-on zoo with a focus on all kinds of reptiles. It’s home to crocodiles, alligators, a giant tortoise and a huge range of other creepy-crawlies. The park offers programs for kids that give them a chance to be a zookeeper for a day, as well as a range of wildlife shows.

Treetops Adventure Park

If clambering up rope ladders and soaring through the air sounds like your family’s kind of fun, look no further than Treetops Adventure Park. Courses cater to everyone three years and older, and you’ll receive instruction on safety and technique before you start. The number of participants on the course is limited though, and spots fill up quickly (particularly in school holidays), so book ahead.

Pelican feeding

At 3.30pm every day of the year, a horde of hungry pelicans gathers at the waterfront at The Entrance before a crowd of onlookers. The pelican feeding is one of the Central Coast’s most popular tourist attractions, and has been drawing visitors to The Entrance for more than 20 years. Get there early, because spaces fill up fast.

Best time to go to the Central Coast

While you can visit the Central Coast at any time of year, the focus on outdoor activities really lends itself to the warmer months. From December to February, the hottest part of the year, temperatures normally sit in the mid-to-high-twenties. Winters are mild, with blue skies in the days and a jacket needed for the cooler evenings.

Getting in and around for families

Major airport

The closest major airport to the Central Coast is Sydney Airport. Those flying from eastern states may be able to fly into Newcastle Airport instead, which is closer than Sydney to the northern part of the Central Coast.

Driving

The Central Coast is about a 90-minute drive from Sydney on the M1. Most attractions are easily accessible by road, but parking fills up quickly at some places, particularly at the beaches in summer.

Public transport

While the main cities of Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong are accessible by train, most major attractions, including beaches, are only serviced by buses. Terrigal, Wamberal and Avoca beaches are a 30-40 minute bus trip from Gosford station.

Food and drinks that kids will love

The Central Coast plays host to a myriad of dining options. Particularly along the beaches, there is a huge range of restaurants catering to all budgets, as well as many smaller outlets that are perfect to grab a snack from.

Foodies will be excited to attend the Central Coast Food and Wine Festival, with numerous vendors showcasing local produce. For seafood lovers, the Central Coast has countless fish and chips shops: check out Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf for arguably the best fish and chips around.

Shopping

All across the Central Coast you’ll find community markets. The Entrance Market is held every Saturday, with pelican feeding nearby as a bonus. The Avoca Beachside Markets are held by Avoca lake on the fourth Sunday of every month, with over 100 stalls as well as art workshops for the kids and live music.

The Central Coast plays host to the usual shopping centres, but also has some more unique offerings. Stores like La Bohème, Piccolo Pear, Tiki La La and Blonde Onyx will put a quirky spin on your holiday shopping experience.

Customs

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

What to wear

Attire-wise, anything goes. Just make sure (particularly in the summer months) to wear sun safe clothes; a hat and some sunscreen will go a long way towards making your holiday happy and sunburn free.

Electricity

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a two-pin (shaped like a “V”) or three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

Safety and health precautions

Health precautions

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

Safety

By and large, the Central Coast is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

Be sure to stay vigilant around the beaches, not only with sunscreen but also watching your kids while they’re in the water. Educate your little ones about rips and remember that lifeguards are doing their best to watch everybody, but the beaches can be extremely crowded and you should never consider them your child’s babysitter!

Most photographed places

Somersby Falls

Located within Brisbane Water National Park, Somersby Falls is an undiscovered gem just a short drive off the Pacific Highway. With waterfalls, swimming lagoons, picnic areas and walking trails, it’s the perfect stop off for families and a great place to snap a picture of the little ones splashing around.

Avoca Beach

This stretch of sand is a very popular surf spot for both beginners and experienced surfers, so parents can get a great action shot of little groms hitting the waves. Not only that, the beach itself is gorgeous and a great spot for fishing, hiking or just having a lazy Sunday breakfast overlooking the ocean.

Norah Head Lighthouse

Perhaps the single most Instagrammable attraction on the Central Coast, Norah Head Lighthouse has remained virtually untouched since it was built in 1903. Boasting incredible views over neighbouring Soldiers Beach and out to the ocean, you may even spot some whales from this vantage point if visiting at the right time of the year.