Forget the sprawling Sydney metropolis, all anyone needs for the ultimate getaway in New South Wales is located 1.5 hour’s drive from the state’s capital city.
The Central Coast region spans 566km2, catching a sprinkle of charming beach towns in its zone. The most well known of these are Terrigal and Avoca – renowned surfing haunts – while the largest is Gosford – the main economic hub of the region.
The world-class natural surrounds are the most obvious reason to travel here, with an abundance of bush walks through Bouddi National Park, and more beaches than you can count (the locals tell us Putty Beach and Spoon Bay are some of the best for a dip)!
But the most enduring reputation of the Central Coast is how overwhelmingly nice the people are. There is a thriving sense of community among the residents and small businesses here (a selection of which we’ve curated for you below) which makes this destination even more special.
So whether you’re staying for a good time or a long time, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on this heavenly stretch of coastline. It’s always sunny on the Central Coast!
The glorious Bouddi Peninsula contains secluded beaches and plenty of nature walks! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Shady Palms is a restaurant and bar in Avoca Beach, inspired by 80s Hawaii and California! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Tropicana vibes at Shady Palms. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The sprawling in-land venue brings the best of glam beach colour to its fit-out – perfect for live music events! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The bungalow at Shady Palms has been transformed into an undercover dining room. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A tropical indoor-outdoor ambience in the dining room at Shady Palms. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The Wildflower restaurant at Bells at Killcare had a revamp in 2019, bringing on chef, Sean Connolly. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A little bit of local luxe at The Wildflower. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Fifteen percent of the produce on The Wildflower’s menu has been sourced from the restaurant’s own 500m2 kitchen garden, which includes an orchard, olive trees, beehives and free range hens. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A spread of pastries at Burnt Honey Bakery in Copacabana, an 18-month-old bakery that’s quickly established itself as a local food pilgrimage destination. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The quaint insides of Burnt Honey Bakery. There’s only enough room for a few customers inside, the rest is filled with baking equipment and pastries! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The olive and oregano focaccia at Burnt Honey Bakery. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Get to Burnt Honey Bakery quickly, they sell out fast! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Crystal blue waters at Copacabana. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A view of Killcare Beach at the beginning of the Bouddi Coastal Walk. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Beautiful natives are abundant across the whole Central Coast region. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The Bouddi Coastal Walk is an 8km trek the length of the national park’s coastline, beginning at Killcare and ending at Macmasters Beach! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
There are many nature walks and lookout spots in Bouddi National Park. This majestic tree is en route to Bullimah lookout. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The natural escarpment en route to Bullimah lookout. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The epic views from the Marie Byles lookout. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The Savoy was originally built in 1956 as the Central Coast’s biggest movie theatre until it fell out of use in the mid-70s. Now, it’s back to its former glory! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Revived two years ago by locals Ben Pearce and Guy Sullivan, The Savoy is now a pumping main attraction in the town of Long Jetty. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The Savoy cinema complex has a modern bar and restaurant inside, with a program of live music events and family days changing weekly. And of course – Thursday night movie screenings! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Long Jetty is a peaceful waterfront town on the other side of peninsula from Toowoon Bay. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
For those wanting to truly embrace the Central Coast life and dress like a local, La Boheme in Terrigal is where to go! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The shop is a hub of bohemian fashion and homewares. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Local and international makers are on offer at La Boheme, including Sage + Clare and Bonnie and Neil. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Toowoon Bay is a tiny town with an idyllic surf beach! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The Toowoon Bay outlook. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Toowoon Bay has the best of the bigger Central Coast beaches, but with less foot traffic! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Toowoon Beach House sleeps sixteen people (!) making it the perfect multi-family accommodation situation. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Toowoon Beach House has classic beachy vibes on the outside, and warm contemporary interiors. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The inside of Toowoon Beach House is light and bright, as all good beach ‘shacks’ should be! Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
Toowoon Beach House has ample kitchen space. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
The laid-back interiors reflect ultimate holiday mode. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
A tranquil sunset at Toowoon Bay. Photo – Nikki To for The Design Files.
