15 incredible Central Coast beaches to visit this summer

Megan ArkinstallBy Megan Arkinstall
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The Central Coast is renowned for its beaches but if you really want to know the best of the best, you ask a local. Here, Megan Arkinstall lets us in on her top 15.

Home to more than 40 beaches that occupy an 80-kilometre coastline, the Central Coast of New South Wales is the perfect summer holiday destination or mid-winter seaside getaway. But with so many strips of sand to choose from, where do you start? Here, a guide to 15 of the best beaches on the Central Coast to suit sun seekers of all kinds – from water babies to surfing pros to people who just enjoy long walks along the sand.

Note: patrol season is from late September to late April

1. Avoca Beach

Patrolled

Visitors enjoying a day at Avoca Beach on the Central Coast.
Surfers and families alike flock to Avoca Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

The hometown of many surfing greats, including Wade Carmichael and Adrian Buchan, it’s no surprise that Avoca Beach is popular for those chasing waves. But this two-kilometre stretch of golden sand appeals to all beach lovers, with a shallow rock pool and lagoon for kids to play about in, a rocky platform for fishermen, and some great beachside dining including chic bar and restaurant Avoca Beach House, and Point Cafe located under the surf club. You could easily spend an entire day here, but during the summer months, you’ll need to arrive early to nab a patch of sand as it can get really busy.

Visitors pass the Point Cafe at Avoca Beach on the Central Coast.
Find a collection of takeaway and dine-in cafes overlooking the beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Toowoon Bay

Patrolled

A favourite with families, this 700-metre-long curved beach boasts calm turquoise water and white sand, perfect for little ones to splash about in the pristine shallows. The bay is sheltered by reefs, which means it’s also a great spot for snorkelling, as well as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking, while novice surfers enjoy the soft rolling waves. There’s a café serving breaky and lunch at the surf club, with complimentary sea views.

Aerial of paddleboarders at Toowoon Bay, Central Coast.
Toowoon Bay is a perfectly sheltered family beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Soldiers Beach

Patrolled

Just south of historic Norah Head Lighthouse , Soldiers Beach is loved for its pristine white sand, clear water and reliable waves, which draw in the board riders year-round. There’s also a calmer swimming area. The surf club is home to Dunes , a restaurant with a tapas-style menu and incredible views, and there’s a kiosk at the top car park that offers burgers, milkshakes and the like.

Soldiers Beach
Soldiers Beach is a popular local surf spot.

4. Wamberal Beach

Patrolled

Around the bend from buzzy (and often busy) seaside town Terrigal, you’ll find a wide expanse of golden-sand beach that’s much less crowded. It has an off-leash area for dogs and is a local favourite for surfing. The surf club has a café but less than a hundred metres down the road, Lagune serves up some epic coffee and focaccia sandwiches.

Wamberal Beach with views across to Terrigal.
Wamberal Beach is a less-crowded option over Terrigal Beach (pictured in the distance) come summer. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

5. Pelican Beach

Unpatrolled

Surrounded by Wyrrabalong National Park, Pelican Beach – or ‘Pelos’ as locals call it – is accessed via the rather unassuming Pelican Beach Road off Wilfred Barrett Drive. This is true surfing nirvana for experienced board riders and, due to its relative isolation, is usually uncrowded and feels a million miles away. It’s a beauty, with an untouched white-sand coastline and crystal-clear water.

Pelican Beach rd lookout, Wyrrabalong National Park
Pelican Beach is true surfing nirvana. (Image: John Spencer/DCCEEW)

6. Umina Beach

Patrolled

Umina is home to two patrolled beaches, Umina Beach and Ocean Beach, which occupy a 2.8-kilometre stretch of golden sand in Broken Bay. Both beaches are relatively calm for swimming and usually offer small waves, perfect for kids and novices learning to surf.

Umina Beach
Umina is home to two patrolled beaches.

Umina Beach is also home to the fantastic and family-friendly NRMA Ocean Beach Resort. It features an incredible kids’ playground and cafe, both within walking distance from the sand.

A couple sitting in front of a campervan overlookingUmina Beach, at the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort in Umina.
Set up camp at the NRMA Ocean Beach Resort for easy access to the beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Frazer Beach

Unpatrolled

Located in Munmorah State Conservation Area, you may have secluded Frazer Beach to yourself. At 400 metres, this little patch of paradise packs a punch with striking turquoise water and white sand. It also serves up reliable surf, a calm lagoon and nearby bushwalking tracks for all-day adventures. There are picnic tables that overlook the beach, a campground and toilets, but no other facilities.

Frazer campground Munmorah State Conservation Area
Frazer Beach is fairly unknown, so you may have this patch of paradise to yourself. (Image: John Spencer/DCCEEW)

8. Shelly Beach

Patrolled

Stretching an impressive 1.5 kilometres, Shelly Beach is a great all-rounder beach. It attracts surfers of all abilities for its consistent beach break, a dog exercise section, small sand dunes for tumbling down and a great grass area up the top for picnics. The surf club also has a restaurant upstairs and a café downstairs , which is a popular spot for coffee or a sun-drenched breaky post-swim. Shelly Beach Golf Club  is one of the most spectacular golf courses on the coast for its ocean views.

Surfers enjoying a morning out in the water off ShellyBeach on the Central Coast.
Shelly Beach is a great all-rounder. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Killcare Beach

Patrolled

This secluded seaside enclave is known by holidaymakers for two luxe guesthouses Bells at Killcare and Pretty Beach House; both charming and indulgent options for a weekender from Sydney. Down by the water, things are just as appealing: sweeping views towards Sydney’s Northern Beaches, uncrowded golden sand, a rockpool at the western corner for the kids to splash about in, and decent waves for surfers of all abilities – what’s not to love? There’s also a sand cruiser wheelchair available for hire so people with disabilities can fully enjoy the beach.

Views above Killcare Beach.

10. Macmasters Beach

Patrolled

Immediately south of Copacabana Beach, which is a magnet for surfers, Macmasters Beach is more of an all-rounder for beachgoers of all kinds. It has calmer conditions for young swimmers and those learning to surf, an ocean pool built in the 1960s, a great picnic spot with barbecues, an off-leash dog section and a fabulous kids’ playground nearby.

Sunny day at Macmasters Beach and ocean pool on the Central Coast.
Macmasters Beach ocean pool is the perfect spot for families to enjoy. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

11. North Avoca Beach

Patrolled

The northern stretch of Avoca Beach is a favourite with families, particularly for the rock pools that kids love to hop about in. Surfers of all abilities come here for the waves and it’s a dog-friendly beach too. It’s usually less crowded than its southern counterpart but come summertime locals and visitors alike will pitch their cabanas on the sand and settle in for the day.

Aerial of surfers on North Avoca beach, Central Coast.
Surfers at North Avoca Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Ettalong Beach

Unpatrolled

The quaint seaside town of Ettalong has a shallow and calm beach that is ideal for families, with views across Broken Bay and towards Box Head. Stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, boating and jet skiing are popular in the waterways around here.

Couple enjoying a walk along Ettalong Beach at sunset.
Ettalong Beach is an under-the-radar gem. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s also a beautiful three-kilometre pathway that traces the foreshore from Ettalong to Umina, past The BOX on the Water, which is a great spot for a coffee or sundowner. There’s also an excellent playground beachside that the kids love.

Food and drinks at The BOX on the Water restaurant and bar, Ettalong Beach.
Take advantage of BOX on the Water’s proximity to the sand. (Image: Destination NSW)

13. Terrigal Beach

Patrolled

Perhaps the Central Coast’s most popular holiday spot, Terrigal is a buzzy seaside town with a host of restaurants, bars and accommodation. The beach itself usually has calm and gentle waves, so it’s popular with families but during summer is filled with umbrellas and cabanas.

View of the coastline from the water at Terrigal Beach on the Central Coast
Terrigal Beach is one of the Central Coast’s most renowned beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

Terrigal is a scenic spot to take a beachside walk, its pathway running along the beach and across a cliff-hugging wooden boardwalk to Terrigal Haven. Here, kids will love fossicking in the rock pools and climbing up – and often rolling down – Terrigal Skillion, a steep headland that offers incredible views from the top.

Families swimming in the rock pool at Terrigal Beach on the Central Coast
Kids are at play in the rock pool alongside the boardwalk connecting Terrigal Beach to the Haven. (Image: Katie Carlin)

14. Pearl Beach

Unpatrolled

Sharing a peninsula with the sleepy beachside enclave of Patonga, Pearl Beach is the Central Coast’s southernmost beach. Facing Broken Bay, the calm southern end is popular with families.

Woman enjoying a morning of stand up paddleboarding atPearl Beach on the Central Coast.
Calm waters make for perfect SUP conditions. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s also known for its 25-metre rockpool that was built into the cliffside during the 1920s. Amalfi is a sophisticated Italian restaurant housed in an historic cottage just steps from the sand – it’s an idyllic spot for long, lazy beachside lunches.

Scenic aerials overlooking Pearl Beach on the Central Coast.
The beauty of Pearl Beach is on full display. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

15. Birdie Beach

Unpatrolled

This four-kilometre stretch of white sand lapped by cerulean waters is much loved by naturalists for its clothing-optional liberties. The Central Coast’s only nudist beach, Birdie is hidden within Munmorah State Conservation Area just north of the town of Budgewoi.

Tea Tree Walk with scenic views over Birdie Beach, Wybung.
Birdie Beach is the only nudist beach on the Central Coast. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

Hugged by craggy cliffs, it’s not only for perfecting an all-over tan, but also a haven for surfing and snorkelling. If you prefer to stay in your cozzies, make sure you keep an eye out for the sign that indicates the ‘unclad bathing’ section and head to the southern end instead.

Read the Ultimate travel guide to the Central Coast for more insider tips.
Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary  to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .