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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The ultimate new summer guide for the Sutherland Shire

    Gemma KaczerepaBy Gemma Kaczerepa
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    Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

    The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

    It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

    If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

    Savour the summer dining scene

    Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire
    Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

    The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

    Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

    Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

    Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

    And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

    Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

    Dive into ocean pools

    ocean pool on the sutherland shire
    The ocean pools beckon.

    Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
    swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

    Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

    Experience local arts and culture

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience
    See the art at Hazelhurst Arts Centre, then enjoy a picnic with or without your pooch.

    Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

    Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

    Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

    Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

    a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire
    Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

    The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

    If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

    Get into nature

    Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney.
    Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

    You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

    Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

    If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley  Walk  past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

    Hit up the beautiful beaches

    aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade
    Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

    If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

    Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.