The best Central Coast accommodation

From the beach to the bush, and all along the picturesque coastline, we’ve rounded up the best places to stay on NSW’s Central Coast for all types of travellers.

Whether you want to sleep under the stars or under premium linen, in a boutique hotel or a holiday house, somewhere with panoramic views or with eco credentials, here is the very best of Central Coast accommodation.

Beachfront accommodation

For a classic Central Coast holiday, where days are filled with sun, sand and sea, these stays with views of the beach will complete the experience.

Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific

Splendid in Art Deco style with arched windows, a grand winding staircase, chandeliers, and a stunning pool at the centre of it all, the Crowne Plaza is a characterful hotel that has everything you need at your fingertips. There’s the elegant monochrome-hued Lord Ashley Bar, buzzing Terrigal Beach House bistro and beer garden, and the tranquil Endota Day Spa, to name a few. Guest rooms are simple in design, many with epic beach views.

Best for: Families, nightlife and dining
Location: Directly across from the popular and family-friendly Terrigal Beach, right in the heart of town, this hotel is uber convenient to shopping, dining and drinking.

The interiors of the Ocean View Room in Crowne Plaza Terrigal in Central Coast, Australia — The Ocean View Room in Crowne Plaza Terrigal.

Mantra Ettalong Beach

From studio suites for two to the three-bedroom penthouse with a private jacuzzi, the Mantra at Ettalong is a great choice for families and larger groups. The hotel has beautiful water views, a coastal design, a large swimming pool, and is above Ettalong Diggers RSL for casual eats and entertainment.

Best for: Families, relaxing
Location: Overlooking Broken Bay, where boats and yachts gently sway in the breeze, this hotel is a short walk into the quiet village of Ettalong Beach. There’s also a scenic walk along the waterfront to neighbouring town Umina Beach.

Aerial view of Mantra Ettalong Beach in Central Coast, Australia — Mantra Ettalong Beach overlooks Broken Bay, where boats and yachts gently sway in the breeze.

Kim’s Beachside Retreat

For 134 years Kim’s has been a favourite hideaway for city folk, even rockstars and music icons – The Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson, for instance, are past guests thanks to its secluded location. There are 34 simple bungalows and villas, some with front-row views of the beach, others nestled in the tropical gardens.

Best for: Beachfront, secluded stays
Location: Right on the sands of Toowoon Bay, you can’t get any more beachfront than Kim’s. It’s also walking distance to the tiny village of Toowoon Bay where you’ll find a collection of shops and eateries, including excellent coffee at Flour & Co.

Exterior of Kim's Beachside Retreat in Central Coast, Australia — The secluded location of Kim’s Beachside Retreat has made it a hideaway haven for city folk and celebrities.

Luxury accommodation

Whether luxury is your middle name or you want to splash out for a special occasion, these Central Coast stays will please the most discerning of guests.

Bells at Killcare

This luxurious boutique hotel has long drawn in visitors for its elegant accommodation offering. It has 25 Hamptons-style cottages that range from studio-style suites to two-bedroom options that sleep four, an intimate day spa that specialises in indigenous-inspired treatments using native products, and an award-winning on-site restaurant that is under the guidance of lauded restauranteur and chef Sean Connolly.

Best for: Romantic stays, pampering
Location: Tucked away on an acreage of manicured gardens, just five minutes from Killcare Beach, Bells at Killcare is a secluded stay to get away from the busyness of life.

Interiors of Bells at Killcare in Central Coast, Australia — The elegant, Hamptons-style interiors of the Bells at Killcare boutique hotel.

Pretty Beach House

Made up of just four exquisitely designed pavilions, only eight lucky adult guests can stay here at any one time. Anchored by the main house, with a kitchen and dining room, wine cellar, guest lounge and infinity pool, a stay at Pretty Beach House is all-inclusive of meals (cold and hot breakfast, seasonal lunch and degustation dinner), an open bar with premium beverages, wi-fi, in-room movies and bike hire.

Best for: Ultra luxury, all-inclusive
Location: This exclusive stay is hidden among Angophora trees, perched high up on a hill in Pretty Beach, just outside of Bouddi National Park.

Interiors of the Main Villa of Pretty Beach House in Central Coast, Australia — The Pretty Beach House main villa’s infinity pool overlooks stunning ocean views.

The Boathouse Patonga

With one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a stand-alone cottage, The Boathouse at Patonga has accommodation for up to 10 guests. Each apartment is styled in the signature Boathouse coastal aesthetic with pops of bright colours and features a kitchenette or kitchen, while the bright and airy cottage, which is next door to the hotel, has a yard with a plunge pool and barbecue area with a fireplace.

Best for: Relaxing, groups
Location: Located above the bustling hotel of the same name, these apartments are a stone’s throw from Patonga Beach.

Interior design of The Boathouse Patonga in Central Coast, Australia — The bright and airy coastal interiors of the Boathouse Patonga.

Resort accommodation

Perfect for having everything you need at your fingertips, these Central Coast resorts make like a home away from home.

Pullman Magenta Shores

There is a whole range of accommodation options from studio apartments to deluxe three-bedroom self-contained villas at Pullman Magenta Shores , making it easy for groups to travel together. There is an on-site restaurant and casual bar dining, with high tea a popular weekend event. Guests can chill out in the day spa and have the opportunity to play on the private championship 18-hole golf course.

Best for: Golf, groups
Location: Set back from Magenta Beach, this modern resort is located within Wyrrabalong National Park, just north of The Entrance and south of beautiful Soldiers Beach and Norah Head Lighthouse.

Pullman Magenta Shores Day Spa interiors in Central Coast, Australia — The Day Spa at Pullman Magenta Shores.

Mercure Kooindah Waters

Surrounded by green landscapes and tranquil lagoons, families and groups can choose from self-contained one- to three-bedroom apartments; there are also guest rooms for couples and singles, all simple in design. The resort has a restaurant and wine bar, a day spa, and keeping active is easy with an award-winning golf club, a heated indoor pool and outdoor pool, a gym, tennis courts and a playground for the kids.

Best for: Golf, families
Location: A short drive from Wyong town centre and Tuggerah Lake, this sprawling resort feels a million miles away.

Interiors of Deluxe View Bedrom at Mercure Kooindah Waters in Central Coast, Australia — The simple interiors of the Deluxe View Bedroom at Mercure Kooindah Waters.

Beachcomber Hotel and Resort

After a recent multi-million-dollar makeover, this lakeside resort has a fresh design that is inspired by the Hamptons. The contemporary rooms can sleep up to four adults, some with views of the lake and the pool club, where all the action happens, especially in summer. Dining includes the casual bistro, a semi-fine-diner and there’s regular live entertainment.

Best for: Nightlife and dining, lake views
Location: Perched on the shores of Budgewoi Lake, ‘The Beachie’ is a short drive from Norah Head Lighthouse and The Entrance.

Aerial view of the Beachcomber Hotel & Resort in Central Coast, Australia — The Beachcomber has beautiful lakeside views.

Holiday houses

The best way to experience the Central Coast is to live like a local, so what better way to do that than stay in one of these holiday homes?

Alaya at Toowoon Bay

Alaya is a dream for beach lovers: floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean and white sands, wraparound decks, open and airy, and contemporary in design. It has three levels, with five bedrooms sleeping up to eight guests, each with its own ensuites, a gas fireplace, heated pool and private cabana.

Best for: Beach views, luxury
Location: Located on Toowoon Bay beach, this house has direct beach access and is a short walk to the village, and close to Long Jetty, which is an urban hub of cafes and boutique shopping.

Facade of Alaya at Toowoon Bay in Central Coast, Australia — The modern and open design of Alaya makes it the perfect seaside villa for beach lovers.

The Collectors Studio

This eclectic studio is perfect for solo travellers or couples. It’s beautifully designed, filled with treasures and vintage-style features such as an old wood burner fireplace and clawfoot bathtub. There is one bedroom with a king-sized bed and a kitchenette, as well as a deck with a barbecue.

Best for: Cosy, beach
Location: This studio is located one block from Blue Lagoon beach, close to Bateau Bay for conveniences and beautiful Wyrrabalong National Park with its coastal walking track.

Living room interiors of The Collector's Studio in Central Coast, Australia — The cozy, eclectic and vintage-inspired interiors of The Collector’s Studio.

Caravan parks and camping

The Central Coast is a nature lover’s nirvana, so camping is an excellent (and affordable) way to soak up its beauty.

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort

Whether you want to caravan, camp, or glamp, this holiday park has accommodation for all kinds of travellers. There are powered and unpowered sites, modern and well-equipped villas and cabins that sleep up to eight, safari tents with plush beds, and a ‘glamtainer’ that is less camping and more glam. There’s a café and kiosk on site, and amenities that don’t just cater to kids, but are made for them, thanks to its heated pool, jumping pillow, water park, go-karts, games room, playground and tennis court.

Best for: Families, beach access
Location: This holiday park is located on Umina Beach and is a short walk or drive into town. It’s also near the seaside town of Ettalong.

Interiors of the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort in Central Coast, Australia — The NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday’s ‘glamtainer’ is definitely more glam than your usual glamping site.

Canton Beach Holiday Park

This is a great spot for boaties, with its location right on Tuggerah Lake and boat ramp. Fishing, paddle-boarding and kayaking are also popular activities, and kids will have fun at the playground and jumping pillow. Camping and caravanning are available in both powered, unpowered and ensuite sites or if you prefer cabins, there are one- and two-bedroom options.

Best for: Families, water sports
Location: On the shores of Tuggerah Lake, this park is also close to beautiful Soldiers Beach, Norah Head and Wyong.

Facade of Canton Beach Holiday Park in Central Coast, Australia — One of the charming cabins at Canton Beach Holiday Park.

Bouddi National Park

The expansive 1500-hectare Bouddi National Park is a top spot to camp, with empty beaches, tranquil bushland, the picturesque eight-kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk that traces its headland, native wildlife both on land and ocean, and more than 100 important Aboriginal sites found within (cultural tours are available). Campsites are located at Little Beach, Putty Beach and Tallow Beach, and are unpowered and basic, however all have toilets.

Best for: Seclusion, wilderness
Location: There are three campsites within Bouddi National Park, all with beach access. The national park is located close to the town of Killcare.

Aerial view of Bouddi National Park in Central Coast, Australia — The Bouddi National Park is a camper’s paradise, with over 1500 hectares of empty beaches and tranquil bushland.

Eco-friendly accommodation

In early 2022, the Central Coast was named an ECO Destination, by Ecotourism Australia and supported by WWF-Australia. Here are some of the best sustainable accommodation options.

Noonaweena

Noonaweena is an ECO-certified stay that comprises four elegant lodges that can accommodate 32 guests. The property is solar-powered, self-sufficient with natural water and recycles grey water, composts green waste, and keeps chickens for eggs and even bees. It’s a great base to experience the hinterland region, where you’ll find places such as Somersby Falls and Treetops Adventure Park.

Best for: couples, seclusion
Location: In the leafy rural suburb of Kulnura, in the Central Coast Hinterland, this guesthouse is north of Peats Ridge and Mangrove Mountain.

Facade of Noonaweena in Central Coast, Australia — These elegant cabins are solar-powered and ECO-certified.

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures is the place to come to experience adrenaline-inducing activities such as quad biking, abseiling, laser skirmish and kayaking. It’s also the largest horse-riding centre with more than 200 horses. You can camp overnight here by the riverfront or stay in one of the luxury bell tents or eco-cabins, which are supremely comfortable with all the creature comforts as well as a woodfired hot tub. There is a café and essentials store on-site.

Best for: Adventure, seclusion
Location: Glenworth Valley is a sprawling 3,000-acre property located in the Central Coast Hinterland, about 30 minutes west of Gosford.

Exterior of the Glenworth Valley Eco Cabin in Central Coast, Australia — One of the Eco Cabins on the sprawling 3,000-acre property of Glenworth Valley.

Amani Eco Lodge

Nestled among 20 acres of bushland, Amani Eco Lodge is a place to completely switch off, which is made easy without wi-fi and TV. The house has been luxuriously designed with the Australian landscape as an inspiration, using sustainable and reclaimed materials, including vintage beams from Balmain’s old wharves. With separate wings for privacy, ample natural light, an open fireplace, a wood-fired hot tub and a firepit, getting back to nature has never been so delightful.

Best for: Seclusion, digital detox
Location: While it may seem remote – which is the whole point of staying here – this house is actually a short drive from Terrigal and Avoca Beach.

Interiors of the Amani Eco Lodge in Central Coast, Australia — Amani Eco Lodge is the perfect place to get off the grid and relax in the company of nature.

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 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.

The very best Central Coast accommodation