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.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

The very best Central Coast accommodation