The very best Central Coast accommodation

Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.

    The best Central Coast accommodation - Australian Traveller