Your ultimate Central Coast guide to uncovering local secrets

With enviable eco credentials, the Central Coast is the place to experience amazing nature and culture guilt-free.

Rolling waves on pristine, uncrowded beaches, lush hinterland covered with rainforest and striking native bushland: you can find it all in this Central Coast guide. From delectable dishes to a diverse list of things to do and unforgettable accommodations, here’s our guide to a perfect stay on the Central Coast.

The Savoy decor — Find funky eateries and stunning nature on the Central Coast. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay on the Central Coast

Happily, accommodation options here allow guests to retreat into nature, whether that be coastal, bushland or rainforest.

Be surrounded by bushland and mountain views in luxury lodges or glamping tents at Noonaweena . Or take in the peaceful view of Glenworth Valley Eco Cabins from an outdoor woodfired hot tub.

Enjoy peace and quiet at Glenworth Valley Eco Cabins.

Embrace your inner rancher with a stay at Cedar Tree Farm . Minimalist and stylish, enjoy modern amenities in a serene farmhouse that houses up to eight people, and wake up to no one but the cows.

Cedar Tree Farm central coast accommodation — Embrace your inner rancher with a stay at Cedar Tree Farm.

Or try Lost Ranches set on over 20 hectares of historic farmland in the idyllic Yarramalong Valley. Choose from an American-style prairie barn, a cosy country cottage or a private campsite right out under the starry night sky.

For those looking to stay closer to the action (and in supreme luxury) Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel just expanded its offering of 25 private Hampton’s-inspired suites and cottages to include four luxury lodges. Each one is located in its own eco-wilderness sanctuary with a private pool, to boot. The spa and restaurant onsite mean you never have to leave.

Where to eat on the Central Coast

From a local distillery to foraging workshops to fine dining – the Central Coast is spoiled for restaurant choice. Terrigal has developed into the perfect hub for food enthusiasts, with a range of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs all within walking distance – and right on the beach. Fine dining establishment, Meribella Restaurant and Bar , offers sleek décor and a sophisticated take on classic dishes. Swells boasts the best views of the beach along with a modern Australian menu, while the very trendy Arc is perfect for keeping things fresh with an ever-changing menu.

Sydney Oyster Farm Tours — Shuck your very own oysters with Sydney Oyster Farm. (Image: Destination NSW)

Breakfast at The Quarters in Forresters Beach is a local favourite. Later, gaze out over Brisbane Waters while dining on some of the best seafood the Central Coast has to offer at Kefi in Koolewong, or get straight to the source and join Sydney Oyster Tours to shuck your very own oysters on a private table right in the ocean they were plucked from.

Wash it all down with a visit to the Distillery Botanica (the gin selection and raspberry liqueur are perfect for make-at-home-cocktails), or join a tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery for unique fruit and botanical vegan wines. Be sure to time your trip with one of their incredible workshops, from chocolate and wine tasting to foraging and mixology.

Firescreek Winery Foraging and Mixology workshop — Book a foraging and mixology workshop at Firescreek.

Exploring Central Coast’s nature

With natural beauty like the Central Coast, it’s no wonder the region has so many things to do with such a focus on sustainability. It’s impossible to visit all of the best beaches in one long weekend.

Perhaps the best place to start is the gentle eight-kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk from Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach. Pass through rainforest, gaze out on sparkling coastal views and stop for a refreshing dip at secluded beaches along the way.

aerial shot of the central coast — Find natural beauty on the Central Coast. (Image: Isaac Tseng)

Between May and November, there’s a good chance you’ll spot migrating humpback whales along the way. To get a better look at them, join Terrigal Ocean Tours and venture out with a marine expert. The company contributes to organisations focused on marine research, education and conservation, so you can feel good about your thrilling adventure.

whale spotting on the central coast with Eco Destination Adventures — Spot whales between May and November. (Image: Remy Brand)

For a different type of water-based exploration, visit Broken Bay Pearl Farm to discover the pearl process from oyster to necklace on a tour of its shellar door (with a grazing plate included).

To learn more about the local marine life, head to Eco Certified Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre . Perfect for families, view local fish and coral in a display of the sunken HMAS Adelaide, get hands-on at the touch pool and wander exhibits on creatures below and around the sea.

Local cultural experiences

Join 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the lore, language and land of the area’s Traditional Owners through traditional ceremonies, storytelling, viewing original engravings and rock carvings and more.

Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences at Bouddi National Park — Join Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences.

If you’ve ever thought you could live off the land, test your theory with Jake Cassar Bush Craft tours . Learn to identify edible and medicinal plants and bush survival skills.

Or get arty at a range of galleries, from the picturesque Japanese garden, exhibition and workshops at Gosford Regional Gallery to a range of works by Indigenous artists at Bouddi Gallery , to the gallery of respected Australian photographer, Ken Duncan .

Get arty at a range of galleries, like Ken Duncan Gallery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Find Central Coast’s nightlife

Over recent years, a burgeoning number of bars and clubs have spiced up Central Coast nightlife and made the after-dark hours something memorable.

Things heat up at Wyong’s new speakeasy Jerry Sent Me . Find moody decor, fit for the classic whisky bar it is, creative cocktails and tasty grazing boards. Not to mention the staff are known for being friendly and knowledgable on the perfect cocktail.

The Lyons Den brought the urban jungle to Gosford with safari-inspired décor and a cocktail list to match – from the classics to signature blends like ‘Scar’s Redemption’.

Maew Maew Asian Bar and Restaurant delivers fun and kitschy glam to Terrigal. Expect a lot of pink, from the décor to the fairy-floss-topped cocktails. The Asian-inspired meals with a modern twist are also to die for.

Long Jetty’s Savoy serves up craft beer and creative cocktails alongside pizza and plates perfect for sharing inside what was once a theatre in the 1950s. Weekly DJs pump golden oldies you can tap your feet to.

The Savoy pizzza and cocktails — Enjoy pizza and craft cocktails at The Savoy. (Image: Destination NSW)

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Your ultimate guide to uncovering local secrets of the Central Coast