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)

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Your ultimate guide to uncovering local secrets of the Central Coast