Sip in style: 18 must-visit bars on the Central Coast

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These are the best Central Coast bars and pubs for a fun night out or a relaxed Sunday session with family and friends, according to local expert Megan Arkinstall.

This former sleepy holiday region has grown into a hub of hospitality, providing cultured options for the adults among us. While a slew of restaurant openings has certainly fed the hungry, the thirsty have been rewarded with a number of heavy-hitting bars and breweries. Here, we list our favourite bars, pubs, and breweries on the Central Coast.

1. Maew Maew, Terrigal

Climb the stairs at this beachside venue to find kitsch Asian eatery and bar Maew Maew (which means ‘cat’ in Thai), Terrigal’s newest bar and restaurant. Serving Asian eats with funky beats, this is the place to come for some ‘late night noods’ and a cocktail with a view (try and nab one of the high tables that line the front window).

The blushing pink and aqua-hued space is styled with a clash of neon and delicate floral-shaped lights. Come night-time, the bar is packed out with party-goers making their way through the Asian-inspired cocktail list: try the elegant Yuzu and Matcha Slipper topped with edible flowers or the fun-loving Pattaya Punch, which comes with fairy floss and a mini disco ball.

Address: 90 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

2. Hotel Gosford, Gosford

This heritage-listed waterhole was completely reimagined from tired old pub to Art Deco establishment, paying homage to its 1926 roots. Rich dark timbers, ambient lighting, brass accents and leather seating create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Come by for a meal at Earl’s Kitchen, a relaxed dining space with a pub-style menu created around local produce. Or drop in for a tipple from the extensive beverage list – it has 32 tap beers, a whisky vault with optional whisky flights, and creative cocktails (including seven types of margaritas). Come the weekend, this historic hotel is buzzing with people having a good time.

Address: 179 Mann Street, Gosford

3. The Entrance Social Club, The Entrance

A stone’s throw from The Entrance waterfront, this pub-turned-hip hotspot is happening year-round. Mrs May Bistro & Bar is the main eatery, designed with stylish curves, gold accents and soft neutral colours. Its pavilion with fireplace is a coveted spot come winter to relax with a glass of wine. While in summer, the outdoor beer garden is the place to be: its retractable roof lets in the sunshine and good vibes year-round, with live music over the weekends. Sports fanatics will find solace in Taffy’s sports bar, which has booths with personal TVs to watch all the big games from NRL to NBL. The Lager-ita jug is a unique twist to enjoy with friends; tequila, lime, agave and lager.

Address: 87 The Entrance Road, The Entrance

4. Lost Souls, Terrigal

Calling all metal, rock and punk fans. Lost Souls on the esplanade of Terrigal is right up your alley. Black walls are plastered with band posters, skateboards and dark street art. Pick your poison with cocktails such as Bloody Sabbath, Deadly Nightshade and Fear of the Dark and settle in for a night of late-night metal, emo, punk rock – or whatever the theme for the evening is. Lost Souls provides the nostalgia, too, with rock karaoke, pinball machines, Nintendo and Street Fighter comps.

Pinball machines at Lost Souls in Terrigal
Lost Souls delivers a hefty dose of nostalgia.

Address: 55 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

5. Motel Mezza, Wyong

Housed in a former 1930s bank on a corner block in Wyong, the elegant Motel Mezza bar and restaurant is resplendent in Art Deco styling and serves a Middle Eastern menu that’s designed to share with friends. But more impressive is its extensive beverage menu – with Mezza Twist cocktails such as the Zaatar Paloma, with tequila, zaatar syrup and fresh grapefruit, and a Pineapple and Saffron Martini. There is live music every Tuesday, which makes for a bit of mid-week fun, and trivia nights and belly dancing nights once a month.

Wine is poured over a banquet of food at Motel Mezza in Wyong
Motel Mezza’s Middle Eastern menu is designed to share with friends.

Address: 98 Pacific Hwy, Wyong

6. Jerry Sent Me, Wyong

When we think speakeasy, this is what we imagine. Tucked away in a historic building, complete with timber rafters, barn doors, concrete floors and a pressed-metal ceiling, this dimly lit, vintage-style bar feels like prohibition all over again. Settle into a leather chair, cosy up in front of the log fire come winter and order a whiskey to enjoy with a grazing board.

Bartender at Jerry Sent Me in Wyong
Jerry Sent Me is a speakeasy bar in Wyong that should be on your radar.

Address: 14/16 Alison Road, Wyong

7. Bay Road Brewing, Gosford

Like most breweries, Bay Road was built by mates who love beer and good times. The light and bright space in Gosford produces a long list of brews including the Gossy Good Times hazy pale, Coastal Crush pale ale and a White Russian stout, all packaged in cans with bright and funky designs. The taphouse is kid-friendly and dog-friendly so you can bring the whole gang to sample the goods and enjoy a rotating menu of street food such as burgers, fried chicken and baos. Keep an eye out for the regular comedy club nights for a laugh with your lager.

Friends enjoying a beer tasting experience at Bay RoadBrewing, Gosford.
The tasting experience at Bay Road Brewing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 89 Donnison St, Gosford

8. The Savoy, Long Jetty

An abandoned 1950s theatre was given a new lease on life in 2018 when it was turned into a multi-purpose bar and restaurant. The chic bar serves up craft beers, cocktails on tap and a wine list focusing on natural drops.

Two cocktails at The Savoy in Long Jetty
Find a range of cocktails on tap. (Image: Nikki To/ Destination NSW)

While the food menu features casual bites such as pizza and share plates. There is a film screening in the cinema every Thursday night and come weekends a dancefloor comes to life thanks to DJs playing old-school and party tunes.

Interior of The Savoy in Long Jetty
The multi-purpose bar and restaurant serves up good times alongside casual bites and share plates. (Image: Nikki To/ Destination NSW)

Address: 2/391 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty

9. The Boathouse, Patonga

Hidden away in the seaside village of Patonga, The Boathouse calls for long, lazy lunches in the sunshine. True to The Boathouse Group’s style, the venue oozes a chic nautical theme.

Couple enjoy an Aperol Spritz and share plates at The Boathouse Patonga
The Boathouse in Patonga is all about lazy lunches in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

Order a Boathouse Bloody Mary, a Patonga Margarita or a Loveboat (a refreshing blend of vodka, passionfruit liqueur, mint, lime and soda) and nab a seat in the alfresco courtyard under the shady Norfolk pines stringed with festoon lighting. Live music adds to the chilled ambience on weekends.

Couple enjoying food and drink at The Boathouse HotelPatonga, Patonga.
The views just can’t be beaten. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 6 – 8 Patonga Drive, Patonga

10. The Box On The Water, Ettalong

The Ettalong Beach foreshore offers punters many things: sprawling views across Broken Bay, ample opportunities for dog-spotting, and a pearler seat for sundowners – provided you’re in the right spot, and The Box On The Water definitely falls into that category. Floor-to-ceiling windows grant panoramic water views to Box Head and over to Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Food and drinks at The BOX on the Water restaurant and bar,Ettalong Beach.
Come for drinks or an upscale meal at the bar’s adjoining restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Beach Kiosk offers casual dining, drinks and snacks, while the adjoining restaurant serves upscale Australian fare. The BOX bar is for drinks only and they can be enjoyed anywhere within its licensed area, including along the seawall. Grab one of the five spritzes or signature G&T and nab an alfresco seat to soak up a picture-perfect sunset.

The Box On The Water
The Box On The Water sits alongside Ettalong Beach.

Address: Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve

11. Mumbo Jumbo’s, Terrigal

Caribbean-themed Mumbo Jumbo’s is more than just your classic rooftop bar. Founded by four local childhood friends, the space in Terrigal oozes chilled island vibes with views over the beach. Reggae rhythms, colourful quirky interiors and an aromatic Jamaican-flavoured food and drinks menu transport guests to the Caribbean. Espresso martinis are served on tap, alongside tropical cocktails and all classic wines and beers.

A couple of guys enjoying the views from the rooftop of Mumbo Jumbos in Terrigal
Soak up views of Terrigal Beach from the rooftop.

Wherever possible, recycled materials have been used in the fit-out: tables are made from old timber fencing and the bar is made from upcycled wood, adding to the chilled-out beachside vibe. The weekly calendar is pumping with trivia on Tuesdays, live music on Wednesdays and DJs over the weekend.

Mumbo Jumbos Terrigal interior Image Destination NSW
The interiors at Mumbo Jumbos deliver Caribbean vibes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 92 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

12. Pocket Bar, Terrigal

Situated a stone’s throw from Terrigal Beach, Pocket Bar  serves as the Central Coast’s sister venue to Sydney’s Stitch Bar. Inside, they combine modern mixology techniques with classic cocktail recipes – alongside fun snacks, of course. The dimly lit space is lined with big couches and tables, exposed brick walls, a colourful painted mural and plants hanging overhead.

The bartender at Pocket Bar strains a Daiquiri for a customer
Pocket Bar is the sister venue to Sydney’s Stitch Bar.

Like its city counterparts, the cocktails are the big-ticket items at Pocket Bar. Try the Penicillin made with Dewars 12-year scotch whisky or dial it back with a wine or beer from the ever-expanding list paired with a tapas plate and watch the locals pass by.

Address: 1/74 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

13. Avoca Beach House Restaurant & Bar, Avoca

A session at the Avoca Beach House feels quintessentially Australian. The space makes the most of its prime position with panoramic glass walls that face Avoca Beach. And, like any self-respecting beachside restaurant, it offers a hefty seafood menu featuring freshly shucked oysters and fried fish tacos. Barside, spritzes and sparkling wines go nicely with the view. So next time you’re in town, do as the locals do and partake in a Beach House session.

Avoca Surfhouse has front-row beach views.
Avoca Beach House has front-row beach views.

Address: 3/85 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach

14. Margarita Daze, Umina

If it’s Hampton’s ambience you seek, the beachy whites and seaside greens of Margarita Daze will more than deliver. This Ocean Beach bar and restaurant has sandy shores and an endless waterfront right at its doorstep.

Friends enjoying food and drinks at Margarita Daze, UminaBeach.
The coastal vibes are in high supply at Margarita Daze in Umina. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Daze Margarita is one of the signature cocktails, with Jose Cuervo, triple sec, fresh lime and sugar, shaken and dumped on the rocks. The Salted Caramel Espresso Martini features salted caramel vodka, Kahlua, espresso coffee and caramel syrup shaken then strained into a caramel-rimmed martini glass – it will put hairs on your chest.

Dishes available on the menu at Margarita Daze, Umina Beach.
Round out the experience with a standout meal at the restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 345 Trafalgar Ave, Umina

15. Rhonda’s, Terrigal

Yes, they nail their wood-fired pizzas and shine by way of classic Italian fare, but Rhonda’s  also provides a great spot for a cocktail. Located a short walk from the beach, this funky little gem is perfect for afternoon drinks and balmy nights out.

Bartender at Rhonda's in Terrigal making the Burn Baby cocktail
With superb cocktails, great food and a rooftop bar, Rhonda’s is easily one of the best bars in Terrigal.

As the sun makes its way toward the horizon, feel the sea breeze and sip on a house-made Limoncello or Aperol Spritz from the upstairs balcony. It also overlooks the popular Terrigal Beach House for ample people-watching opportunities. On Saturdays, pizza is available by the slice upstairs – the perfect salve after a few sundowners.

Rhondas
Feel the sea breeze and sip on a house-made Limoncello or Aperol Spritz at Rhonda’s.

Address: 3/5 Kurrawyba Ave, Terrigal

16. Frankie’s Rooftop, Woy Woy

It’s clear that Coasties are partial to a good rooftop tipple, and few bars or pubs shine as bright as Frankie’s . Head upstairs at The Bayview Hotel – a long-standing pub that underwent an unrecognisable transformation a few years back – for views of sparkling Brisbane Water.

There is a huge selection of whiskey to choose from, dangerously placed alongside a swathe of gins and rums and creative cocktails. Thursdays are for share plates and $14 margs and during happy hour on Fridays you can choose from $10 cocktails.

Food and wine at Frankie's Rooftop Bar
Indulge in a rooftop tipple and feed at Frankie’s. (Frankie’s Rooftop Bar)

Address: 2 The Boulevard, Woy Woy

17. Bar Toto, Ettalong

Bar Toto makes a case for elegance on the Central Coast. Since its establishment in 2013, it has brought back the old-world charm of wining and dining with an ode to the best of chic Europe.

Bartender pours a martini at Bar Toto's in Ettalong
Bar Toto’s well-crafted cocktail list will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.

Australia’s top 100 cocktail craftsman Peter Clarke has created a list that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean – the Italian classics such as negronis, aperols and garabaldis do it best. The coffee cocktails also shine and provide a kick for those who need it. For food, international pizza competition medallist Jerry Altavilla mans the ovens. Take a seat on a leather sofa and watch the magic unfold before you.

Address: 83/189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong

18. Six String Brewing Co. Erina

Six String Brewing  began as a hobby developed from a genuine love of good beer. And like any good side hustle, it evolved into the first home-grown craft brewery and tasting room on the Central Coast.

Friends enjoying beer and arcade games at the Six StringBrewing Company brewery in Erina.
Six String Brewing Co. is a guaranteed good time. (Image: Destination NSW)

Nowadays, the taproom is a popular watering hole that showcases the award-winning brews produced on-site. Lovers and novices can come in and learn about the process – touching, smelling and tasting the ingredients along the way. There are more than 12 taps in rotation at any given time at the bar; are all preservative-free, unpasteurised and unfiltered.

Six String Brewing co
Six String Brewing Co. is the first home-grown craft brewery and tasting room on the Central Coast.

Come for a beer and a bite (burgers, tacos, charcuterie boards and the like) or book a tour of the brewery (run every Saturday morning) where you can learn the craft of brewing. A new taproom is currently under construction just down the road, with an opening date soon to be announced. Watch this space.

Address: 4/330 The Entrance Road, Erina

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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Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole
See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast
Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior
Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast
Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital
Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf  serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie
Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast
Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast
Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple
Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park
Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Fall asleep listening to the waves.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.