The best boutique stays on the Central Coast

Soak up some seriously serene Central Coast bliss with our top pick of boutique hotels.

From Terrigal, Avoca, Copacabana and Macmasters Beach to Bateau Bay, The Entrance, Ettalong, Umina, Patonga and Killcare – you’ll need more than a few days to explore the vast beauty of the Central Coast.

As more cotton on to the unique offering of the region, holidaymakers must be organised well in advance if they plan to travel during the high season – which, let’s be honest, is most of the time these days. We’ve done the work for you and scoped out some of the town’s most eligible luxury accommodations below, or you can also check out our comprehensive guide to Central Coast accommodation for everything from camping stays to luxury hotels and resorts.

Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

Killcare is situated on the Bouddi Peninsula, marking the start of the Central Coast. You’ll find Bells at Killcare housed atop its cliff sides, with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean.

The luxury five-star cottages, suites and villas provide much by way of Hampton’s design and opulence. Washed-back blues, bleached linens, driftwood walls and wide-striped awnings will remind you of summer’s past. Ralph Lauren furnishings are scattered throughout, perfect for sitting among lush native landscapes to a soundtrack of the local kookaburras.

And while the rooms at Bells make it worthy of a stay, the accolades of the restaurant make it a day-trip dining destination all on its own. Wild Flower Bar and Dining showcases a menu inspired by sun-drenched destinations like the Mediterranean and Morocco. Seafood from local waterways is served up in a bistro-style space, surrounded by Kate Swinton wallpaper and screen-print cushions.

Bells at Kilcare — Bells at Killcare’s luxury five-star cottages, suites and villas provide much by way of Hampton’s design and opulence.

Kims Beachside Retreat

Totally secluded on the sands of Toowoon Bay, relaxation is at the top of the to-do list at Kim’s Beachside Retreat .

Each of the 34 adults-only bungalows and villas is fully equipped, perched metres from the beach and shaded by ancient Norfolk Island pines. There is a forest filled with palms and tropical greenery, plus a stunning symphony of Whip birds, Lorikeets and Honey Eaters singing a morning chorus.

Choose between views of the beach or garden and indulge in the clean, luxurious amenities of your room. There are heated Jacuzzi, indoor spa baths or private swimming pools on offer, as well as a smart cocktail bar, a prime beachfront location, great food and on-site massages.

Kims Beachside Retreat — Stay in total seclusion on the sands of Toowoon Bay at Kim’s Beachside Retreat.

Pretty Beach House

It’s one of NSW’s most luxurious stays and certainly worth every penny. Also housed within the beauty of Bouddi National Park, Pretty Beach House has been living up to its name since its opening in 2015. A string of awards and accolades followed its inception, including being named in the Conde Nast Gold List and Hot Hotels of the World.

Rustic in charm and build, PBH blends effortlessly within its coastal bush surrounds. It is constructed from decommissioned railway timber pylons, handcrafted in 1883, locally sourced mud bricks, and artisan-cut sandstone, with the inclusion of brass and copper features throughout.

An off-grid blacksmith from the Blue Mountains made the bar, and original artworks by Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan and John Olsen don the walls. For furnishings, earthy tones are scattered throughout, as well as bedding made from hand-loomed luxurious Italian Busatti linen.

Bouddi National Park is the land of the Darkinjung people and is home to around 100 ancient indigenous artworks, three of which are located on the hotel property.

The historical artworks are between 8000 and 10,000 years old and are proudly shown and explained to guests every evening during a special Welcome to Country smoking ceremony led by a local Aboriginal elder around the outdoor fire.

Pretty Beach House is one of NSW’s most luxurious stays.

Escala Luxury Suites

Open the French doors, step out onto a private garden and enjoy the fresh country air at Escala Luxury Suites.

Located among the rolling hinterland hills of the Central Coast, this is the perfect getaway for those who appreciate a little inland beauty. The two self-contained suites are surrounded by a breathtaking valley, packed to the rafters with bird life and native fauna.

A private driveway lined with Murraya hedges leads to your front door. Inside you’d be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a French postcard. Provincially upholstered dining tables match the floor-to-ceiling curtains, and a king bed accommodates a maximum of two people.

Both suites are identical and have an ensuite bathroom with bathrobes, slippers, a hair dryer and Roberto Cavalli amenities. The open room interior includes a kitchenette, dining and lounge area, an air conditioning system, Wi-Fi, Netflix and an iPod-docking station.

Privacy is the priority here. Guests have access to the whole property, which boasts a private outdoor swimming pool, heated spa, expansive garden, sunbeds and a parking space.

Enjoy the fresh country air at Escala Luxury Suites.

Boathouse Hotel Patonga

The local pub at the cute coastal hideaway of Patonga has a new lease of life. Guests are now invited to drink downstairs and sleep upstairs at the Boathouse Hotel and neighbouring cottage.

Former owners Andrew Goldsmith and Pip Robb opened in sleepy Patonga at the end of 2018 and added rooms the following year, complete with the blue-white and driftwood aesthetic. The wooden ferry can bring you here from its Palm Beach sister, transporting the famed nautical vibes with it.

The offering includes three apartments above the hotel, idyllic for couples, families and groups. There are kitchenettes and balconies, as well as white-shuttered windows and low swing seats with views toward the pier. White-tiled bathrooms are stocked with L’Occitane products.

Next door, the similarly-decorated Patonga Cottage accommodates up to 10 guests. Bi-fold doors open to a large timber deck, outdoor kitchen, fire pit and swimming pool. Downstairs, the Boathouse serves as the ‘hotel’ restaurant, bar and kiosk. And on Mondays and Tuesdays, when the restaurant is closed for dinner, staff can arrange wine and cold seafood platter to be sent to your room.

Beach House Patonga — Boathouse Hotel Patonga is idyllic for couples, families and groups.

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.

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

The best luxury accommodation on the Central Coast

Soak up some seriously serene Central Coast bliss with our top pick of boutique hotels.

Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

Kims Beachside Retreat

Pretty Beach House

Escala Luxury Suites

Boathouse Hotel Patonga

Everything you want from a 5-star coastal break at Killcare

Crowne Plaza Terrigal: The perfect seaside escape

The most beautiful spots for camping on the Central Coast

The very best Central Coast accommodation

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.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

Winter on the Central Coast

Winter in Wollongong