The best things for kids to do on the Central Coast

The Central Coast is known for its golden-sand beaches and picturesque nature walks, but did you know it’s brimming with kid-friendly activities?

Gone are the days when a Central Coast family holiday consisted solely of board game nights in or beachside fish and chips for dinner after long days spent in the water. Nowadays, you’ll find an abundance of family-friendly options on offer. From obstacle courses set up high in towering tall gum trees to getting lost in an old-school milk factory, keep boredom in check with a handful of these promising prospects.

Family beaches

Embrace the carefree vibes of a beach day that’s tailored to young families. There are a number of options for those travelling with kids in tow, each offering varying degrees of facilities, cafés, playgrounds and patrolled beaches.

Avoca Beach is one of the most popular. Lifeguards operate between the flags, granting peace of mind to those with little ones. There are surf lesson opportunities, as well as rock pools, toilets and a fully fenced playground. A collection of cafés and restaurants are within walking distance from the beach when hunger strikes.
Terrigal Beach is another failsafe. There is a heavy lifeguard presence here as well as small rock pools for exploring and plenty of boutiques and great cafés scattered along the esplanade beside the beach.
Macmasters Beach sits at the foothills of Bouddi National Park. Soak up the sun in the surrounds of towering trees and lush fauna. Kids can swim in the ocean pool or between the flags, and retreat to one of the surrounding grass areas for a picnic.
Putty Beach is a lesser-known slice of Central Coast paradise. Clear, calm and blue waters are flanked by the natural beauty of Bouddi National Park – sans many of the crowds found at other surrounding stretches of sand. Pack snorkels and inflatables for a parenting tick of approval.

Terrigal Beach is another failsafe with a heavy lifeguard presence and rock pools for exploring.

Explore the coast from the treetops

Explore the Central Coast via its towering tall gum trees, melange of birdlife and leafy hinterland.

Treetops Adventure for kids to scale up in the trees. There are 100 elevated obstacles to choose from, with rope ladders, wobbly bridges, tunnels, cargo nets and ziplines set among the magnificent gum trees.

The adjoining Treetop Networld provides a vast network of interconnected trampoline spaces. Kids are encouraged to discover a whole new sense of gravity while enjoying a variety of fun games with giant inflatable balls. Each adventure is two hours long and participants must wear enclosed shoes.

Kids aged five and over can also test their strength on one of the Treetops Vertical Challenges. Choose from three different levels and partake in the zig-zag ladder, climbing walls, polka dots and much more.

Treetop Networld Central Coast — Explore the Central Coast via its towering tall gum trees at Treetop Networld.

Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park was first established in 1948 by the late Eric Worrell – Australia’s first naturalist. It now serves as one of the country’s main wildlife attractions, and the only zoo in Australia with a venom milking program that’s been in place for the past 50 years. Each year, the park saves over 300 lives by being the sole supplier for a variety of venoms, used for all snake and funnel-web anti-venom in Australia.

If the park’s lifesaving venom program doesn’t convince the kids, perhaps the other wildlife encounters will. They can hand-feed the kangaroos in the free-range roaming area, stop by on weekends to see the resident crocodiles, alligators, dingos and koalas get fed by the park rangers, and stroll through Tarantula-ville: home to some of the largest spiders in Australia.

Like all good contemporary zoos, The Australian Reptile Park also places an important emphasis on conservation work, with their ‘Devil Ark’ program helping to repopulate the endangered Tasmanian devil.

The Australian Reptile Park Central Coast — The Australian Reptile Park serves as one of the country’s main wildlife attractions.

Central Coast Aqua Park

Eleven-year-old me would have squealed with excitement at the idea of an Aqua Park like this one. Kids can spend the day navigating the inflatable obstacle course filled with endless routes of swings, slides, pyramids, monkey bars and more during the summer months. And if they fall? It’s a short drop into the splashing water below and kept buoyant by a mandatory life jacket. The park is also fully supervised by the trained lifeguards of Brisbane Water Gosford.

Somersby Falls

Find Somersby Falls hidden away just 15 minutes from Gosford’s town centre. The waterfall itself is a mighty and unique feature of the secluded little hangout, trickling or gushing (depending on rainfall) down the weathered rocks that are shouldered by deep green forest. Visitors can stand under the cascading water and swim in the surrounding pools.

The neighbouring picnic area is the perfect place to enjoy an al fresco lunch. Find free barbeques and picnic tables for use. Be sure to keep a lookout for the hungry bush turkeys that might be keen on joining the picnic – uninvited.

Cycling Paths

Bike ownership on the Central Coast is higher than anywhere else in the state, and the residents regularly put them to use on the fantastic network of cycling paths that stretch and loop around the region. If two wheels are your preferred way of getting around, these adventurous cycling routes will definitely keep the kids in check.

Kincumber to Davistown is a comfortable 2.7-kilometre ride for kids. The flat pathway and bike track have toilets, playgrounds and cafés scattered along the way. It passes over a small steel bridge with no steps.
Take in spectacular views along the Brisbane Water Cycleway riding from Gosford to Woy Woy. Start at Point Frederick’s Pioneer Park and journey through wetlands and scenic waterways. Take the train home from Woy Woy or ferry across to Saratoga and Davistown.
Chittaway to the Entrance is the perfect shared cycleway for kids. It runs around the shores of Tuggerah Lake from Chittaway Bay to The Entrance. Along the 12-kilometre journey, you’ll encounter parks, picnic areas and playgrounds, including Saltwater Creek Park at Long Jetty with barbecues and a BMX track and find the 11-piece outdoor fitness station at Picnic Point.

Indoor Play Centres

A little rain needn’t put a dampener on your holiday. Head to Monkey Mania inside the Gosford League’s Club. Kids can spend the rainy day will getting lost inside this three-level utopia that features an inflatable jumping castle, a dedicated toddler area, a gun/cannon foam ball arena, a climbing structure, slides, and kiddies’ electric go-karts.

Clip ‘N Climb will garner the same level of enthusiasm. Twenty-eight uniquely-themed climbing walls are waiting to be scaled – with walls to suit all ages. Automatic belay devices will take in the slack as you climb, gently lowering you to the ground once you’re done.
KidsWorld play centre is perfect for those aged between 0-11. The multi-level indoor space is packed with climbing structures, tunnels, trampolines, a cannonball battle zone, an inflatable slide and even a special dedicated under-fives area for little ones to explore safely.
Inflatable World in Charmhaven is another great option. It is home to the biggest indoor inflatable playground in Australia and kids will while away the hours bouncing around the obstacles. Don’t forget the socks – they’re mandatory.

Clip ‘N Climb Central Coast — Twenty-eight uniquely themed climbing walls are waiting to be scaled at Clip ‘N Climb.

Wyong Milk Factory

A milk factory might not seem like a magnet for childlike fun from the outset, but hear us out.

Established in 1906, the Wyong Milk Factory has been lovingly restored to its former glory, now serving as a multi-disciplinary community space. Browse tasty produce at the cheese and chocolate factories, enjoy a kayak or rowboat in the river, relax with a barbeque or watch the kids on the playground from your seat at the Milk Factory Café.

The onsite family tavern is also open every Wednesday through Sunday. You’ll find live music most evenings and a kids’ entertainment area. The Wyong Milk Factory is free and open daily.

Wyong Milk Factory Central Coast — Wyong Milk Factory has been lovingly restored to its former glory.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.