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.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.