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What it’s like to stay at voco Gosford, the Central Coast’s newest hotel

Megan ArkinstallBy Megan Arkinstall
For the first time in 15 years, the Central Coast has welcomed a new hotel. Here’s a first look.

Located in the central hub of Gosford, luxury hotel voco Gosford has finally opened its doors after much anticipation. Part of the $375-million Archibald Precinct – a project locals and industry folk alike have been watching closely – voco Gosford is the region’s first new hotel in 15 years. Spanning two towers, this development has transformed the skyline of Gosford and aims to kickstart the revival of this waterfront city with ample potential that has seen some great new dining venues and breweries open in recent years. The voco is Gosford’s most exciting development to date.

I checked out the new hotel, which launched with incredible fanfare in early December.

Where is voco Gosford?

the voco Gosford, Central Coast exterior
The luxury voco Gosford’s location is where the action happens.

The voco Gosford is in the heart of Gosford on the Central Coast, around an hour from Sydney and 90 minutes from Newcastle by car, and just nine minutes’ walk from Gosford railway station. The property is also a short walk from the waterfront and Polytec Stadium, home ground of the Central Coast Mariners and host to many other sporting matches and events, such as NRL games, music concerts and community events.

Within 15 minutes’ drive of the hotel, you can explore Somersby Falls, the Australian Reptile Park, and the beachside towns of Terrigal – the new Terrigal Pavilion is a must-visit – and Avoca.

What is the style and character of voco Gosford?

the lobby of voco Gosford
Warm and earthy tones set a cosy and inviting vibe.

Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, voco Gosford is a premium property inspired by the Central Coast’s laidback but playful spirit. It hits the brief with a calming colour palette of neutrals, soft greens and blues is a nod to the coastal locale, with brassand timber fixtures adding warmth.

The hotel is a luxury offering but doesn’t feel pretentious, with friendly staff and relaxed dining venues. Nods to the local area are given throughout the hotel, including the artwork and photography (the guest room hallways feature black and white images of places around Gosford, for example).

What are the rooms and suites at voco Gosford like?

a look inside one of the suites at voco Gosford
The suites are designed with a contemporary aesthetic.

The property features 130 guest rooms, including standard rooms with a king bed, premium rooms with a king or two queen beds and a balcony, and spacious suites with a king bed and balcony. All rooms feature walk-in showers and views over the bay or city.

Our premium king room is spacious, featuring a plush king bed with a mint green fabric headboard and subtle pastel-hued artworks above. The luggage bench and bedside tables are topped with a gorgeous Terrazzo, and the mini bar is housed within a chic freestanding mint green and timber cabinet (complete with L’OR pod-coffee machine). We have a corner lounge and table for enjoying room service (I order a delicious pumpkin and haloumi salad with grilled chicken for a late lunch), a small balcony with furniture and a huge television.

Hotel bathrooms are getting more attention these days, and ours is no exception. With a gorgeous powder blue vanity, taupe-coloured walls and floor with a dark blue feature tile, a spacious walk-in shower, brass tapware and a gold-framed backlit mirror, it’s the type of bathroom you want to get glam in. The shower and basin are stocked with large refillable Apotheke products.

What facilities does voco Gosford have?

holding a chicken burger at Archies, voco Gosford
The pub-style Archies bistro features much-loved pub grub.

The hotel is located within The Archibald Precinct, the Central Coast’s newest drinking and dining destination. The Lobby Bar is a stylish spot for a coffee or a pre-dinner drink.

Up a short flight of stairs, Archies is a contemporary space that comprises a sports bar and Ironbark, a pub-style bistro. The menu features classics such as burgers and chicken parmi, as well as a selection from the grill including an exclusive dry-aged cabinet (think striploin and tomahawk). There’s plenty of seating for large groups, including comfy leather booths and a fireplace in the centre. Next door, in a cosy space, Paolo’s Pizzeria serves antipasti, handmade egg pasta and woodfired pizza.

the dining interior of Astra restaurant, voco Gosford
Astra rooftop bar is on level 28 of the hotel.

The jewel in the crown, quite literally, is Astra. Perched 28 storeys above Gosford, Astra is a sophisticated restaurant and bar that serves fire-licked Japanese-inspired fare and cocktails with a killer view of Brisbane Water. With Michelin-trained executive chef Maxime Chasseriaud at the helm, the menu includes a raw bar selection and yakitori. This elegant space is centred around a striking green marble bar and filled with blush pink velvet furniture, which matches the sunset on the evening we visit.

On Level 5, there’s a well-equipped gym (with a day spa set to open in the first half of 2026), a glittering resort-style pool with views and Saltfire Buffet, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Saltfire’s extensive bar backs onto the hotel pool, so you can enjoy swim-up cocktails like you’re truly on holiday. The buffet breakfast has plenty of options including hot and cold dishes (eggs, bacon, salmon, cheeses, pastries, yoghurt, moreish granola and more). Low expectations are usually kept for hotel buffet coffee – but I am delightfully surprised. A huge tick.

As far as sustainability initiatives, the hotel is single-use plastic free and there are filtered water stations on each level. Parking is available below the hotel at $35 per day.

Does voco Gosford have access for guests with disabilities?

The hotel has flat terrain between the carpark and hotel entrance, accessible parking, and ramp access to restaurants and leisure facilities. Wheelchair accessible rooms, rooms with handrails, grab bars and handheld shower heads are available. Service pets are permitted.

Is voco Gosford family-friendly?

Yes, the hotel has rooms that can sleep up to four guests. Archies, Paolo’s Pizzeria and Saltfire Buffet are all child-friendly dining venues. Archies also has an indoor playground for children to enjoy while adults relax.

Details

A bathroom with a freestanding bath at voco Gosford
Bathrooms are ultra-chic.

Best for: This sophisticated hotel is the new darling of Gosford. It’s perfect for visitors who want to enjoy a luxe stay on the Central Coast with drinking and dining at their fingertips. It’s also convenient for those attending an event or sporting match at Polytec Stadium.

 Address: 108 Donnison Street, Gosford

Price: From $299 per night.

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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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.