20 of The Best Bowral Restaurants | Australian Traveller

Whether you’re road-tripping with the family or chasing a romantic escape, Bowral restaurants have become the heartbeat of the Southern Highlands.

Bowral restaurants shine brightest when they use food and wine to tell a story about the Southern Highlands region. And the best restaurants in Bowral and beyond have become a beacon in the Southern Highlands for everyone from couples to families celebrating special occasions.

These days, the best way to experience the brilliance of a weekend wining and dining in Bowral is to bounce back and forth from Sydney on multiple weekends away. Here is our guide to the best places to eat in Bowral and its immediate surrounds.

The shortlist

Fine dining gem: Bistro Sociale @ The Berida Hotel
Best paddock-to-plate dining: Eschalot
Hidden gem: The Dining Room @ Dormie House
Best for pastries: Flour Bar
Best for large groups: Divaa
Best outdoor dining: George’s @ Osborn House
Best for business lunches: Citizen Kanebridge

1. Flour Bar

a close-up of a dish at Flour Bar, Bowral restaurants — The menu at Flour Bar is designed to share. (Image: Christopher Pearce)

Best for: A cocktail, glass of wine and elevated bar bites.

In addition to offering everyday indulgences such as potato buns and garlic-studded focaccia, Flour Bar serves as a cult bakery and cafe by day before dimming the lights for dinner. Put simply, it’s one of the best places in the Southern Highlands for date night as it has a share menu for just $49 per person. Think trout rillettes with fennel pickle and quinoa crackers. Or sourdough pizza topped with prawns, garlic and chilli for something more substantial. There’s also Bowral’s best bottle-o (with more than 200 wines) and a deli inside an old bank vault with cheeses and charcuterie.

Cuisine: This is not a keto-friendly place. It’s where bread-heads unite.
Atmosphere: Charming neighbourhood feel.
Average Price: $$$
Address: 386 Argyle St, Moss Vale

2. Fire Kitchen @ Osborn House

dining at Fire Kitchen @ Osborn House, Bowral restaurants — Book your Sunday lunch at the country-style Latin American restaurant. (Image: Osborn House)

Best for: Argentinian bites

Fire Kitchen offers a contemporary take on the Escape to the Country experience. Like Osborn House itself, it’s burst into prominence as one of the best places to eat in the Southern Highlands. The new Latin American restaurant led by Mexican-born Axell Torres is open for dinner Friday through to Sunday lunch. And it has built on the success of the monthly Fire Feast. Enjoy a seriously dreamy outlook over smashed crispy Robertson potatoes with caviar and creme fraiche with Argentinian-style grilled beef short ribs all delivered with poise by stylish staff. Schedule a return visit for Fire Feast .

Cuisine: Latin American leaning.
Atmosphere: Smoking hot.
Average Price: $$$
Address: 96 Osborn Ave, Bundanoon

3. George’s @ Osborn House

dining at George’s @ Osborn House, Bowral restaurants — George’s draws from a palette of earthy olives, timber, turmeric and thyme tones.

Best for: A casual meal in the heart of the Southern Highlands.

George’s is the more casual dining option in Osborn House, established in 1892. This restaurant with rooms in the picture-postcard village of Bundanoon is known for its easygoing charm. But you don’t have to be a guest to dine at George’s for lunch or dinner. The bar is also open to the public between 3 and 6pm for casual bites. The low-key eatery offers everything from charcuterie to sandwiches and cheeseburgers. Keen hikers will appreciate heftier mains such as truffled mac and cheese. My recommendation is to return triumphant to the terrace post-hike to enjoy views over Morton National Park.

Cuisine: Hearty fare designed to fuel a hike in the Southern Highlands.
Atmosphere: The interiors at George’s draw from a palette of earthy olives, timber, turmeric and thyme.
Average Price: $$$
Address: 96 Osborn Ave, Bundanoon

4. Bistro Sociale @ The Berida Hotel

a close-up of dish at Bistro Sociale @ The Berida Hotel, Bowral restaurants — Dine French fare in style.

Best for: A social occasion

Bistro Sociale is popular with those who have booked accommodation in Bowral and want to dine in style. Head chef Nathan Jackson changes the menu according to the seasons. And it’s worth gunning it up the highway from Sydney for his house-baked bread with cultured French butter alone. My hot tip is to use it to mop up the moat of red wine jus served around the confit duck, Jerusalem artichoke, duck neck and puy lentils. Earn brownie points with your Bowral buddies by booking lunch on the sun-drenched terrace where you can start with cocktails or a glass of local wine.

Cuisine: This Euro-chic bistro has a French twist.
Atmosphere: The dimly lit dining room is decked out with flower-filled vases and a lovely layering of textures.
Average price: $$$
Location: 6 David Street, Bowral

5. Ethos

the contemporary interior of Links House, Bowral — The country guesthouse features an in-house eatery that serves a seasonal menu. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: A stylish stay at a restaurant with rooms.

This 1920s homestead has had a thoroughly modern update. And the restaurant, Ethos, at Links House has rounded out the experience of a stay here with a paddock-to-plate menu designed by acclaimed chef Jason Hughes. While Links House is popular as a conference facility, it also attracts families and groups of friends who want to enjoy a bit of respite from their big-city lives. First-time visitors to this darling dining room will understand why this restaurant is included on every Bowral itinerary. Try the house-made gnocchi with little mountain mushrooms, zucchini and Manchego. For something on the sweet side, opt for orange almond cake with rhubarb, coconut yoghurt.

Cuisine: Mod Oz
Atmosphere: Light and bright but intimate with views out to the lush gardens.
Average price: $$$
Location: 17 Links Rd, Bowral

6. Onesta Cucina

a close-up of a dish at Onesta Cucina, Bowral — Tuck into Modern Italian cuisine at Onesta Cucina.

Best for: A special anniversary.

Onesta Cucina  provides yet another reason to stay in the Highlands hamlet of Bowral. Onesta Cucina is known for its menu led by hyperlocal seasonal ingredients. Check the family-run restaurant’s Instagram ahead of your booking to see what takes your fancy. Will it be the wagyu bresaola with 63-degree egg and truffled potato puree? Or perhaps spaghetti flecked with suckling pig and chilli? Personally, I like to order lasagna al forno, which takes 25 minutes to make. Why? Because it provides me with the perfect excuse to linger. Gemma and Luke Latimer are the brains behind this Bowral dining destination which is all about bringing people together through good food and wine.

Cuisine: Modern Italian
Atmosphere: The cosy country dining den of your dreams.
Average price: $$$-$$$$
Address: 5 Boolwey St, Bowral.

7. The Lotus Bowral

Australian cuisine and street-cart Chinese food at The Lotus Bowral — Indulge in contemporary Australian cuisine and street-cart Chinese food. (Image: Alana Dimou)

Best for: Bowral locals who want to impress their big-city friends.
The Lotus Group has brought its elevated street food concept to Bowral. Lotus Bowral is in the stylish Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral , one of my favourite home bases in Bowral. Treat yourself to a mid-week getaway with a stay at this ‘restaurant with rooms’ known for its savoury dumplings, fresh seafood and killer kung pao chicken. The menu at this atmospheric diner is a happy collision between contemporary Australian cuisine and the street-cart Chinese food that inspired it. Build your own Chinese banquet by ordering a mix of dumplings, duck pancakes and crispy honey eggplant.

Cuisine: A thoroughly modern take on Chinese street food.
Atmosphere: This light-filled space offers framed views of the countryside.
Average price: $$$
Location: 7 Boronia St, Bowral

8. Harry’s on Green Lane

Harry’s on Green Lane, Bowral restaurants — Harry’s is a hub for green thumbs and a space for lovers of provincial cuisine.

Best for: Sophisticated city slickers.

Harry’s on Green Lane is named in honour of the British-born founder of Chelsea Flower Show, Sir Harry Veitch. Harry’s is a hub for horticulturalists as well as a space for lovers of country cuisine. First-time visitors to the restaurant will be struck by the book-lined walls and dramatic high ceilings. There are also vintage photographs of the botanists charged with collecting seeds from some of the world’s prettiest plants. The simple menu includes winning dishes such as duck confit with Harry’s garden salad. Or signature steak frites with a bearnaise sauce.

Cuisine: French bistro.
Atmosphere: Soaring book-lined shelves, potted plants and works by local artists add to the bougie bistro aesthetic.
Average price: $$
Location 15-17 Banyette St, Bowral

9. Julien’s Bowral Brasserie

oysters at Julien’s Bowral Brasserie — Julien’s Bowral Brasserie curates seasonal menus showcasing classic French cuisine.

Best for: Indulging in French fare.

You will get a big bonjour et bienvenue at French restaurant Julian’s Bowral Brasserie . Located at the aptly named ‘Paris end’ of Bowral, Julien’s Bowral Brasserie has both indoor and outdoor dining. Check the specials blackboard for oh-so-French dishes such as lobster bisque and duck confit a l’orange. My pick is the bouillabaisse bobbing with snapper, potatoes and fennel served with the spicy, garlicky sauce rouilles and croutons. Head chef Julien Viel was born in France and holds his heritage close when curating seasonal menus showcasing classic French cuisine. Starters such as snails in their shell and chicken liver parfait also keep this Bowral bistro buzzing.

Cuisine: Gallic gastronomy with great local ingredients.
Atmosphere: Bistro-chic imbued with a French-Australian sensibility.
Average price: $$
Location: 1-3 Wingecarribee St, Bowral

10. Paste Bangkok, Mittagong

Paste Australia's delicious quail, lacquered with palm sugar and wild honey and served with Kanchanaburi red curry and sour leaves — The menu is a contemporary take on traditional Thai. (Image: Paste Australia)

Best for: Lovers of Southeast Asian cuisine.

It’s eight minutes as the crow flies from Bowral to Mittagong. That’s where you’ll find Michelin-starred chef  Bongkoch ‘Bee’ Satongun and husband Jason Bailey, of Paste Australia . The pair met in Bangkok, Thailand, where their first restaurant earned a coveted Michelin star. The sister venue in Mittagong is also known for dishes that punch out muay Thai kicks of flavour. Save your money on the flight to Bangkok; the roast duck rubbed with sea salt, lemon myrtle and mountain pepper is a must.

Cuisine: Eating at this regional restaurant is thrilling thanks to Bee’s contemporary take on traditional Thai food.
Atmosphere: The pared-back decor in this handsome dining room allows the focus to be placed firmly on the food.
Average price: $$$
Location 105 Main St, Mittagong

11. The Dining Room @ Dormie House

the dining interior of The Dining Room @ Dormie House, Bowral restaurants — Settle in for an indulgent high tea.

Best for: Golfers who want to eat, play and stay.

The Dining Room has put Dormie House on the map as a luxurious getaway for golfers. Challenge yourself on the century-old Moss Vale Golf Club course. Then head to The Dining Room at Dormie House for a lazy lunch, an indulgent high tea or decadent dinner in the Highlands. You can plump for something simple like a ploughman’s board. Or savour slow-cooked beef cheeks with Paris mash and green beans. Wrap up the experience over date and macadamia tart with ice cream. There’s also the more casual option of bar bites such as chicken and avocado sangas on Turkish. Or lamb kofta with beetroot hummus.

Cuisine: An elevated take on club grub.
Atmosphere: The Dining Room is tucked into the trees like a bunker, slotting easily into the bushland all around and framing views of the 18-hole golf course.
Average price: $$$
Address 38 Arthur Street, Moss Vale

12. Citizen Kanebridge

Best for: Those partial to a bit of gossip and a ghost story.

Taylor’s Crown Inn was built by convicts in 1844 using hand-hewn local sandstone in the vernacular architecture of a traditional English village. The former inn has now come full circle after morphing from a public house to a private members’ club. Although Citizen Kanebridge offers access to more than 250 reciprocal clubs worldwide for its members, it also opens its doors for non-members to enjoy a different kind of Southern Highlands experience. Citizen Kanebridge has taken over the old Berrima Vault House to offer bespoke experiences ranging from culinary pop-ups to concierge services. Non-members are invited to enquire about gaining access to club facilities on certain days of the year.

Cuisine: Contemporary Australian
Atmosphere: Citizen Kanebridge sets a new benchmark for clubhouses in the area.
Average price: $$$$
Location: 11 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima

13. Eschalot

dining at Eschalot, Bowral — Formal country dining at its best. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: Feeling good about your choices by dining at a restaurant with a low-waste ethos.

You will find restaurant Eschalot in Berrima, just 10 minutes from Bowral. The restaurant housed in a heritage-listed sandstone cottage screams country charm. Is it any wonder, then, that the tables are full of locals looking so smug? Chef Matty Roberts shows off his technique with dishes that are like a succession of flavours, and textures, while his wife Cass Wallace works the floor. Uber to the restaurant so you can enjoy the 10-course fine-dining banquet with paired wines and avoid driving back to your boutique accommodation. If you’re not up for the ‘feed me’ menu, the Maugers rib-eye with confit garlic and herb butter is a good bet.

Cuisine: A passion for provenance and modern Australian flavours.
Atmosphere: A charming dining room that blends paddock-to-plate practices with tradition and innovation.
Average price: $$$
Location: 24 Old Hume Highway, Berrima

14. Leila’s at the Grand

share plates at Leila’s at the Grand, Bowral restaurants — For top-notch Lebanese, look no further than Leila’s. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Families and group gathos.

Leila’s at the Grand is one of the best restaurants in Bowral. The Lebanese restaurant is run by Michael and Raye Abouchabake. The couple moved to the Southern Highlands nearly three decades ago to establish Cafe Rocco, which was considered one of the best cafes in Bowral. While Cafe Rocco has since changed hands, Leila’s at the Grand pays homage to Michael’s mum, Leila, who led the kitchen at the sister cafe before she sadly passed away. Everything on the menu at Leila’s would make Michael’s mum proud. Order the mixed grill platter, which reads like a list of Leila’s greatest hits.

Cuisine: Traditional Lebanese mezze such as grilled lamb and kofta, tabouli, hummus, baba ghanoush, mixed pickles and garlic bread.
Atmosphere: Fun and festive.
Average price: $$$
Location: Grand Arcade, 295-297 Bong Bong St, Bowral

15. Bendooley Estate

scenic views across the vineyards at Bendooley Estate, Berrima — The grand Georgian homestead is tucked into the scenic vineyards. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: Bookish types and road-trippers

Bendooley Estate helped herald a new chapter for the Southern Highlands. The atmospheric bookshop has given road-trippers from Sydney and Canberra a reason to pull off the highway for the past four decades. The Berrima book barn is of course best known for its collection of second-hand, rare and antiquarian books. But the grand Georgian homestead also has a fabulous restaurant and bar. Start with a glass of wine and charcuterie plate in the cellar door then bunker down in the cosy book barn for panzanella, margherita pizzas and a mixed leaf salad on the side.

Cuisine: Flavourful fare inspired by the seasons.
Atmosphere: This restaurant tucked away in a book barn has more than a touch of literary charm.
Average price: $$$
Location: 3020 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima

16. Artemis Wines

wine and cheese tasting at Artemis Wines, Bowral restaurants — Sample wine and cheese at Artemis.

Best for: Galloping gourmands

Artemis Wines is not just for lovers of great wines. The estate also offers a lunch of light platters (think cheeseboards) on the lawn from Monday to Friday as well as the occasional pop-up BYO vinyl nights for holidaying hipsters. What more do you need when on holiday in the Southern Highlands than a cheese plate and a glass of wine?  The winery is conveniently located for those whose country boltholes are just minutes away. The winery known for its cool-climate wines is also family-friendly offering woodfired pizzas on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3.15pm.

Cuisine: Picnic-style cheese and charcuterie boards as well as woodfired pizzas.
Atmosphere: For taking it easy (and cheesy).
Average price: $$
Location: 46 Sir Charles Moses Lane

17. Toshi’s Japanese Restaurant

Japanese cuisine at Toshi’s, Bowral restaurants — Dine on authentic Japanese at Toshi’s.

Best for: The best sushi and sashimi in the Southern Highlands.

Toshi’s is a Southern Highlands institution. The family-run restaurant led by chef and restaurateur Toshi San has been going strong in Mittagong for more than three decades. The thoughtfully curated menu is Toshi San’s love letter to Japan. The Japanese proverb Kuru mono kaeru ga gotoshi offers an insight into what to expect at Toshi’s. It translates to ‘relax like at home’, which is what this old-school sushi spot aims to achieve. Although chef Toshi has made the Southern Highlands his home, he stays true to the sushi master skills he learned working as a chef in Japan.

Cuisine Expect very precise Japanese sushi and sashimi and order a procession of them.
Atmosphere: There’s a patina and warmth here that cannot be contrived.
Average price: $$
Location: Beaumont Gardens, 60 Bowral Rd, Mittagong

18. Josh’s Cafe

Best for: A laid-back eatery that celebrates multicultural Australia.

This cafe by day, restaurant by night feels like a home away from home, which explains why it is perennially packed with creatives from the local community. Josh’s Cafe has got chairs that recall your Mittagong mate’s place. Framed photos on the walls. And shelves lined with books you will want to borrow. Chef Joshua Levins is all about guaranteeing his guests have a good time. The chef promises contemporary flavours inspired by premium local produce. Check the blackboard for daily specials like pork belly with green papaya salad and an orange, caramel and ginger sauce. Or spicy, smoky slow-roasted beef brisket with Asian slaw and sriracha chilli mayo. The restaurant is BYO on Thursdays.

Cuisine: Josh’s cafe delivers Mod Mediterranean fare alongside jolly good Asian dishes like pho and turmeric fish curry.
Atmosphere: Apart from the smart setting, what leaves an impression is the warm, attentive service.
Average price: $$
Location: 9 Old Hume Highway, Berrima

19. Divaa Indian Restaurant

the dining interior of Divaa, Bowral restaurants — The light-filled and elegant fine diner sets the romantic scene. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Romantics looking to impress a first date.

Mossy has welcomed a stunning new Indian fine diner to the fold. The restaurant next to the old Moss Vale Post Office boasts rich interiors that reflect the heritage of its owners and chefs. It also draws from regional cuisines found across the Indian subcontinent. Expect authentic Indian flavours, ingredients sourced from local suppliers and spices that take things up a notch. The elegant setting aligns perfectly with the refined dishes on the menu. If you’re like me and love a kick of spice, order the beef vindaloo. Or build your own banquet with classic dishes like richly spiced butter chicken or crisp and savoury masala dosa filled with spiced potatoes and served with tangy chutneys.

Cuisine: The menu is packed with classic dishes delivered with a contemporary spin.
Atmosphere: This dreamy fine diner uses texture and patterns to embellish understated furnishings all in a rich palette of mustard seeds and saffron.
Average price: $$$
Location: 2/249 Argyle St, Moss Vale

20. Genso Japanese Bistro

the dining interior of Genso, Bowral restaurants — This Aussie izakaya offers a fresh spin on Japanese dining. (Image: Genso)

Best for: Top-notch Japanese bites

Moss Vale’s newly launched bistro, Genso Japanese Bistro , has developed quite the following since it opened mid-2025. Taste complements technique in the playful and experimental Japanese restaurant in the hip main strip of Mossy. Soft lighting, seaweed-green pops of colour and rich, earthy textures combine alongside decorative archways and screens that sit comfortably alongside striking cut-outs and custom furniture. This Aussie izakaya offers a fresh spin on Japanese dining in the heart of the Southern Highlands. Think Japanese tapas, sushi, sashimi paired with sakes, spirits, beer and wine from an exceptional drinks list.

Cuisine: Japanese with a few innovative twists and turns.
Atmosphere: This dreamy dining room is one of the most sophisticated places to eat and drink in Bowral.
Average price: $$$
Location Shop 1&2/445 Argyle St, Moss Vale.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

20 of the best restaurants in Bowral (and beyond)