The Central Coast is a vast and varied place of great natural beauty on the Aboriginal Land of the Darkinjung people. The traditional boundaries of Darkinjung (Darkinyung) land extend from the Hawkesbury River in the south, Lake Macquarie in the north, the McDonald River and Wollombi up to Mt Yengo in the west and the Pacific Ocean in the East.
Wandering the Central Coast is about discovery of its unique energy and atmosphere. The townships, people and ever-changing scenery are some of the reasons why so many people call this home and so many people come for an idyllic place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. Ever so accessible, WEST wants to take you on a little adventure and wander just some of the glorious Central Coast of NSW.
We are headed to a beautiful area that practically defines the natural landscape of the Central Coast. The narrow strips of land from Long Jetty in the south to Budgewoi in the north are surrounded on one side by the expansive Tuggerah Lake and on the other the South Pacific Ocean. This area has been a weekend holiday hot spot for years and years and years. Its one to diverse communities and townships each with their own distinct flavour. Tourists flock here for the laid back, real coastal feel and you simply cannot visit without being reminded of the deep, natural beauty and connection to water this area has.
Long Jetty is out first stop. For many this is a base for weekend holidays and adventures with easy access to the coast and lake and plenty of accommodation options. The vibe here is cool, edgy and something of an Inner West of Sydney feel by the sea. Coffee, brunch & lunch seem to be in abundance and most of all art.
The colours, shapes, tones and textures created by the ever-present street art, buildings painted and reinvigorated with lively patterns, murals and messages make this one very cool little coastal town. Cafes like Green Tangerine hold the streetscape with incredible artworks on their walls. Tables and chairs spilling out on the street for a last casual meal in the sunshine.
Mr Sha Shas serves up a great meal, with Komuniti serving up fresh coffee, tea and yoga in a very communal space. Café 2261 is always busy and a long hangout for the up and coming.
Shopping is also amazing here in Long Jetty, with artisan stores like Plain Janes, Sorry Grandma, Shadow Bang and Three Donkeys serving up unique, beautiful clothing and homewares for you to explore. Walk along the street and take them in. The variety and quality of what you will find really makes this a worthwhile place to visit.
You can see why this township is a favourite of locals. Easy to park, easy to walk and great food offerings too. Burnt Honey is a very popular bakery and featured by Adam Liaw on SBS Food, and The Pelican is serving up great fresh fish and chips. There is so much so see and do, and more than anything the use of street art to reinvigorate a town stands out. Its great quality, happy, fun and friendly. Just like the locals.
Long Jetty will lead you onto a familiar name to many that visit the Central Coast, The Entrance. This has been a popular destination with its long graceful arching bridge crossing the outlet of Tuggerah Lake into the Sea. A beautiful coastal township with stunning views over water wherever you look. The Entrance is famous for weekenders to visit, walk the promenade and indulge in an ice- cream. It somehow has seaside English vibes about it with the Ferris Wheel, historic carousel, playground and parkland right on the water.
A visit to The Entrance is not complete without experiencing the pelican feeding held right on the shore, in the town centre. Loved by locals and visitors alike, these cheeky, enormous birds have frequented the township for generations. The local wildlife is cared for and checked by passionate volunteers who feed them daily at 3:30pm. You can grab a seat to experience this, sit and watch them arrive, jostle and hustle for a share of the fresh fish being provided. They are wild animals, so keep your distance. The experience is completely free, but donations make this possible so be generous. This little must do adventure reminds you of how incredibly lucky we are to share this beautiful country.
All this frolicking must make you hungry and a great little spot bursting with energy is Los Dos Hombres on Victoria Avenue. Full of colour, fun and energy. Who doesn’t love the fresh taste of great Mexican. It’s a perfect little spot to sit and soak up the sun too. All the classics are on hand, and you can don on a great big Mexican hat to really feel like you’re at home. Theres also great burger places and bars and did we mention ice-creameries. Full of them, try them all!
The Entrance is full of public art, great scenery and super family friendly. It has a old school charm about it with a cool mix of laid back Central Coast vibes and idyllic scenery. Just north of the township is the well-known Magenta Shores Pullman resort. A golfing mecca, it is nestled adjacent to the Wyrrabalong National Park. It’s a great base for all your adventures in this local area. There are also great caravan parks, hotels and of course Airbnb’s as the area is full of holiday accommodation.
Heading north, make your way to Nora Heads. A quite little community that pulls the crowds in for a weekend at the beach. The township has its ow distinct character and flair with cafes and eateries to keep you well fed. Norah Head Beach Haus is right on the pathway leading to the beach and is a very cool spot to grab a coffee in the shade of great big banksia trees.
The boat ramp is a nice spot for a quite paddle, the protected inlet perfect for young families. Just up from this is the iconic Norah Head Light House. What a beauty too. The land on which the lighthouse stands is also named Bungaree Norah Head and has been a prominent look out point for the Darkinjung people.
Nothing says by the sea more than a lighthouse and here you can, if you book in advance, stay at the original accommodation, Reflections Norah Head. Marvellous stone buildings, you can have them all to yourself in some spectacular scenery right next to the grand old Lighthouse. Recently renovated and a fresh coat of paint thanks to Dulux. Nice one.
Nighttime vibes area must, and no one does it better than the Budgewoi Hotel. A quite little town with cool coffees posts and cafes by day, and at night opposite the very delicious local Italian, Lago Cucina, is the unmissable Hotel with its grand fig tree adorned with fairy lights. There must be tens of thousands. They glitter and frame the view of the newly renovated hotel, and this place is full of locals, live music, great big screens for sport and an incredible atmosphere.
Budgewoi is an Aboriginal word meaning "Meeting of Two Waters" and straddles the outlet of Lake Munmorah and Tuggerah Lake. Beaches for miles, green spaces and an out-of-the-way vibe. This is a must visit destination as you wander the Central Coast. With so much to see and do, you can continue to travel north, inland or south from these iconic Central Coast townships. They leave you refreshed, recharged and absolutely connected to nature. Make a weekend of it, say hi to the Pelicans and live like a local. Super bike friendly too, so get out and about.
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