Things to do in Central Coast

Central Coast Things to Do

The Central Coast is only an hour's drive north of Sydney and is known for its lovely beaches, picturesque coastline, local villages and stunning natural terrain. It's the perfect destination for a weekend away with your loved one, family or friends, or even a day trip. There are so many things to do in Central Coast from horse riding and surfing to rally driving and helicopter flights. You'll find the perfect Central Coast activities to keep you entertained on RedBalloon.

Whether you're a local looking for something to do or a visitor wanting to explore all the Central Coast attractions, you'll find a variety of experiences perfect for you. It doesn't matter if you're after something a little more indulging or an action packed adventure, our range has something for everyone. Better yet, why not spoil someone with a Central Coast activity for a special occasion. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, Christmas or any other milestone moment, treat them to a trip to this beautiful part of NSW rather than another gift that gets put in a drawer.

What is Considered the Central Coast?

The NSW Central Coast is the region just north of Sydney that runs up towards the North Coast. It's made up of a number of towns including Wyong, Tuggerah, Lake Haven, The Entrance, Terrigal, Avoca Beach, Woy Woy and the largest population centre, Gosford. It covers over 566km2 and is bounded by the Hawkesbury River in the south, the Watagan Mountains in the west and the southern end of Lake Macquarie.

What are the Best Things to Do on the Central Coast?

There are plenty of activities on the Central Coast, perfect for those just passing through or locals wanting to get out and about. With its beautiful waterways, lush national parks and stunning beaches, there's so much to see and do in this part of NSW. Some of the top Central Coast things to do include:

• Quad Bike Adventure: Easily accessible from Sydney, this fully guided track and trail quad bike experience takes you cruising along bush trails and through water crossings, finishing on a purpose built quad biking circuit for the ultimate action packed experience.
• 2 Night Central Coast Stay in a Classic Bush Cabin: Escape the hustle and bustle with two nights in an off grid cabin tucked into secluded Central Coast bushland, with nature trails leading straight into a national park.
• Glenworth Valley Abseiling Adventure: No experience needed for this 2.5 hour abseiling adventure at Peats Ridge, with professional guides on hand and spectacular views over the valley from the top.
• Rally Drive and Hot Lap, 7 Laps: Get ready to send the dust flying as you drive seven laps in a Subaru WRX around the rally circuit at Colo Heights, then jump into the passenger seat for a hot lap with a professional driver.
• Broken Bay Pearl Farm Shell to Showroom Experience: Cruise the picturesque Hawkesbury River to an oyster lease, tour the Shellar Door and step into the pearl grading room to discover what makes Australia's only farmed Akoya pearl so rare.

Looking for something a little different? A 2 Hour Central Coast Chopper Trike Tour cruises past Ettalong, Avoca and Terrigal Beach on the back of a trike, or browse our full range of adventures for even more unique things to do on the Central Coast.

Things to Do on the Central Coast with Kids

If you're looking for kid friendly activities and children's activities on the Central Coast, or family activities the whole crew can enjoy together, RedBalloon has plenty to choose from. These are some of our customers' favourite Central Coast kids activities:

• Treetop's NetWorld Admission: A dynamic mix of play, adventure and discovery through netted bouncy rooms, ball pits, treehouses and walkways suspended five metres above the bushland canopy.
• Paddle Board, Kayak and Pedal Boat Hire: A flexible way to get the whole family out on the water at your own pace.
• High Ropes Climbing Course With Flying Foxes: Set in Ourimbah State Forest, this eco certified course is a fun physical challenge for kids aged eight and up.
• Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park Admission: Roam an 80 acre property alongside over 180 native species, including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and dingoes.
• School Holiday Kids' Surf Course, 2 Lessons: Held over two days during the school holidays, this is a great way to get kids into the water and give them a story to tell their mates.

If you're planning ahead, check out our full range of Central Coast School Holiday Activities for even more ideas.

Romantic and Indulgent Things to Do on the Central Coast

Looking for something a little more unique, or a Central Coast activity built for two? These experiences are perfect for anniversaries, proposals or simply because they deserve it.

• Mystery Romantic Getaway for 2 with Chocolate & Wine Pairing: Spend two nights at a romantic couple's retreat just 90 minutes from Sydney or Newcastle, with a chocolate and wine pairing at a nearby winery and a later checkout to make the most of the morning.
• Luxury Picnic in Lake Macquarie with Grazing Platter, For 2: A gorgeous picnic setting embellished with decor, cushions and rugs, complete with a grazing platter of local produce and macarons in a location of your choosing.
• 2 Night Mangrove Mountain Stay in a Private Bush Cabin: Surrounded by bushland, this two night stay is the perfect digital detox for couples wanting to recharge.
• Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting: A 90 minute workshop led by a local Elder, covering the culture, heritage and tradition of the Darkinjung people, complete with a didgeridoo demonstration and award winning wine.

For more indulgent things to do on the Central Coast for adults, browse the full range of Central Coast Experiences.

Free and Outdoor Things to Do on the Central Coast

Some of the best free things to do on the Central Coast don't need a booking at all. The Bouddi Coastal Walk between Putty Beach and MacMasters Beach is one of the best coastal hikes in the country, while the Kincumba Mountain to Terrigal trail and the Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk near Crackneck Lookout both reward walkers with sweeping ocean views and seasonal whale watching. Terrigal, Avoca Beach, The Entrance and Pearl Beach are all popular for a swim, a surf or simply watching the sunrise.

If you'd rather be on the water than beside it, a few Central Coast activities make the most of the region's lakes and beaches:

• Ettalong Beach SUP Yoga Class and Board Hire: Swap your yoga mat for a stand up paddle board and strengthen your mind and body to the sound of lapping waves.
• Learn to Freedive to 20m Deep, 2 Days: Learn the physical and mental techniques of freediving over a pool session, shore dive and boat dive on the HMAS Adelaide Shipwreck.
• Lake Cruise and Nature Walk, 4 Hours, Lake Macquarie: Cruise the secluded bays and islands of Lake Macquarie before a guided bush walk and catered lunch.
• Luxury Picnic in Lake Macquarie with Grazing Platter, For 6: The group friendly version of our popular lakeside picnic, ideal for a family gathering or celebration.

Most Popular Destinations on the Central Coast

The Central Coast is made up of many towns and destinations worth visiting, each filled with its own attractions worth ticking off. Some of the most popular Central Coast attractions and destinations include:

• Gosford
• Avoca Beach
• Terrigal
• The Entrance
• Glenworth Valley
• Pearl Beach
• Peats Ridge
• Colo

With RedBalloon, you can tick off the best Central Coast tourist attractions from your must see list. Don't know which experience to pick? You can always choose a gift voucher and let them decide later. A RedBalloon Gift Voucher can be used towards any experience or product within the Central Coast range, including accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered the Central Coast?

The Central Coast is the coastal region of New South Wales just north of Sydney, stretching towards the North Coast. It covers around 566km2 and includes towns such as Gosford, Woy Woy, Terrigal, The Entrance, Avoca Beach and Wyong. The region is bordered by the Hawkesbury River to the south, the Watagan Mountains to the west and Lake Macquarie to the north.

What are the best things to do on the Central Coast?

Some of the best things to do on the Central Coast include quad biking through the bush, glamping at Glenworth Valley, kayaking to sample local oysters and wine, horse riding through 3000 acres of valley trails, and a scenic chopper trike tour along the coastline.

What are the top attractions on the Central Coast?

Top Central Coast attractions include Glenworth Valley, Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park, Broken Bay Pearl Farm and Treetop's NetWorld, alongside the beach towns of Terrigal, Avoca Beach and The Entrance. Bouddi National Park and Norah Head Lighthouse are also popular for their coastal views.

What are the best free things to do on the Central Coast?

Many of the best free things to do on the Central Coast make the most of its natural scenery, walking the Bouddi Coastal Walk, watching for whales at Crackneck Lookout, swimming at Terrigal or Avoca Beach, or exploring the trails around Kincumba Mountain Regional Reserve.

What are the best beaches to visit on the Central Coast?

Terrigal, Avoca Beach, The Entrance, Pearl Beach and Ettalong Beach are among the most loved beaches on the Central Coast, each offering a different mix of surf, calm swimming and nearby cafes. For something active on the water, try a paddle board yoga class at Ettalong Beach.

What are the best hikes on the Central Coast?

The Bouddi Coastal Walk between Putty Beach and MacMasters Beach is considered one of the best coastal hikes in Australia. Other popular trails include the Kincumba Mountain to Terrigal walk and the Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk near Crackneck Lookout, both offering ocean views and seasonal whale watching.

What are the best wineries on the Central Coast?

The Central Coast's wine and drinks scene is centred around Erina, home to boutique wineries, breweries and a local distillery. Broken Bay Pearl Farm also pairs its pearl tours with oyster and wine tastings on the Hawkesbury River, while a guided Aboriginal storytelling and wine tasting session offers a cultural take on the region's cellar door experience.

What are the best things to do on the Central Coast this weekend?

For a weekend on the Central Coast, pair an outdoor activity like kayaking or quad biking with a relaxed lunch or picnic by the water. A short glamping stay or a romantic Central Coast getaway is also a great way to make the most of two days away.

What are the best things to do on the Central Coast when it rains?

When the weather turns, Treetop's NetWorld covered play zones, cellar door wine tastings and a cosy cabin stay with a fireplace are great rainy day and indoor activities on the Central Coast that don't rely on sunshine.

What are the best family friendly things to do on the Central Coast?

Families love Treetop's NetWorld, the high ropes course with flying foxes, Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park, and paddle board, kayak or pedal boat hire on the region's calm waterways. School holidays are a popular time to visit, with kid friendly Central Coast activities running throughout the year.

How many days do you need to explore the Central Coast?

A day trip from Sydney is enough to tick off one or two Central Coast attractions, but two to three days lets you properly explore the beaches, national parks and villages. Many visitors extend their stay with a glamping night or a waterfront getaway.

Exploring More of New South Wales?

Once you've ticked off the Central Coast attractions, why not explore the other breathtaking regions of New South Wales. From the bustling capital city of Sydney to the wine country of the Hunter Valley, there are plenty of things to do across the state, and they can all be found on RedBalloon.

• New South Wales
• Sydney
• Blue Mountains
• Hunter Valley
• North Coast
• South Coast
• Regional New South Wales