A once sleepy surf region, the Central Coast is now steadily becoming one of NSW’s most exciting destinations.

In addition to the wealth of beautiful beaches and pristine national parks, the area is becoming one of the state’s most exciting foodie hubs, and has some seriously plush accommodation.

1. YOU CAN SINK A SUNDOWNER OVERLOOKING THE SEA

The newest (and biggest) venue to hit the Coast is the recently opened Terrigal Beach House.

The newly refurbished Terrigal Beach House is the perfect place for afternoon drinks.Source:Supplied

Based at the ground floor of the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, the casual dining venue’s location is the real showstopper (along with their delicious menu and cocktail list).

The venue’s expansive wraparound terrace enjoys a prime position directly opposite the beachfront, perfect for that afternoon drink.

Terrigal Beach House replaces the old Florida Beach Bar.Source:Supplied

The delicious seafood platter.Source:Supplied

Wander up from the sand and enjoy a pizza, fish taco, charcuterie board, or the mammoth signature seafood platter, and time your visit for the live music acts (Friday through to Sunday) which make the Beach House the most happening spot in town.

The stunning new Terrigal Beach House is a standout on the Central Coast.Source:Supplied

It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink in the sun.Source:Supplied

Meanwhile, a few steps away, you can get your rooftop bar kicks at Caribbean-themed open-air balcony bar, Mumbo Jumbos. This rum and reggae bar offers killer ocean views alongside daily live music and DJ sets.

2. YOU CAN BE A BONA FIDE BEACH BUM

Home to more than 40 beaches that occupy an 87-kilometre coastline, there’s a bounty of pretty, white sand-filled beaches to be had here. But with so many strips of sand to choose from where to start?

Well, for swell-seekers try Avoca Beach. The hometown of many surfing greats, it’s unsurprising that this two-kilometre beach boasts great breaks.

For families, head to Toowoon Bay and its 700-metre-long curved beach, which offers calm kid-friendly shallow turquoise water.

For wannabe Robinson Crusoes, head to the secluded Frazer Beach, which is fairly off the tourist trail.

And then for amenities and post-swim eating and drinking options, Terrigal Beach is your go-to. Plus, there’s a small ocean rock pool tucked into the cliff at the southern end.

3. YOU CAN BASK IN PANORAMIC WATER VIEWS

While Luxury Lodges of Australia property, pretty beach house, gets all the hype in this part of the world, you can nab yourself accommodation with equally epic water views (while saving a motza at the same time) by checking into Booker Seaside, positioned directly opposite the plush haute hotel on Booker Bay.

The spotlight normally goes on Pretty Beach House, but you can stay at Booker Seaside for a lot less.Source:Supplied

It’s a stunning spot to stay on the Central Coast.Source:Supplied

Located smack bang on a gorgeous stretch of beach just 80 metres from the Palm Beach ferry service in Ettalong – as well as a string of great boutiques and restaurants – this slice of rental paradise is the embodiment of the ‘location, location, location’ adage.

Architecturally designed, the three-bedroom property features soaring ceilings, a huge open-plan living area, designer bathrooms, all the mod-cons, and a wow-worthy interior design by Coco Republic.

4. YOU CAN BRUNCH LIKE A BOSS

Plant nursery, bakery, and gourmet eatery combine at destination cafe, Saddles Mount White.

In Ettalong, Lords of Pour has developed a reputation for artisan coffee and a super-creative brunch and lunch menu. Brilliant baristas use beans from Ethiopia to El Salvador to satisfy even the most demanding of coffee snobs.

Saddles restaurant and bakehouse in Mount White is a great brunch spot.Source:Supplied

Or you can drop in to Saddles for lunch. Picture: Sue Graham/AAPSource:News Corp Australia

But it isn’t just about good coffee, it’s also about good food, with ingenious food combos such as the charcoal bun shiitake ‘bacon’ and egg roll (a twist on the classic) winning over punters.

Another craft coffee go-to is Glee Coffee Roasters in Wyong. A decade-plus in business, this close-knit roasters and cafe is the brainchild of two brothers and their Wyong cafe serves its signature blends, alongside great foodie fare.

5. YOU CAN GO GET UP CLOSE TO NATIVE WILDLIFE

Big and little kids alike can get their thrills at the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park in the Central Coast hinterland.

The only feral predator-free natural bushland in NSW – around 180 species are protected by a state-of-the-art fox-and cat-proof fence that encircles 80 acres.

No trip to the Central Coast is complete without a visit to The Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park.Source:News Limited

The dizzyingly diverse animal inhabitants include koalas, wombats, dingoes, snakes, and a host of free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies, and wallaroos, many of them rescued, endangered, or vulnerable.

Immersive and engaging, the wildlife encounters are wow-worthy and critters aside the park also contains a wealth of ancient Aboriginal sites, including cave paintings and middens.

6. YOU CAN EAT THE BEST ITALIAN THIS SIDE OF SICILY

Ettalong may not be the obvious location for an Italian fine dining experience that would rival any of the top-tier eateries in any global capital city, but there it is.

Helmed by a chef who boasts cooking creds at the likes of Quay, Otto Ristorante, and Biota Dining, Osteria il Coccia offers a master class in Italian flavour.

Mystery snack straight out of the fire at Osteria il Coccia in Ettalong Beach.Source:Supplied

Built around a large wood-fired grill, diners can exert an ever-changing five-course tasting menu, plus optional pairing with Italian and French wines.

For a more casual Italiano offering, head a few doors down to Bar Toto who dish up tempting cocktails and casual antipasto boards, which make for a great spot for a quick bite or a late-night linger.

7. YOU CAN HIKE ALONG JAW-DROPPING COASTLINE

To attempt to offset your massive calorie intake (see above) make tracks and explore some of the showstopping coastal walks.

Known as one of the best coastal walks in the country, the eight-kilometre Bouddi National Park coastal walk is a good place to start.

Some of the stunning spots to see along the Bouddi Coastal Walk. Picture: @life_thru_my_lense/InstagramSource:Supplied

The walk starts from Putty Beach in Killcare on the Central Coast.Source:News Corp Australia

The rugged yet beautiful coastline stretches from Putty Beach to Maitland Bay and offers plenty of opportunities to get snap-happy with its array of lookouts taking in expansive views along the sapphire waters of the Pacific.

8. YOU CAN ENJOY CRAFT COCKTAILS

If you’re a big city urbanite with a hankering for killer cocktails, fear not.

Also on the Terrigal beachfront is House of Pocket – the sister bar of Surry Hills stalwart, Button Bar, and CBD favourite, Stitch. This darkly lit, prohibition era drinking den is as serious as their Sydney counterparts when it comes to drinks and the extensive menu includes originals and creative reimaginings of the classics.

9. YOU CAN GET A TASTE OF NEW YORK IN NSW

Believe it or not, you can get a taste of the Big Apple in the Central Coast thanks to NYC restaurant transplant, Lucky Bee.

Opened in Manhattan by a pair of Aussie-Brit expats, the Southeast Asian venue has since migrated from the hectic big city to the idyllic surrounds of Hardy’s Bay. By day there’s yum cha (Friday to Sunday) and a cafe serving banh mi (Thursday to Sunday) to dinner is where the main action is at.

Not a bad spot for a quick bite to eat with friends.Source:Supplied

Going to Lucky Bee is like having dinner in New York … sort of.Source:Supplied

Expect share-style dishes spanning Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese flavours, great cocktails, a buzzing atmosphere, and water views.

Top tip: whatever you do, don’t not order chef Matty’s signature 38-ingredient curry – it’s incredible.

10. YOU CAN HUNT FOR PEARLS

Have a hankering to crack open an oyster and discover a pricey pearl?

You can make this fantasy a reality by joining a Broken Bay Pearl Farm tour. Their new ‘shellar door’ (get it?) experience walks guests through the process of seeding and harvesting river pearls.

Hop aboard a boat and head out to the farm where you’ll have the opportunity to harvest your very own pearl, before heading back to dry land to grade it.

Go hunting for oysters on the Central Coast.Source:Supplied

Afterwards, head next door to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed.

A small family operation, the team here have been farming the best local oysters from the Hawkesbury River region for decades. Pull up a chair at the waterfront shack and enjoy a plate of freshly-sucked oysters, alongside other yummy seafood delicacies.

For more information and inspiration head to Love Central Coast

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