Explore the Central Coast

Explore the Central Coast

Staying around on the Central Coast puts you close to some of the East Coasts best beaches, bush walks, family attractions, shopping and local food and drink. Whether your ideal day involves a scenic coastal walk, a long lunch, a browse through the shops, or a family outing, this part of the coast makes it easy to explore at your own pace. Avoca Beach is one of the Central Coast’s best-known beachside villages, while nearby Bouddi National Park offers walking tracks, lookouts, beaches and native bushland. BEACHES, BUSH WALKS & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES For guests who love the outdoors, this area is hard to beat. Bouddi National Park is just minutes from MacMasters Beach and offers some of the region’s most beautiful walking tracks, with access to beaches, cliffs, lookouts, rainforest and heathland. The Bouddi Coastal Walk is a local favourite and a great way to take in the coastline. Around Avoca and Copacabana, you’ll also find scenic beach walks, headland views and plenty of spots to slow down and enjoy the ocean. If you’re after more active fun, Avoca also has popular local experiences that make it easy to add a bit of adventure to your stay. https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/bouddi-coastal-walk Great for bushwalking, swimming, lookouts, camping and whale watching across beaches, rainforest and coastal heath. (NSW National Parks) https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/bouddi-national-park Great for bushwalking, swimming, lookouts, camping and whale watching across beaches, rainforest and coastal heath. (NSW National Parks) https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/bouddi-coastal-walk https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/bouddi-national-park https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/somersby-falls-picnic-area https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/captain-cook-lookout-copacabana https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/brisbane-water-national-park https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/locations-and-attractions/aquafun-avoca-lake SHOPPING & LOCAL VILLAGES For larger shopping, Erina Fair is the major retail destination nearby and the largest shopping centre on the Central Coast, with major department stores, supermarkets and specialty stores. It’s ideal for holiday essentials, fashion, gifts, dining and rainy-day browsing. Closer to your accommodation, the villages around Avoca Beach, Copacabana and Kincumber are perfect for groceries, takeaway, cafés and relaxed local shopping. https://erinafair.com.au/ https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/nsw-events/avoca-beachside-markets https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/neighbourhoods/avoca-beach LOCAL ATTRACTIONS There’s plenty to enjoy beyond the beach. Avoca Beach Theatre is one of the area’s most loved attractions and offers both cinema and live entertainment. It’s a great option for a relaxed night out or a quieter afternoon during your stay. https://www.avocabeachtheatre.com.au/ FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS & DAY TRIPS If you’re travelling with children, or simply looking for easy day-trip ideas, there are some standout attractions within comfortable driving distance. The Australian Reptile Park at Somersby is one of the Central Coast’s best-known family attractions, with native animals, reptiles, keeper talks and daily shows. It’s a favourite for families and a great way to add something memorable to your holiday. https://www.reptilepark.com.au/ Another popular option is Amazement Farm & Fun Park at Wyong Creek, which combines farm fun, mazes, animal encounters and family activities in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s an easy addition to a Central Coast holiday itinerary and ideal for a fun-filled day out. https://www.amazement.com.au/ Together with beach days, bush walks and local cafés, these attractions make the area especially appealing for families wanting a mix of nature, adventure and low-stress day trips. Friendly Attractions & Day Trips Breweries & Casual Drinks For a relaxed afternoon out, Block ’n Tackle Brewery in nearby Kincumber is a great local option. It offers a laid-back setting for a drink after a beach morning or bush walk and is a nice way to experience the area’s local food and drink scene. https://www.blockntackle.beer/ MARKETS, CAFÉS & EASY COASTAL DAYS One of the best things about staying in this part of the Central Coast is how easy it is to mix simple pleasures with sightseeing. Start the day with coffee in the village, spend the morning at the beach, head out for a walk through Bouddi National Park, then finish with shopping, a movie at Avoca Beach Theatre or an afternoon drink nearby. With beaches, bushland, family attractions and shopping all within easy reach, it’s a destination that suits couples, families and weekend escapes alike. https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/nsw-events/avoca-beachside-markets https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/neighbourhoods/avoca-beach PLAN YOUR STAY From Avoca Beach to Copacabana and MacMasters Beach, this beautiful pocket of the Central Coast offers the best of a coastal getaway, stunning beaches, national park walks, family-friendly attractions, local shopping and relaxed food and drink. Whether you’re here for a quiet weekend or a fun-filled family holiday, there’s plenty to discover nearby. https://www.avocabeachhouse.com.au/ https://www.thepointatavocabeach.com.au/ https://www.margaritadaze.com.au/ https://www.saddlesmountwhite.com.au/ https://sixstringbrewing.com.au/

Avoca Beach House
restaurants

Avoca Beach House

Beachside seafood restaurant in Avoca Beach with share-style platters, cocktails and 180-degree ocean views. (Avoca Beach House)

The Point at Avoca Beach
restaurants

The Point at Avoca Beach

Relaxed waterfront dining for breakfast, brunch or lunch, right near the beach. Family-friendly and dog-friendly. (The Point at Avoca Beach)

Margarita Daze, Umina Beach
restaurants

Margarita Daze, Umina Beach

Casual beachside dining spot on the waterfront, good for a long lunch or sunset drink. (Love Central Coast)

Saddles Mount White
restaurants

Saddles Mount White

A destination restaurant and bakehouse set in a scenic rural property, known for local produce and a paddock-to-plate menu. (Saddles Mount White)

Six String Brewing, Erina
restaurants

Six String Brewing, Erina

Independent craft brewery with a full restaurant, taproom and regular live-music atmosphere. (Six String Brewing)

Bouddi Coastal Walk
nature

Bouddi Coastal Walk

One of the Central Coast’s best-known walks, with clifftop views, secluded beaches and wildlife spotting opportunities. (Love Central Coast)

Bouddi National Park
nature

Bouddi National Park

Great for bushwalking, swimming, lookouts, camping and whale watching across beaches, rainforest and coastal heath. (NSW National Parks)

Somersby Falls
nature

Somersby Falls

Easy nature outing with waterfalls, picnic areas and a short walking track through rainforest. (NSW National Parks)

Captain Cook Lookout, Copacabana
nature

Captain Cook Lookout, Copacabana

Scenic lookout with sweeping coastal views and a popular whale-watching vantage point. (Love Central Coast)

Brisbane Water National Park
nature

Brisbane Water National Park

Good for walks, cycling, fishing, kayaking and seeing Aboriginal engraving sites and lookouts. (NSW National Parks)

Aquafun Avoca Lake
nature

Aquafun Avoca Lake

Hire kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards on the lagoon, right near Avoca’s shops and beach. (NSW Government)

Avoca Beach Theatre
entertainment

Avoca Beach Theatre

Historic local cinema and live entertainment venue showing films, concerts and events. (Avoca Beach Theatre)

Australian Reptile Park, Somersby
entertainment

Australian Reptile Park, Somersby

Hands-on wildlife park with native animals, live shows, animal encounters and family-friendly attractions. (Australian Reptile Park)

Avoca Beach itself
entertainment

Avoca Beach itself

Easy entertainment option for swimming, surfing, picnics and a relaxed beach day close to cafés and shops. (NSW Government)

Avoca Beach itineraries / day out ideas
entertainment

Avoca Beach itineraries / day out ideas

Useful inspiration page if you want to package a beach day with food, walks and local activities. (Love Central Coast)

Erina Fair
shopping

Erina Fair

The Central Coast’s major shopping centre with a large mix of fashion, food and lifestyle stores. (Erina Fair Shopping Centre)

Avoca Beachside Markets
shopping

Avoca Beachside Markets

Award-winning monthly boutique market at Heazlett Park Foreshore with stalls, live music, produce and food. (NSW Government)

Avoca village shopping strip
shopping

Avoca village shopping strip

Avoca’s main street has boutiques, cafés, takeaways and local shops, good for a casual browse after the beach. (Love Central Coast)