With its beautiful beaches, adventurous activities, gorgeous national parks and gourmet delights, Central Coast in New South Wales makes a perfect destination for a relaxing holiday,  just an hour away north of Sydney.

 

From lighthouses and local wildlife to stunning beaches and amazing adventures, these are the 10 attractions you must tick off on your visit to the Central Coast.

 

1. Macmasters Beach

 

Photo: TripAdvisor Shelly V.

 

This southeastern suburb in Central Coast is also the name of the quiet and stunning beach rated as one of the top surf beaches in Australia. Macmasters Beach has a sheltered tidal pool area perfect for kids and a Surf Club kiosk that serves up classic lunches with million dollar views. It also makes a great starting point for a walk through the beautiful Bouddi National Park which boasts of pretty bush flowers and spectacular coastal views along the way.

 

2. Long Jetty at Tuggerah Lake

 

Photo: lastminute.com.au

 

Aptly named for its three extremely long jetties spanning out over the shallow waters of Tuggerah Lake, the suburb of Long Jetty is a place for a relaxing retreat. Take a walkout over the Tuggerah Lake along its beautiful jetties and admire the incredible sunset or ride your bike along the foreshore and let the kids have fun at the playground.  There are also several areas for BBQs and picnics including the Rotary Park.

 

3.  Bouddi  National Park Coastal Walk

 

Photo: icentralcoast.com

 

Go on a nature walk along the Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk and be blown away by the magnificent ocean and bush views. There is also an abundance of wildlife sighting opportunities and plenty of spots ideal for picnicking and relaxing. The 8-kilometre boardwalk twists and turns along the rugged coastline, winding through shady rainforests and craggy clifftops.

 

4. Norah Head Lighthouse

 

Photo: Gareth Bowyer

 

Central Coast’s most spectacular icon, Norah Head Lighthouse is perched on a headland that offers majestic ocean vistas. The lighthouse is surrounded by a walking track and leads to stairs which climb down to the rock platform below and to Lighthouse Beach. Built from 1901 to 1903, this stunning lighthouse has available accommodations for visitors.

 

5. The Entrance 

 

Photo: visitnsw.com

 

A popular holiday resort and retirement centre, The Entrance offer visitors gorgeous surfing beaches, an enormous lake and a central area which has attractive foreshore parkland, a Boardwalk and the development of a child-friendly open-air mall called The Waterfront which has fountains, cafes and eateries.

 

6. Treetop Adventure Park

 

Photo: adrenaline.com.au

 

Get up-close and personal with native Australian wildlife and magnificent Gum trees, as you climb, weave and fly through the treetops on self-guided rope courses at the Treetop Adventure Park. It has the longest rollercoaster zipline in the world and has 115 challenges including 20 flying foxes with courses to suit all ages.

 

7. Amazement Farm and Fun Park

 

Photo: amazement.com.au

 

If you’re looking for a fantastic place to entertain the children, then head to the Amazement Farm and Fun Park. Get lost in mazes, hold farm animals, chase peacocks, bike around the trails, play games and see an entertaining sheep race. For a relaxing break, sit down and unwind with a meal or drink overlooking the picturesque grounds at their own café.

 

8. Australian Reptile Park

 

Photo: thingdoer.com

 

Meet Australia’s friendliest and deadliest creatures at the Australian Reptile Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to exotic reptiles from around the world and a wide variety of Australian native animals. Meet Elvis, a huge saltwater crocodile billed as Australia’s crankiest crocodile or walk with Hugo, a giant Galapagos tortoise.

 

9. Glenworth Valley

 

Photo: bestgiftcertificates.com.au

 

Spend the day horse riding through the valley, quad bike riding, kayaking or abseiling at the beautiful Glenworth Valley, one of Australia’s largest horse riding and outdoor adventure centres. With fully-guided tours or free range, you can immerse yourself in the unspoilt wilderness of the great outdoors.          

 

10. Brisbane Water Track

 

Photo: ytravelblog.com

 

Discover waterway and wetlands as you jump on a bike and cycle around the lovely Brisbane Water Track. Enjoy spectacular views, a scenic landscape and the sounds of native birds and wildlife as you take this iconic track. If feeling more adventurous, you can cycle around the entire Brisbane water which is a 41 km journey.