ROADTRIP | CENTRAL COAST, NSW
BY MARCIA LEONE
Just over an hour north of Sydney, the Central Coast is known for beautiful beaches, natural scenery & national parks, but as the region is experiencing a flourishing creative boom for makers, creators and innovators who are choosing to make the Central Coast home- there is so much more to discover.
A few weeks ago we headed off on a 3-day roadie to explore the region’s casually cool eateries, chic accommodations and fun family activities. As I was sharing on socials I had many locals even thanking me for the recommendations and offering more- there really are so many great places to explore.
Here is our itinerary – where we ate, stayed and what we got up to!
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Day 1.
First stop the beautiful Glenworth Valley – Australia’s largest outdoor activity centre. The older girls went on a 2 hour trail ride through parts of the 3000 acre unspoilt wilderness and I took Poppy on a pony lead ride.
In addition to horse riding there is quad biking, stand up paddle, kayaking, abseiling, laser skirmish and much more. A highlight in the daily Running of the Horses, ‘Man From Snowy River’ style, from 4pm each day.
After working up an appetite we headed to Bar Botanica in Erina. This cute garden café gelato bar is operated by the Mr Goaty Gelato team - founded by Dan Hughes, formerly of Three Blue Ducks and now living and working from the Central Coast where he creates his award-winning gelato. The kids gave the gelato 10/10 … And I can personally vouch for the best G&T I’ve had thanks to the onsite distillery!
We made a pit stop at Terrigal for a play on the beach and walk along the new Terrigal Boardwalk before heading to our accomodation.
STAY
We checked into The Cottage at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga for a two night stay. With one road in and out, the Hawkesbury and Brisbane Waters National Park surround this idyllic little coastal town. The Hotel offers waterside eating and drinking, as well as a fish + chip shop for takeaways. We stayed at Patong Cottage- right next door to The Patonga Hotel, opposite Patonga Bay. The Cottage is a four bedroom house that can accommodate up to 10 guests. The Cottage includes four bedrooms, a kitchen, open plan living, outdoor deck + garden, fire pit + a swimming pool. This is the perfect accommodation for family. Casual bit chic, set up so well for children and the best online delivery service from the pub next door! We will definitely be back.
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DAY 2.
First off- how amazing is it to wake up on the water! Truly no better way to start to the day.
After a coffee on the front porch, we headed to Ettalong for brunch at COAST175. This buzzy little casual eatery is walking distance to the water. There is a regular ferry service that connects Ettalong, Wagstaffe and Palm Beach – a commuter ferry, and beautifully scenic day trip!
Another must visit while in Ettalong is Tiki La La in Ettalong, all about vintage – fashion and home. @tiki.la.la
In the afternoon we headed out to the Bouddi National Park for the most incredible picnic set up by Elixir Journeys. This cliff top location and coastal view took our breath away. Everyone needs to have this experience. Food and champers hit the spot too.
@elixir_journeys
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DAY 3.
We headed to Toukley to the recently renovated Beachcomber Hotel & Resort, or as the locals call it ‘The Beachie’ is an iconic waterfront destination located in the heart of the Central Coast. With sweeping waterfront views, Hamptons-inspired ambience, boutique-style accommodation, exclusive pool-club, multiple eateries and bars, it’s the perfect place to gear into holiday mode, even if it’s just for an afternoon.
@thebeachie
After we checked in and had lunch we headed to the Central Coast hinterland to Iris Lodge Alpacas for a farm experience. The kids (and I) absolutely loved. We got up close and personal with the alpacas, Wiltipoll sheep, horses and cows and their Maremma Lola.
DAY 3.
On the way home we visited the iconic Australian Reptile Park for a ‘VIP Behind the Scenes’ experience. We got up close and personal with python, Koalas, kangaroos, biggest tortoise I ever did see!
A recommended lunch stop on the way home is Saddles at Mt White- a Bakehouse eatery with a quintessential Australian bush backdrop at Mt White. Run by Hayley and Cameron Cansdell, local Central Coast based restaurateurs.
We had the most incredible 3 days and already planning our next trip back. Yes there are 42 incredible beaches to explore, but there is so much more to the central coast- food, shopping, animal encounters… For all the fun things and insider knowledge on what’s happening at the coast visit lovecentralcoast.com