Central Coast is the 3rd most populous city in NSW and has a ton of amazing tourist attractions to offer. However, if you live on the Central Coast but don’t want to visit the same places again, you’re not out of options. Here are the nine spots near the Central Coast you can consider for a day trip – let’s dive in!
TERRIGAL
Distance from Central Coast: About 45.6 km
Travel time: 41 minutes
If you’ve seen coastal villages in movies and want to visit one, you should choose Terrigal as your destination for your day trip. Terrigal is famous for its beautiful beaches and surf breaks. The buzzing bars and mouth-watering foods ensure that you eat to your heart’s content.
You can rely on a coach hire service to Terrigal whether you’re travelling with your office buddies or your family. Upon arriving at Terrigal, the first thing you have to do is immerse yourself in the seaside vibe.
You can enjoy swimming or surfing in Terrigal as this place is one of the favourite spots for beach lovers. The golden sand of Terrigal beach is ideal for surfing. While surfing, you can also get a chance to witness sea creatures.
But if you don’t like swimming or surfing? In that case, you can get social by spending time in ice cream parlours or rooftop bars.
THE ENTRANCE
Distance from Central Coast: About 42.8 km
Travel time: 37 minutes
Visiting The Entrance allows you to “enter” a new life of fun and endless adventure. The Entrance is tucked between Tuggerah Lake and the Pacific Ocean. This amazing place is famous for its water sports and activities.
You can enjoy swimming with your friends and family in the mesmerizing waters of The Entrance. And if you and your buddies love surfing, then The Entrance is the perfect place for surfing together. Boating and fishing are also famous activities in this area that can entertain people of all ages.
The Entrance doesn’t only have entertaining activities for adults. If you’re visiting The Entrance with kids, you can take them to Memorial Park in The Entrance. The splash pool with fountains and sea creatures will ensure that your kids enjoy their time to the fullest. You can take your kids on a foreshore walk so they can explore the beauty of the beach.
PALM BEACH
Distance from Central Coast: About 99.8 km
Travel time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Palm beach, also called “Palmy” in true Aussie fashion, is one of the best tourist destinations in Australia. The golden sand and clear waters of Palm Beach leave tourists in awe. Palm Beach is also famous for its lavish holiday houses that are located on its hills.
You don’t necessarily have to plan a “long trip” and book one of the holiday houses to enjoy your time in Palm Beach. A perfect day trip to Palm Beach can help you explore its beauty and have fun with your friends and family.
The scenic beauty of Palm Beach makes it a perfect day trip destination for those who want to forget about the mundane daily routine. You can carry your hiking gear and enjoy hiking up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse.
After hiking, you can explore the beautiful beaches, parklands, and restaurants of Palm Beach – all in one day!
LONG JETTY
Distance from Central Coast: About 41.2 km
Travel time: 36 minutes
If you love jetties, then you should choose Long Jetty as your day trip destination. Long Jetty is famous for its jetties and vintage stores. You can explore these stores to find vintage items that speak volumes about the great past.
Shopping or dining are not the only activities that make Long Jetty a great tourist attraction for a group of friends or family members. There are several activities in Long Jetty that you can enjoy with your loved ones.
For example, the family-friendly cycle track along Tuggerah Lake is perfect for families who want to explore the area. Or you can walk on the “Long Jetty” or “Parrys” to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake. You can take your kids to the playgrounds where they can indulge in a ton of joyous adventures.
BROOKLYN
Distance from Central Coast: About 42.9 km
Travel time: 32 minutes
You can pick a coach hire with driver service and get to Brooklyn to enjoy its charming beauty. Brooklyn is located on the Hawkesbury River and is famous for fishing. This village is perfect for those who want to spend quality time outside the mundane hustle and bustle.
The picturesque beauty of Brooklyn makes it a perfect spot for a day trip. You can go fishing, enjoy shipping, and enjoy ferry rides in Brooklyn – all in a day!
The centre of Brooklyn provides all amenities for visitors. For example, you can hire boats if you want to explore the river but don’t want to get on a crowded ferry. But you don’t necessarily have to go boating or swimming to enjoy your time in Brooklyn.
McKell Park is an amazing picnic spot for daytrippers. If you’re travelling with your kids, you can take them to the children’s playground that’s located near Baden Powell Hall.
Ettalong Beach ฺ – Theo G N
ETTALONG BEACH
Distance from Central Coast: About 44.6 km
Travel time: 38 minutes
Ettalong Beach is one of the best spots to explore nature on a day trip. The white sand and calm waterways of Ettalong Beach allow you to forget about your problems and focus on the beauty of our world.
Aquatic adventures in Ettalong Beach are more exciting than you might think. Some of the amazing activities you can enjoy in Ettalong Beach are:
- Paddleboarding
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Fishing
Aquatic activities are not the only way to enjoy your time on Ettalong Beach. You can grab a coffee and enjoy amazing food in Ettalong Beach on a budget. If you want to have a great picnic on Ettalong Beach, you can find a calm picnic spot along the shoreline to have fun.
You can contact a coach charter centre if you’re travelling with your buddies or don’t want to drive your car.
Public Wharf Wisemans Ferry – Sacha Fernandez
WISEMANS FERRY
Distance from Central Coast: About 116 km
Travel time: 1 hour 33 minutes
The Wisemans Ferry is the oldest ferry crossing in NSW. This serene village is located in one of Australia’s most famous waterways. Wisemans Ferry is surrounded by one of the most beautiful national parks in Australia.
One of the most important things about Wisemans Ferry is its historical importance. You can still witness some European and Aboriginal history elements in this village. Wisemans Ferry is one of the best day trip spots for you if you want to experience the village life and mesmerize yourself in scenic beauty.
A number of heritage shops in Wisemans Ferry allow you to buy historical items. After you’re done shopping, you can spend your time in a pub and connect with locals. Or you can go walking with your friends or family on the 1.6-kilometre Old Great North Road.
Wisemans Ferry is a great spot for a fun picnic. You can go to Mill Creek or Hazel Dell if you want to roll your egg and enjoy homemade food.
PATONGA BEACH
Distance from Central Coast: About 52.6 km
Travel time: 48 minutes
If you want to enjoy fishing with your friends and family on a day trip, then Patonga Beach is the best destination for you.
The good thing about Patonga Beach is that it isn’t overflowing with tourists. If you don’t want to bump into new people on your trip, then Patonga Beach can provide you with the calm and serenity you’re looking for!
Water activities allow you to have a great time on Patonga Beach. You can go swimming, kayaking, or finishing to explore the beauty of the beach. But what if you don’t like aquatic adventures? You can walk to Warrah Lookout to see Palm Beach. Other fun activities you can enjoy in Patonga Beach are:
- Bike Ride
- Camping
- Cruising
- Shopping
NORAH HEAD
Distance from Central Coast: About 44.2 km
Travel time: 47 minutes
Do you want to spot the whales, explore a rainforest, and visit a lighthouse all in a single day? If it sounds like a plan to you, then you must visit Norah Head.
Norah Head is a sunny coastal town that offers great fun for surfers, bikers, and picnickers. The Wyrrabalong National Park is the perfect place to spot whales as they swim through the ocean. You can also visit the amazing rainforest that has a lot of biodiversities to offer.
The Red Gum walking and cycling track in Norah Head allows you to discover flora and fauna. You can walk or bike on this 3.4-kilometre-long track to freshen your mind and enlighten your soul.
You can look for a minibus hire service to easily get from Central Coast to Norah Head. Doing so will save you from the hassle of driving your car, and you’ll be able to enjoy your journey with your friends or family.
DESIGN YOUR OWN TOUR IN CENTRAL COAST
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