Your guide to the Central Coast Hinterland

This article is brought to you by The Springs, Peats Ridge

Let’s face it, when we think about ‘the best of’ what our Central Coast region has to offer, we’re often thinking of the 80 plus kilometres of pristine coastline and the 40-something beaches. Beachside suburbs like Terrigal, The Entrance and Ettalong have always made up the top contenders for things to do, places to eat and stay. Yet, quietly making its mark in recent times is the Hinterland of the Central Coast.

The Hinterland is a destination within itself that has something to offer for everyone. Boasting the most fabulous farm stays, Airbnbs, cabins and retreats that will give you that feeling like you’re a million miles from everything. So if the increase in traffic on the Coast (especially since the pandemic struck) has got you frazzled and escaping the daily grind sounds like bliss, then this is the place for you!

Even if you’re not the type who enjoys just “being” and you prefer to be busying yourself, you too can immerse yourself in a range of different activities that truly represent the area. Visit working farms, pick your own oranges and/or sunflowers, meet alpacas, play golf, swim in waterholes, go on bush walks, play paintball, go horse riding, chase waterfalls and so the list goes on.

Foodies, we’ve got you too. Once again you have a plethora of options to choose from, from fine dining to homemade favourites using the freshest local ingredients that the Hinterland has to offer.

Close enough to the majority of most of our more populated Central Coast suburbs, visiting the Hinterland can easily be done in a day trip. In fact, we recommend a few different day trips or better still why not make a weekend of it?

Best of the Hinterland of the Central Coast

Perfect for locals and visitors alike we know that the Hinterland of the Central Coast will not disappoint. We’ll go so far as to say that we know it’ll have you returning time and time again.

Play and Eat

Kicking off with a cuppa from Jerry’s Cafe at Kulnura en route to the Grace Springs Farm Chores Tour. But don’t be late, the tour starts at 9am sharp with milking Tilly the cow and then includes all of the other daily chores to be done on the farm. From tending to the chooks, collecting eggs, and feeding ducks, pigs and cows Virginia encourages the kids to get involved and help. The experience gives families a real glimpse into everyday farm life.

Run by Virginia and her family, Grace Springs is a small regenerative farm offering educational and interactive tours. Virginia has an exuberant passion and love for her animals and sharing how the farm works. Making the tours enjoyable not only for your littlies but for the adults too.

After a morning of chores, you ought to reward yourself with Nutella cheesecake at The Hub of Mangrove Mountain. Opening in the middle of the pandemic, owner Shane has turned the old general store into a modern rustic, rural cafe. Their speciality is the cheesecakes, that Shane makes herself.

A destination within itself as the name suggests The Hub was created to be the hub of the local community. Showcasing the best of the area, The Hub is a cafe but you can also grab local produce, crafts, gifts and more.

If the sound of off the beaten track exploring is more your style then we recommend walking the round trip loop (about 45mins each way) to the Emerald Pool in the Popran National Park accessible from the Ironbark picnic area. This walk is moderate enough to do with younger kids (allowing for help over a few sections), but swimming in the water hole will definitely require adult supervision and isn’t for the faint-hearted – the water is chilly!

RELATED: 20 ways to spend rainy days on the Central Coast

For those who don’t have kids in tow, why not try your hand at a round of golf at The Springs in Peats Ridge? The 18 hole, par 72 course welcomes all players and promises a first-class golf experience.  Plus, they have the most delightful space for a little spot of long lunching. The restaurant is set against the backdrop of nature and the golf course.  The food promises a fine culinary experience. 

The cafe at Angel Sussurri Yarramalong needs to be your next stop for a little something, something to eat. Grab a light (yet tasty) bite for lunch accompanied by a perfectly brewed cup of tea or coffee.

Angel Sussurri means “Angels Whispers” in Italian and the peaceful leafy surrounds of the outdoor deck and seating create an angelic-like setting. The ideal place to sit back relax and forget the fast pace of the modern world we live in.

Central Coast Hinterland Guide

Or if fine dining is more your thing, we can’t go past Saddles at Mt White. Set on the site of a former nursery this is a stunning, luxe restaurant with an eye on fine eats, superior sips and high end interiors.

Proud to work with an array of local artisan producers, the food is heavenly. Each dish is a culinary delight and no wonder when they have access to award-winning cheeses, the freshest locally caught seafood and handpicked fruits and vegetables.

Be sure to book a table to avoid disappointment and if you can snag one, a balcony table overlooking the water is where it’s at.

Refresh and Renew

Ironbark Ranch Co.’s luxury property was completed last year opening their doors and catering for a dreamy space to stay and create those unforgettable family getaways.  A studio space for content shoots and tailored experiences.  But, what has gotten us the most excited is a space that’s just perfect for wellness retreats. With a calendar full of retreats and events hosted by talented local practitioners means you can make prioritising your wellbeing this year easy.

For more info check them out here.

Noonaweena is one of the Central Coast’s top retreat spaces.  Overlooking the Yengo National Park, this property is serene and has the most spectacular views.  An ever-popular spot for executive and small group retreats, boutique conferences and of course weddings.

Stay

Karinyas Farmstay at Dooralong ticks all our boxes for a Hinterland stay. Karinya literally means “a place of peace and rest”. Exactly what you need after a day of adventuring. With the weather warming up you can lap up chillaxing by the pool or try your hand at more farming. Grooming the horses or feeding the sheep and cows are on offer. The best part is waking up to the mist rising through the valley and up over the mountains in the mornings.

We also cannot get enough of Mollies Farm, also found in Dooralong. Mollies Farm offers you the perfect location to experience all the Central Coast Hinterland has to offer. This farm is set over 12 stunning acres and is home to free-range chickens, alpacas, goats, cows, ducks and friendly border collies.

Your hosts, Elizabeth and Sean will happily arrange a special event or experience for you to enjoy. From a paint n’ sip experience to holiday workshops for the kids, farm tours and they can even host kids’ birthday parties.

KEEP READING:Farm Stays NSW: The Best on The Central Coast