Things to Do on the NSW Central Coast
Whether you’re a born and bred Coastie or you managed to escape the big smoke and now call the Coast home sweet home, this is the ultimate bucket list of things to do, the best of the best (as some would say) of Central Coast experiences you need to tick off the list to claim your true “Coastie status”. You might even like to call it a test! So, if you know who Elvis is, you change your after-dark route home to avoid a run-in with Jenny Dixon, you’ve rolled down the steepest hill in the region and nearly had your hand taken off by a pelican, then you’re on the right track to passing.
Test it may be, but whether or not you passed, we reckon you can still claim Coastie status! Our warm, welcoming community is what makes the Coast not only a brilliant place to live but also visit. So, either way, enjoy this pretty helpful guide of must-do, things to do on the Central Coast.
1. You’ve seen a show at The Art House in Wyong
As the epicentre of arts on the Central Coast The Art House brings the best in the biz. No longer do you need to go to Sydney to get your fix of the theatre. From their two performance spaces, The Art House has hosted names such as Jane and Jimmy Barnes, Sydney Dance Company, Amy Shark, Carl Barron, Bell Shakespeare, Ross Noble, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Opera Australia and top musicals transferred from Sydney like HAIR and RENT. Not to mention brilliant kids shows that help make the school hols bearable.
Book your next show at The Art House in Wyong here.
2. Beaches, beaches, beaches
Oh, how we are blessed. You only need to be following our IG feed to know that there is no way in the world there can be just one that’s a fave. With 80 plus kilometres of coastline and more than 40 beaches, the best thing is that we can swim year-round, and we can generally always find a park at a beach close by, even in the peak of the holiday season.
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3. Attended one of our home-grown festivals and events
We are truly spoilt for choice with festivals and events when it comes to things to do on the Central Coast. These annual events are not to be missed.
Love Lanes in Wyong, Long Jetty Festival, Glenworth Grazing Food and Wine Festival, Harvest Fest, Lakes Festival and of course our all-time fave Coastal Twist Festival held each October long weekend. The festival’s rich with culture, celebrates diversity and inclusiveness here on the Coast and each year attracts thousands to enjoy the weekend of festivities.
Check out the full line up for this year’s 2023 Coastal Twist Festival here.
Central Coast Experiences
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KEEP READING: New Gosford Arts and Culture Festival: TUBULAR
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4. Enjoyed refreshing beverages at our outdoor, beachside venues
Okay, maybe you’ve also partied hard at some of these spots! We certainly have.
You’ve got The Beery (Terrigal Beach House) or Mumbos in Terrigal, Hotel Gosford, Drifters Wharf, Lyons Den in Gossy (look out for it’s new revamp coming this 24/25 summer!), Margarita Daze in Umina, The Boathouse in Patonga, The Entrance Social Club, The Beachie, The Elanora Hotel or Shady Palms in Avoca. Most of our Coastie waterholes have views or exceptional outdoor spaces – how good!
5. Been out bushwalking and view catching
From the Bouddi Coastal Walk from Putty Beach to Macs Beach (which technically doesn’t count unless you’ve done the whole thing!). To the ultimate challenge of getting a selfie at the Norah Head Lighthouse in just one shot. To the instagrammable snaps captured on the suspension bridge in Strickland State Forest or in front of Somersby Falls. Not to mention the views from Mt Ettalong, Staples and Crackneck Lookouts or the Skillion in Terrigal.
Speaking of the Skillion, hands up if you’ve rolled down it? It’s a right of passage for any young kid, teenager or free-spirited adult to give yourself up to gravity and roll down the grassy banks…let’s go!
6. Had a wildlife encounter
Breakfast with alpacas at Iris Lodge anyone? Spotted whales on the humpback highway from one of our many beachside bushwalks and vantage points? Braved the pelican feeding at The Entrance? Or simply, said howdy to Elvis at Australian Reptile Park at least once. Bonus points if you know what that huge dinosaur that signals you’re “in Coastie territory now” (as well as marks for knowing where to turn off to get to the park) is called.
7. Jolled around Long Jetty
There is no doubting the Jetty is a vibe. So, spending all day hanging around the Jetty is 100 percent OK and it also makes you 100 per cent Coastie. Early risers can catch a yoga or pilates class then there are endless choices for cafes to grab a cuppa after class or brekky, brunch and even lunch. You can actually shop ’til you drop with everything from vintage to cacti to markets to flea, homewares and wine. Plus there are gigs, festivals and of course, the most incredible sunsets you’ll see on the Central Coast as you stroll along one of the jetties.
Yip, Long Jetty is a vibe! But, we all know that true Coasties don’t have their photo next to the mural, we leave that for the tourists. (Even though we totally dig @biffybrentano‘s work).
8. You know all the Coastie urban myths
If you haven’t yet heard about Jenny Dixon then do yourself a favour and get Googling. Not yet spotted a Pete Rush driftwood sculpture IRL. Ok, that one’s not a myth, they do exist! We promise. If you’re one of the first to post seeing one on socials, well, you’re on another level – we bow down to you Coastie!
9. Signed up for your Coasties Card
All true Coasties have a Coasties Card and know there is power when a community rallies. With your little turquoise card (soon to be app) you’ve joined the #supportlocal movement on the Central Coast and you’re doing your bit to keep our local economy and small business thriving.
So, go on get your Coasties Card here now and lock in $25 a year membership for life.
** Coasties Card is only available to Central Coast locals.
KEEP READING: The Central Coast businesses you can unlock Coasties Card deals at
Congratulation!