It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting or a local, everyone should tick of these 20 truly unique things to do on the Central Coast. Let’s go…
1. Australian Reptile Park
This is an outstanding animal experience on the Central Coast, and not just for kids. The Australian Reptile Park is sectioned off into areas, with a large lake filled with alligators, a snake house and kimono dragon enclosure. The star of the show, of course, is Elvis, a massive salt-water crocodile. Make sure you check out the timetable on your map as every hour there’s meet-and-greet with a different animals. You can also pay extra to feed the dingoes.
2. Pearl Farm Tour
Broken Bay Pearls runs the most incredible two-hour tour where you not only learn about akoya pearls but you head out on boat to pluck an oyster out of the water to see if there’s a pearl inside. This is the only place in NSW where you can tour a pearl farm and only the second place in the whole of Australia. The other location is in Broome in Western Australia.
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Treetops
Found just outside of Wyong, TreeTops is the destination for thrill seekers. You can glide through the trees, climb like a monkey and even bounce around the bushes in a big balloon. A bit like zorbing but high up. Day tickets start at $29 but it’s best to pre-book as this is a popular things to do on the Central Coast.
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Amazement Farm & Fun Park
Such a fun day out on the Central Coast, thanks to it not only offering a large park, three mazes and lawn bowls but Amazement Farm & Fun Park has an ever-growing range of animals. They introduced meerkats in early 2021, who joined the baby cows, bunnies, sheep and many rare birds. There’s a café on-site and a train that goes around the grounds.
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Aquafun Avoca Beach
Paddleboats, SUPs and canoes are all available to hire on Avoca Lake. And if you’re a local, you get a special deal at Aquafun Avoca Beach. Pay for an hour or half a day, and then enjoy a picnic on the shores. Best place to park for this is in the village, rather than at the beach. There’s also a playground just a short ten minute walk away.
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Glenworth Valley
If it’s good enough for the Beckhams, who visited in the early 00s, then it’s good enough for us. Glenworth Valley is a sprawling, well, valley, where you can camp and then go horse-riding, abseiling, kayaking and even quad biking. They also host some of the region’s best events each year, including an incredible food festival and Easter show.
Inflatable World Gosford
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Central Coast Aqua Park
You’ve probably seen this massive inflatable world as you drive through Gosford. Only running through the summer months, Central Coast Aqua Fun an incredibly popular thing to do on the Central Coast. The sessions run for 50 minutes and it’s important to pre-book as this sells out most days in the high season.
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Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park
Coasties loves the rustic nature offering at Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park, found just around the corner from the Reptile Park. Here you’ll find roaming wildlife, like kangaroos and wild turkeys, and plenty of enclosures with everything from echidnas to the world’s most dangerous snakes. And you can even stay overnight at their wildlife cabins.
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Pelican Feeding
Pelican feeding at The Entrance is right of passage for anyone living or visiting the Central Coast. The Pelican Feeding station is sign posted just as you soon hit The Entrance Bridge so you can’t miss it It was all started over 30 years ago by staff at the local fish shop, who would feed scraps to the pelicans every day.
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Central Coast Stadium
There is always something on at the Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, from local games with the Central Coast Mariners in action or NRL games. There’s even concerts playing during the summer months.
Things To Do Central Coast
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Central Coast Markets
There’s at least a market on every weekend and these are some of the best in the NSW region. The award-winning Avoca Beach Markets are one of our favourites, with live music, plenty of opportunities to support local and amazing food stalls. Check out the Central Coast markets calendar so you don’t miss one.
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Norah Head Lighthouse
The last working lighthouse in the whole of NSW has a lot of history, with Norah Head Lighthouse being a true Central Coast icon. You can walk the Norah Head Lighthouse loop, which takes about an hour. And after a visit, head over to the Norah Head rockpool. It’s a stunning swimming spot.
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Japanese Gardens
Found at the Gosford Regional Gallery, the Japanese Gardens are found at the back. You can buy fish food to feed the many koi found in the expansive pond that runs through the gardens. This isn’t a picnic spot, however but there is an-site café, a beautiful bushwalk nearby and an adjoining playground.
Unique Things To Do Central Coast
14. Somersby Falls
Three-tiered waterfalls that you can swim in during the summer? Somersby Falls is the most popular waterfall on the Central Coast and not just because of the idyllic waters. There’s a really large picnic area and a toilet block.
15. Avoca Beach Picture Theatre
Step inside the oldest cinema in Australia, with the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre opening in 1948 and still being as popular today. There’s a real mix of modern films and old-school. And best of all, it’s only $14 for an adult ticket. Not bad considering the décor is glamourous vintage cinema.
16. Ken Duncan Gallery
This stunning gallery found in Erina Heights showcases the very best work of photographer Ken Duncan and many others. You can buy artwork at the Ken Duncan Gallery as well as token items like puzzles and tote bags. And the adjoining café, Kew Dining, is a true culinary star. Outstanding breakfast, lunch and high tea.
17. Wyong Milk Factory
Café, tavern and playground make up the Wyong Milk Factoryv these days. There’s also individual shops spotted around the grounds, offering artisan cheese, chocolate and doughnuts.
The factory, which was established in 1988 and recently restored as a tourist destination, is now the perfect day for families, with BBQ facilities next to the water and row boats and kayaking.
18. Bouddi National Park
Undoubtedly one of the best Central Coast walk, stretching 8.5km through bush and along coastline. The Bouddi National Park trail runs from Putty Beach to Macmasters Beach with a handful of picnic spots to take in the stunning views.
19. The Chocolate Factory
Found in Gosford, The Chocolate Factory is a fully working factory that creates some seriously delicious sweet stuff. And they not only do daily factory tours but they also offer chocolate-making workshops and school holiday programs.
20. Breakfast with Alpacas
There’s breakfast on the Central Coast and then there’s breakfast with alpacas, a truly unique offering at the Iris Lodge Alpaca Farm in Jilliby. You get to feed the alpacas before you own breakfast is served. It costs $50 per person.
Congratulation!