The Best Spots on The Central Coast for a Picnic

Also, if you’re not really into sitting at a boho-wicker throne at the head of a stunning picnic (why!?) then perhaps a slightly subtler picnic hamper from our ultimate list of hampers is more your thing. Certainly takes the fuss out of preparing your own basket of goodies.

You’ll need a beautiful picnic rug for this, so be sure to check out the local Erina Heights-based business, Saltwater Picnic Co. Their range of ethically made picnic rugs are made 100% from recycled materials. And, we haven’t yet mentioned that they are machine washable, so no stress if you spill a touch of sparkling while you’re reaching for another olive.

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So, the Central Coast picnic spots ….

Something a little active

Here at Coasties, we love to get a bit active before breaking bread with our family or friends (or by our fabulous selves) so we’ve included this option on Tuggerah Lake. This is an exceptional option for a picnic on the Central Coast, with so many options along the 12km bike track.

Starting at The Entrance and hugging the foreshore all the way towards Chittaway Bay, anywhere along the lake’s shoreline works as a picnic pit-stop, whether you want to lay down a rug or utilise the many undercover picnic table options. Then, you can jump back on your bike and work off the contents of your picnic basket.

If going with kids, there’s a great selection of playgrounds along the way and there’s also a multitude of toilet blocks.

Alternatively, for those wanting another active, family-friendly option towards the other end of the Coast, Lion’s Park in Umina also offers ample opportunity for entertainment, alongside stunning waterfront views. Connected to a nearby bike track, you’ll find toilet blocks, playgrounds, and even a free tire-swing or two in the enormous, shady trees overlooking the water. A sure winner.

For a view of the ocean

We’ll admit it, being by the beach is our number one picnic spot and boy do we have some beaches to choose from, making it really hard to pick. You can pull up to any of the stunning beaches the Central Coast has to offer and you won’t be disappointed.

If paradise had to be summed up in one single picture it would be those views over Macmasters into Copacabana.

Above the sea pool, is a small patch of grass with a BBQ set-up and some toilets and it’s here that’s just ideal for picnicking.  Now, at lunchtime, that spot is hot property. It can sometimes feel like most of the humans on the Central Coast are trying to park their bum there. It is equally as magic in the evening, so stick around for the sunset.

Picnic locations on the Central Coast 

Want to impress someone special in your life, then head to Bateau Beach Crackneck Point Lookout for a picnic at sunrise or sunset. Watching the sun rise over Bateau Bay while enjoying a coffee, some pastries and fresh fruit is definitely better than an instant in bed. We’re talking coffee. An instant coffee.

There’s also a short scenic walk along the Coast Walking Track that either goes 2km north to Bateau Bay picnic area or south to Cromarty Hill in Forresters Beach. Either direction is pretty spectacular on a sunny day.

Not to worry if mornings aren’t your thing, this spot is just as spectacular with some fish and chips at lunch or a picnic dinner at sunset.

Fun for the kids

Kids simply love picnics. It is the perfect way to enjoy some sunshine and explore the coast. And the best spot for kids, really of all ages, is the pelican-packed Picnic Point at The Entrance.

It’s a wonderfully large space with a walkway running along the water’s edge. There is an enclosed park and plenty of grassy areas to sit back and watch your kids run wild.

There are picnic tables, BBQs and toilet facilities. But there’s also a skate park so bring your skaties and helmets. And if you follow the bike track north, you’ll come across plenty of places to grab an ice-cream.

Somewhere to take your pooch too

Don’t want to walk through bushlands? Don’t want to drag your picnic hamper for kilometres from the car? Well, the easiest picnic spot on the Central Coast is undoubtedly Terrigal Haven.

The shaded picnic benches along the shoreline and grassy spots waiting to be covered with a picnic rug are a stone’s throw away from the carpark. The sea is also right there if you want a swim. And there are also toilets.

Yes, it gets busy on the weekend but mid-week this is the place to go. And if you like an easy life, you can just get some take-away from the Haven Beach Kiosk. There are plenty of options and whatever you choose, it will be doubly delicious.