The Best Spots on The Central Coast for a Picnic

phat platter picnic — White Boho Lux by the ever-incredible @phatplatterandluxurypicnics

We’ve put together a list of the ultimate picnic spots on the Central Coast to visit, regardless of the season. But first, we want to give a shout out to some of the local businesses that can make the experience a little bit more special than a crust of bread, sun-sweaty cheese and a warm cider.

Anyone instantly taken away by that above image? This set-up is from Phat Platter and Luxury Picnics. Amazing, right? Posh boho picnics are now a thing and are perfect for birthdays and special occasions. And yes, it will look great on the ‘gram but the fare Phat put on is next-level delicious.

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.

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picnic grazing box — Antipasto Grazing Box by @edenseventscentralcoast

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.

picnic rugs central coast — The Peacock Picnic Rug from @saltwaterpicnicco

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So, the Central Coast picnic spots ….

Something a little active

long jetty foreshore — Picnic bench seats along the Long Jetty Foreshore, image courtesy of Escape & Explore

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.

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Something for the soul

Somersby Falls Picnic Area central coast — The magical Somersby Falls. Image from National Parks NSW

If you’re wanting something different from the ocean or headlands, then head out to Somersby Falls. We’re no doctor but the rainforest surrounds and its tweeting inhabitants is mesmerisingly meditative and likely to be medicinal for overall wellness.

Best bit is that your picnic can be upgraded to a BBQ here as there’s hot plates to cook on. We’d recommend doing the Somersby Falls walking track, checking out the cascades along the way, to earn yourself an appetite.

This is also a great spot for young kids (but warning: this will ensure it’s not as meditative) with waterfalls perfect to play in during a hot day. There’s also plenty of trees for shade.

For a view of the ocean

Picnic Areas Central Coast — Macmasters Beach by @a.lens.perspective

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 wouldn’t be disappointed.

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

To the right of the Barefoot Café, 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 lunch time, that spot is hot property. It feels like the best part of the Coast are trying to park their bum there. It is equally as magic in the evening, so stick around for the sunset.

Just up and around the corner is the beautiful Avoca Beach, the southern corner playing host to many-a-picnic. From the protected rock pool, along the path towards the headland or in the fully enclosed park, there are so many options to spread out your rug and enjoy the view.

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If you haven’t come prepared, never fear – there is a cluster of cafes and takeaway favourites all within walking distance.

Central Coast Surf Academy are also offering a great Coasties Card deal at their Shelley Beach location!

Relax in tranquility

There’s something special about the Mt Penang Gardens in Kariong. Despite sprawling over eight hectares, it’s designed into neat little pockets of gardens that make it ideal if you want some peaceful privacy to picnic in. And perhaps best of all is that it’s generally never that busy, not even on weekends.

Any spot in the Mt Penang Gardens is great for a picnic but we like a corner of the grassed amphitheatre, which is surrounded by an incredible array of Australian natives.

A view like no other (& a spot of whale watching in the right season)

crackneck lookout — Watch the sunset with friends like @hayleyrbarry_

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 waters edge. There is an enclosed park and plenty of grassy areas to sit back and watch your kids run wild.

There’s 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’s 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 Cove Café. There’s plenty of options and what ever you choose, it will be doubly delicious.

Good news, there’s a dog park up on the hill so you can give your four-legged friends a run around as well.

So, grab your picnic rugs, baskets and cold drinks and get picnic-ing. Be sure to tag us (@coastiesmag) in your photos enjoying these wonderful spots, or other spots around the Coast!