Central Coast Locals’ Favourites

Central Coast Locals’ Favourites

In every issue, we catch up with a local Coastie who shares with our readers all of their most favourite places in their local hoods and the wider Central Coast to Eat, Drink and Play. We love getting the insider scoop on what’s hot and what they love. After all, is there anything better than local knowledge?  We think not.

So let’s dive into our inaugural online version of these trade secrets.  We meet Dave Sparx of Banger Rebellion in Ettalong from our most recent Spring 2024 issue and Gorokan local Nikki Butterfield of Coastal Athleisure and Co. from our Winter 2024 issue.

Meet Dave. And meet Stella, his shiny, silver trailer dishing up the bangers! Picture fluffy buns from Burnt Honey, sausages from The Butcher’s Chop in Woy Woy paired with Dave’s own 100 per cent handcrafted pickles, sauces and salts. Coastie Dave, his partner Amanda and their two girls recently found a home for their beloved Stella in Ettalong.

Now take it from us, because what Dave and the Banger Rebellion are dishing up is one of ours here at Coasties’ favourites. You need to discover these wonders, we recommend getting down to the Peninsula STAT! But this article is not about us… Let’s hear what some of Dave’s faves of the Coast are.

One of our favourite spots for coffee, (besides brewing our own at home) is Kafich Espresso Bar in West Gosford. Maybe it’s our love for food trucks, but we can’t resist their delicious coffee. Plus, the kids adore their Burek! And, the folks there are wonderful.

Local Coastie Faves

For a family meal or just a relaxing afternoon, Margarita Daze at Umina Beach is a top pick. After a long swim at the beach, there’s nothing better than enjoying a refreshing Margarita or a cold beer with their mouth-watering Szechuan Squid. The kids love the pizza and pink lemonade.

We bliss out at La Tierra Curativa. It’s definitely our happy place. We also love Central Coast Float for a rejuvenating float, sauna, ice bath and massage. Both are run by beautiful humans who we love to support.

Then there are the stunning bush walks around Brisbane Waters National Park and Woy Woy Bay, Kariong, Pearl Beach, and Patonga with the kids. We’re grateful to watch the changing flowers and plants through the seasons and connecting with the lands of the Central Coast.

KEEP READING: Join us as we Walk Patonga to Pearl Beach

Local Hood Favourites on the Central Coast

Now, let’s meet Superwoman Nikki Butterfield is at the helm of not one but two Coastie businesses; Coastal Athlesuire & Co. and The Coastal Printing Co., while also being a mum to three young’uns. In her words, “I feel like my social life mostly happens at the school pick-up!” Anyone else out there relate much?

Other than at pick-up, you’ll find Nikki’s friendly face at local Long Jetty and Terrigal Beach markets (run by Browse Events) chatting up a storm and selling her uber-comfy activewear. As a Gorokan local, you’ll also find her at haunts across the northern parts of our Coast.

Eat and Drink

We can’t go past The Lavender Goat at Charmhaven – delicious food and coffee. Perfect for those sneaky mum catch ups when you are kid-free. Wallarah Bay Recreation Club is our go to, because, who doesn’t love a Sunday raffle? Our kids are obsessed.  For those rare nights we don’t want to cook (we love cooking and a barbecue on the smoker), Nanacha Thai Restaurant in Gorokan is a favourite with the whole fam. 

Play

Norah Head Rockpool followed by a walk down past the Norah Head Lighthouse onto the beach for the kids to run about and look for sea creatures is our summer weekend go-to.  

When I’m not playing mum taxi and ferrying my kids to various sports we’re hanging out at Wallarah Point Peace Park. The playground is epic. We also recently checked out Sloties at Charmhaven which was brilliant fun for kids of all ages. 

KEEP READING: Step Inside Coastal Living: Hunter Homes’ New Chelsea Display Home at Wyee