Coastie Insider – Central Coast Locals’ Favourites

Header image: Wildflower Faces (Bateau Bay)

In every issue of our print mag, we catch up with a local Coastie who shares their 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, prepare to meet the Central Coast locals who’ve welcomed Coasties Mag into their worlds. Want more? Read every issue of Coasties Mag right here.

 

Central Coast Locals’ Favourites

Chelsea Berman – Winter 2026

From sold-out tours to viral social posts, Chelsea Berman knows how to capture an audience.

The country singer-songwriter has been releasing original music since 2018 and has an incredible stage presence that’s seen her perform everywhere from local pubs & clubs to major music festivals.

She’s also the Marketing Manager behind some of the Central Coast’s best-known venues, including Hotel Gosford, The Lakes Hotel and Gossy Good Times, spending her days creating content, building communities and bringing venues to life online.

When she’s not behind the microphone or planning the next campaign, here’s where you’ll find her around the Central Coast.

Eat, Drink & Unwind
When Chelsea’s off the clock, you’ll usually find her around Terrigal or Wamberal.

For the most important meal of the day, breakfast at Sal & Co is non-negotiable. ‘The Big Guy’ is her ultimate guilty pleasure.

When she needs a little pick-me-up treat, she’s heading straight for Lemmy’s. “Their Nutella frappe has me in a serious chokehold! I definitely don’t get it multiple times a week…”

For late-night drinks and a game of pool, Void Bar is her go-to, claiming they have “the best late-night vibes on the Coast.”

Move & Recharge
Chelsea’s favourite places to reset are all about feeling good, inside and out. For fitness, she loves Good Well Studios in Erina for the perfect mix of strength and Pilates classes in a truly supportive space.

When it comes to skincare, she swears by Wildflower Faces in Bateau Bay. “It’s the only place that has truly cleared my skin,” says Chelsea. “Chantal genuinely cares about every client.”

Whether she’s moving her body or looking after her skin, these are the places she keeps coming back to.

Shop Local
When winter rolls around, Chelsea reaches for Drøm Clothing.

Their cosy comfies are perfect for cooler days, and just another reminder that some of the Coast’s best brands are right here on our doorstep.

Central Coast locals share their faves with Coasties Mag

Mel Wilkinson – Autumn 26

Sharing her favourite Coastie hot spots is powerhouse Mel Wilkinson of Personalised Favours. From their warehouse in West Gosford, Mel and her team are without a doubt our number one pick when it comes to thoughtful gifts, party favours and special touches for any occasion.

And when we say powerhouse… we mean it. From starting the business in her garage to stepping well outside her comfort zone for Stars of the Central Coast 2026, there’s not much Mel can’t do.

Time to Reset
A proper reset starts with a Japanese Head Spa at Kim Holmes Head Spa and Beauty. “It’s equal parts indulgent and grounding, and the fastest way to feel human again.”

Glow-Up Essentials
For an affordable glow-up, Mel swears by the Classic Facial at Face On Beauty, which always leaves her skin looking fresh.

Hair-wise, she’s loyal to Intouch Hair Creations for her blonde foils. “I won’t go anywhere but Amanda,” Mel says. “She gets it right every single time.”

Take note, blondes of the Coast!

Move Your Body
Mel’s favourite way to break a sweat is the HIIT Circuit Class at Fernwood Fitness, usually followed by a long walk along The Coast Walking Track, a bit of a natural reset to clear her head.

Favourite Food Spots
Sunday mornings are all about brekkie at Kew Dining, while date nights are reserved for Arc. Est. Reliable favourites. Good food. No regrets.

Gina Jeffreys – Summer 2025/26

Award-winning country music artist, Star 104.5 breakfast radio host and proud Coastie, Gina Jeffreys knows all the best local spots to relax, recharge and enjoy the simple things. When she’s not on air or on stage, here’s where you might find her.

Eat and Drink
For Gina, nothing beats a long exhale by the water after a big week. Swells Terrigal is her go-to for exactly that. “Swells is my top pick for dining with a view,” Gina says. “I love heading there for an early dinner after a big week on air. Sipping cocktails while overlooking the water is the perfect way to wind down.” With its laidback vibe, friendly staff and of course those unbeatable sunset views, it’s everything she loves about coastal living.

Staycay Mode
Gina is a big believer that a holiday doesn’t have to involve travelling far – which is obvious hearing her gush about her mini getaway at The Beachcomber at Toukley. “With its resort-style pool, beachside bar and beautifully styled rooms, it was the ideal spot to switch off,” she says. “Sip a few cocktails and truly feel like you’ve escaped the real world… even if it’s just for one night.”

Treat Yourself
When it’s time to really switch off and indulge, Gina heads a little further south, claiming “Bells at Killcare is my ultimate ‘spoil myself’ destination.” From the lush gardens to the serene spa and fine dining, it’s pure luxury. Quiet, indulgent and a world away from everyday life, Bells is where Gina goes to recharge properly.

When it comes to self-care, Gina doesn’t mess around. You by Shauna Watts in Forresters Beach is her not-so-secret skin weapon. “I am the biggest fan,” she says. “Without a doubt the best facial you’ll get on the Coast.”

Tanya Baker – Spring 2025

If you’ve ever stepped into Noraville Green, you’ll know that Tanya Baker has a knack for creating beautiful spaces. So when it comes to her hometown, Toukley, she knows all the best spots to eat, shop, move and explore. Here’s how Tanya spends her perfect day on the Central Coast.

 

Morning Rituals
“My perfect day in Toukley starts with a sauna at Hive Activ. I’m in there (almost) daily!” Tanya says. Hive is one of the area’s favourite gyms, offering group classes, personal training and recovery options – but for Tanya, it’s the sauna that sets the tone for the day.

Afterwards, it’s coffee time at RISE Mofo in Toukley, a buzzing local café known for great brews and friendly service.

Once she’s fuelled up, Tanya likes to take a short drive out to Norah Head to spot the whales migrating past the headland. Between May and November, Norah Head is one of the best whale-watching spots on the Central Coast.

 

Treat Yourself
Tanya is a big fan of self-care, with micro needling at Sage Aesthetics in Budgewoi at the top of her list. The clinic, run by cosmetic nurse Maria, offers everything from skin rejuvenation to advanced cosmetic treatments in a beautiful, relaxing space.

For a late-afternoon drink, she heads to Dunes at Soldiers Beach Surf Club. With its unbeatable balcony views, it’s the kind of spot where you can watch surfers, catch the sunset and see the moon rise all at the same time.

 

Let’s Go Shopping
No perfect day is complete without good food, and for Tanya that means stocking up at SALT Deli in East Toukley. Their cakes and lasagne are her faves, but pretty much everything they do is delicious. The deli is known for homemade treats, gourmet supplies and a friendly, old-school service that makes it a community favourite.

“Did you know we have six charity stores in Toukley?!” Tanya adds. For anyone who loves thrifting, vintage finds or bargain hunting, Toukley is a must-visit. The cluster of op-shops makes it easy to spend an afternoon browsing racks, with plenty of treasures waiting to be found.

Bec Bond – Winter 2025

Photographer, mum, and all-round beautiful human, Bec Bond is the kind of person who makes the Coast feel like home. Born and raised in Avoca Beach, she now lives in Bateau Bay with her husband Corbin and their children, Olive and Dusty. Their son Otis, who heartbreakingly passed just moments after birth due to a heart defect, is a powerful presence in Bec’s life and work – his story has touched so many in our community. 

With a deep love for the ocean and a keen eye for natural beauty, Bec captures the essence of Coastie life through her work (Bec Bond Photography) and her everyday adventures.

 

Eat and Drink
Most mornings kick off with a coffee at Cafe Mocha in Bateau Bay, where Bec’s a regular with a very specific (and now iconic) brekky order: one slice of sourdough, two poached eggs, bacon and avo. She’s practically part of the furniture!

And, when cravings call, it’s off to her childhood ‘burb for a nostalgic cinnamon toast moment at Avoca Kiosk. IYKYK.

After a bike ride along Terrigal’s foreshore with her daughter, you’ll find them refuelling with a sunny lunch at Blue Lemon.

 

Play
For Bec and her family, Toowoon Bay is their sacred spot. It’s their go-to for ocean swims, full moons, and grounding moments – no matter the season, you’ll find the whole fam in the water.

When she wants to sweat it out, she heads to Fusion Pilates, an energising escape that works perfectly around mum life.

And those bike rides through Terrigal? They’re more than just exercise – they’re a chance to soak up the salty air and create simple, joy-filled memories – no doubt waving at a few familiar faces as they go. 

Caylee Ashworth – December 2024

Caylee Ashworth is the queen of Socially Awkward, her Central Coast-based social media management business. Caylee is a lover of lattes, beach walks and matching sets. Always with a smile on her face, this stunner is a social media visionary… that might just be the missing piece to your business?  

Fill my cup
No morning feels quite right without my daily stop at The Daily Coffee Brew. Coffee’s always on point, the toasties are to die for, and the friendly team never fails to brighten my day. I leave with a big smile and my cup filled.

 

Fill my wardrobe
Terrigal’s Miki Finn has something for every occasion, which is a blessing and a curse. Even if I pop in just to chat with the lovely owner, Kelly, I always walk out with a new outfit. I have an addiction to matching sets (yes, I could have worse addictions), and the girls always know just how to feed it. If you too share this addiction be sure you have a Coasties Card as Miki Finn offers locals a deal through there – see here. 

 

Fill my fridge
BamVino Deli and BamVino Cellars at Erina Heights have my heart. The enormous selection of cheeses, meats and international wine and spirits always impresses. Their knowledge and cheeky taste tests never go astray. My go-to is their truffle manchego cheese and a bottle of Malbec.

 

Fill my appetite
With cocktails that are too easy to drink, Asian Fusion that is extremely tasty, and a killer playlist, Coco Bar and Dining in Terrigal is the perfect spot to kick back, cocktail in hand, with the sound of the ocean nearby. 

Kristy Austin – Spring 2024

Kristy Austin knows a thing or two about uncovering hidden gems on the Coast. After swapping the Blue Mountains for beach life five years ago, she’s been busy curating experiences that celebrate local makers, growers, and communities through her agency, we are neighbourgood. (If this sounds familiar, it might be because Kristy’s brought Naturellement to the Coast in May 2025!)

Eat and Drink
Can’t ever go past Rigatoni for Toni, the pasta pop-up run by Tristan Fraser. Rigatoni moonlights at Like Minds in Avoca, but my favourite is his kitchen takeover of Bar Toto (which doubles as my favourite place to drink on the Coast).

Another must-visit? Sulo’s Shish and Pide. Born from the success of Chef Sulo’s legendary pop-ups (and his award-winning fine dining restaurant Safran), this new spot serves up charcoal-cooked meats and Turkish-style pide that locals can’t get enough of. Just follow the waft of charcoal-cooked meats down the Galleria laneways!

John Ralley’s Bush River Kitchen nestled on the Hawkesbury River is another one to watch. An off-grid, wood fired dining experience where he teams up with chefs from across Australia to create one-off events.

Play
Supporting local farmers, makers and producers via farmers markets or visiting their farm gates to pick up directly from these excellent producers is a weekly must.

Kim and Mitch – Autumn 2024

In Autumn 2024, we caught up with Long Jetty locals and owners of the super cute institution that was The Cacti Folk in Long Jetty (yes, we too shed a few tears when these guys made the courageous decision to close their doors and take on new ventures toward the end of 2024). Parents to four (yes, four!) kids under eight years old, Kim (the Irish one) and Mitch (the Coastie from Kincumber) gave us some insight into their hood faves on the Coast.

Eat and Drink
When we manage to lock down a babysitter we are big fans of our gorgeous new tapas spot in the Jetty, Jaspers. But, if we’re honest though, we do far more kid-friendly takeaway dinners than dining out. And,  we love that we get to go down to the lake edge or beach (the beauty of Long Jetty living, we have the best of both worlds) for sunset picnic dinners.  Shelly Beach Golf Club is within walking distance from our home and family-friendly, so it’s our eat-out option (with kids).

Coffee is life, would you expect anything less from parents of four? Flour and Co is our absolute favourite, the coffee, the baked goods and of course their coffee beans for our machine at home. We do also adore Mr Sha Sha’s for brews and brekky.  Upstairs Wines are a must for wine and entertaining at home.

 

Play
We’re beach lovers! When we’re taking the pup it’s always Shelly Beach. The kids are learning surf now so Blue Bay or Toowoon are ideal. The new slide at the Rocket Park has been a big hit with our kids. We have a soft spot for our local Long Jetty Markets, as that’s how The Cacti Folk started back in 2021 (and we love to shop small). As well as the Long Jetty Farmers Markets up at The Clam.

Local Coastie Faves

 

Dave Sparx – September 2024

Meet Dave. And meet Stella, his shiny, silver trailer dishing up the bangers! Picture fluffy buns and sausages from local makers, paired with Dave’s own 100% handcrafted pickles, sauces and salts. Coastie Dave, his partner Amanda and their two have recently taken Stella mobile! Follow their socials to find out where they’ll pop up next.

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.

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.

 

 

Local Hood Favourites on the Central Coast

 

Nikki Butterfield – Winter 2024

Now, let’s meet Superwoman Nikki Butterfield, at the helm of not one but two Coastie businesses; Coastal Athlesuire and 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. 

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