A Local Guide to Budgewoi

Featured image Mackenzie Reserve Playground aka Budgewoi Bridge Park by @tiffany_jay_b via @lovecentralcoastnsw

Local Guide to Budgewoi on the Central Coast

We love a trip up to Budgewoi and know you will too; it is absolutely a hidden gem of the Central Coast. Learn more about what you can explore, where to eat and what to do when in Budgie with this handy guide.

Click to see what you’ll find inside this local guide to Budgewoi:

• The best places to eat and drink in Budgewoi
• More about the wellness hub that Budgewoi Circle has become
• Things to do in Budgewoi
• Walks and beaches you can explore in Budgewoi

Let’s kick off! As you venture to the northern end of the Central Coast, you’ll stumble across Budgewoi, a quaint (yet truly vibing) village that boasts fiercely passionate locals. And for good reason; Budgie, as it’s affectionately known, lives up to the meaning of its name and features the best of both worlds with ocean and lakeside living. Budgewoi is an Aboriginal word meaning “Meeting of Two Waters”.

But more than that, Budgewoi offers brilliant dining options, is a bit of a health hub with fresh new health-conscious, beauty and holistic skin wellness offerings as well as plenty of walks and outdoor activities to keep you active.

 

 

Where to eat and drink in Budgewoi

The Swordfish Co

This isn’t your regular takeaway fish and chip shop. Situated right on the water of the Budgewoi Creek, The Swordfish Co is made for those who appreciate quality seafood, casual dining and a cheeky beverage as you warm up in the sunshine on the deck. Meals at The Swordfish feel like they make time go a little slower and make the food taste even more delicious.

Truly embracing the coastal style, The Swordfish Co has a laidback atmosphere, but we’ll say this, there is nothing laidback about the quality of their food. Expect the freshest seafood, a solid selection of burgers and handmade gelato for the obligatory sweet treat afterwards. Plus, as we mentioned above, they also serve up beers and wines, giving you plenty of reason to settle in and stay a while!

Diving into the menu (we hear all the seafood lovers out there rejoice), you’ll find your classics of fresh and cooked seafood options, think platters and baskets including prawns, fresh bugs, snapper, hoki, rock oysters, barramundi, salmon, sand whiting, flathead, calamari and more! As well as the usual suspects of fish and chips and fresh salads to complement the gourmet burgers.

It’s easy to see why The Swordfish Co has become a fave in Budgewoi. They offer both dine-in and takeaway options, making it just as suited to a relaxed lunch with friends as it is to grabbing dinner for those evenings when you’re fresh out of ideas on what to cook for dinner.

Visit them at 1 Budgewoi Circle, Budgewoi and check out their menus online here.

Yum Fast Nutrition

Tucked away down a little (seemingly non-descript) laneway over on the Western side of Budegwoi near the Coles, you will uncover a gem of a spot in Yum Fast Nutrition. These guys are all about fueling the locals (and beyond) with protein-packed drinks, smoothies, and loaded, energising teas.

Health-focused locals embrace Yum Fast Nutrition with gusto; not only is this a popular (and quick) stop for before work, after the gym or during a busy day, but also they’re partial to Yum’s good vibes. Inside, the atmosphere is upbeat and welcoming, with staff who are happy to chat through the menu and help customers find something that suits their goals or tastes. The menu is designed to offer quick, convenient options that are always satisfying and filling.

Yum has become a regular meeting spot for many in the area looking for an easy pick-me-up, and judging by the amount of those uber-cool looking drinks you see in hands as you wander around Budgewoi, a firm fave too!

Visit them @yumfastnutrition on Insta and 2/91 Scenic Drive (in the laneway) IRL.

Pa Ruay Thai

Sometimes you find a restaurant where you can just tell that the food has been made with a whole lot of love. That is what you get at Pa Ruay Thai. Since opening late in 2025, it has very quickly become the go-to for locals who’re chasing authentic Thai food in Budgewoi. But, outside of that, the generous portions are enough to keep people coming back time and time again.

The restaurant is relaxed and has a casual, yet warm and welcoming feel that suits everyone.  On the menu you’ll find all the favourites, like curries, stir fries and comforting noodle dishes. But the real magic and taste sensations are found in their signature dishes! Our picks: Barramundi Pla Samros, which is deep-fried barramundi topped with a sweet, sour and spicy Thai sauce, and we don’t mind a little Crispy Chicken too.

Be sure to add Pa Ruay to your hit list for next time you’re visiting Budgewoi. You will not be disappointed.

You can peruse their menus and order online here. And, find them at 2/4 Ocean Street, Budgewoi.

More Cafes and Restaurants in Budgewoi

Other dining options in Budgewoi include Budgewoi Hotel (the old Coast Hotel), which only a few years back had a major facelift in the way of a pretty big renovation. There are multiple spaces to enjoy a meal and drink. But our fave has to be sipping on a crisp lager or a rose out in the beer garden under that fig tree.  Upstairs from the pub, you’ll find fine Italian dining at Lago Cucina, where the service is top notch and the food fantastic. You’ll never regret eating at Angkasa Malaysian Restaurant which is located inside the Budgewoi Soccer Club!

Budgewoi brunch options don’t disappoint either. From bowls that’ll blow your mind at Ocean Street Bowls to fab fusion dining at Budegwoi Cafe, which serves up brekky dishes and Vietnamese food. Because why not Bahn Mi at breakfast?  Over on Tenth Avenue, behind the Coles you’ll find Cafe One Fifty Four, the home of epic toasties, brunch options and damn good brews.

Wellness in Budgewoi

Budgewoi Circle is a little pocket of the suburb that serves as a bit of a health, wellness and self-care hub. With a collection of businesses centred around feeling good both inside and out. From skin and beauty treatments to fitness, nutrition and recovery-focused services. Find out more as you read on.

Sage Aesthetics

In a world of quick fixes and trending treatments, Sage Aesthetics takes a more personalised approach. Founded by Maria, the clinic is backed by her years of medical and nursing experience. Maria began her nursing career in 2008 and transitioned into the skin and aesthetics space in 2017. Since then, her focus at Sage has been on education and tailored treatments, with a goal to deliver real, lasting skin outcomes.

“I created this clinic to offer a more personalised, honest approach to skin health,” Maria says. “So many people feel frustrated with their skin. My goal is to help them understand it and see real change.”

As a client at Sage, you’ll receive an in-depth consultation delving into your skin concerns, lifestyle, and long-term goals. So that you are fully understood before your own personal, customised plan is created. In-clinic treatments alongside targeted home care are suggested.

Sage specialises not only in skin needling, chemical peels, and advanced corrective skin programs for concerns such as acne, pigmentation, sensitivity, and ageing, but also in regenerative aesthetics that support skin through hormonal changes and the ageing process. Maria has extensive knowledge in women’s health, particularly surrounding perimenopause and menopause, and understands how these hormonal changes can affect the skin, such as collagen loss, skin laxity, thinning, dryness, and loss of elasticity. With this understanding, Maria specialises in regenerative treatments designed to stimulate collagen production, improve skin firmness, and support healthier, stronger skin from within.

At Sage, every treatment approach is personalised, with the goal of helping clients feel confident, supported, and comfortable in their skin at every stage of life.

“During these stages, the skin changes significantly,” Maria explains. “Supporting it through regenerative treatments can be a real game changer, it’s about restoring skin function, not just treating the surface.”

Clients describe the clinic as welcoming, supportive, and refreshingly honest, a place where they never feel rushed but rather heard and understood.

The outcome goes beyond skin!

“It’s about feeling comfortable without makeup and confident in your own skin,” Maria says.

To book in your consultation at Sage visit their online home here.

Plus Coasties readers can enjoy this exclusive offer: Enjoy $50 off your initial skin consultation when you mention this guide. Valid for new clients for a limited time.

 

Peachies Hair

Peaches Hair has created a salon experience… actually, no wait… this salon is a full vibe (not just an experience) that instantly makes you feel relaxed and welcomed. The energy is so friendly, infectious, fun and inclusive, it’s the type that genuinely and immediately puts you at ease. But be warned! This is also the type of brilliant energy that may just have you joining the gals in a little mid-styling boogie. Or at the very least, having you walk out with spring in your step. Not only from your fresh do, but from the good vibes too!

Here, the absolute attention to detail from the team and the way they really take the time to understand exactly what they’re after before getting started is what clients rave about. Not to mention, healthy hair transformations, fresh cuts and effortless colour work.

Peachies does it all: full colour appointments to sharp cuts, blow waves and more. Here, it’s all about creating hair that works for everyday life while still feeling polished and modern. And, all while having a great time and ensuring that you walk out feeling warm and fuzzy inside from a truly uplifting experience.

Book in and keep up to date @peachieshair and visit them and experience the vibes at 7 Budgewoi Circle, Budgewoi

Cleanse

Budgewoi Circle is a mecca for all things holistic beauty and wellness. Adding to the lineup is Cleanse. Founded by Madeleine Salvador, this boutique skin and beauty clinic has built a loyal local following and for good reason.

At Cleanse, you come face to face with a calm, considered and serene environment that makes unwinding come easily. The exquisite interiors alone are enough to make you never want to leave. And, with their extensive range of personalised treatments, including bespoke facials, LED therapy, peels, and SQT Bio-Microneedling, along with lash lifts, brow lamination, tinting, waxing, and shaping services, you’ll be coming back time and time again. In fact, we reckon this is just the kind of place that you’ll be adding to their regular beauty routine once you discover it.

Beyond the treatments, Madeleine and her team are intent on clients achieving visible results. And that all starts with comfort and thoughtful, tailored client care.

At Cleanse, it’s a truly restorative experience (because, let’s face it, we know that time to ourselves can often feel few and far between). Here, they get that and guarantee you’ll leave not only looking your best but feeling refreshed, relaxed, and cared for.

Book your next treatment right here. Find Cleanse at 3/4 Ocean St, Budgewoi

Explore the best of Budgewoi, NSW

Budgewoi has a plethora of excellent options when it comes to exploring the great outdoors, making it a top spot to explore with the whole family.

We’ll start with the beach. Say hello to Lakes Beach, spanning for miles and totally uncrowded. It’s a fantastic spot for surfers, swimmers and beachgoers, especially in summer when it’s patrolled (one of the fifteen on the Central Coast).

When it comes to the lake, you can join guided kayak tours and paddle around the beautiful Tuggerah Lakes estuary.

Or, for those who like to keep their steps up, Budgewoi also offers a multitude of walks. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the foreshore of Budgewoi Lake. For those who are up for a decent stroll, keep going as you pass through many reserves and all the way around to Ourringo Point in Buff Point. This takes about an hour each way.

Over the Creek from the lake, you’ll find yourself in Budgewoi Circle, and it’s a short wander around to Mackenzie Reserve, which is where you’ll find Budgie’s famous (and very photographed) footbridge, which leads to Dunkey Island.

Now, if Budgie hasn’t delivered the most perfect Coastie day out, then we don’t know what will.