Whether you’re a born-and-bred Coastie or you’ve escaped the big smoke and now call this slice of paradise home sweet home, this is the ultimate bucket list of things to do – the best of the best (as some would say) of Central Coast experiences you need to tick off the list to claim your Coastie status.
If you know who Elvis is, have changed your after-dark route to avoid Jenny Dixon, and have rolled down the steepest hill in the region at least once, you’re well on your way to passing the Coastie test. But hey, even if you’re new around here, we reckon you’ll fit right in! Our warm, welcoming community is what makes the Central Coast not only a brilliant place to live but also the perfect spot to holiday (fair warning though, plenty of tourists end up staying).
So wherever you hail from, we hope you enjoy this handy guide of must-do things to do on the Central Coast.
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Things To Do on the Central Coast, NSW
1. Beaches, beaches, beaches
Oh, how we’re blessed with beaches! Anyone following our socials knows there’s no way in the world we could pick a fave – where would we even start?! With 80+ kilometres of coastline and more than 40 beaches, the best thing is that we can swim year-round, and we can usually find a parking spot close by, even in the peak of the holiday season. Oh, and bonus: there’s no paid parking at Central Coast beaches!
And with local legend Molly Picklum crowned the 2025 World Surf League Champion, the Central Coast surf scene has officially gone global.
If calm & contained is more your style, the Coast’s ocean pools are pure magic, from the family-friendly Ocean Baths at The Entrance to the stunning Norah Head Rock Pool and locals’ fave MacMasters Pool.
2. Attended one of our home-grown festivals and events
We’re spoilt for choice with festivals and events when it comes to things to do on the Central Coast. The annual calendar’s stacked with something for everyone – Taste the Coast, Words on the Waves, Love Lanes, Harvest Festival, Coastal Twist, Rolling Sets, Bay to Bay, ChromeFest, The Lakes Festival – and oh so many more!
2025 also saw the first-ever Oktoberfest and Light Up events in Gosford, both tipped to become annual faves.
Our local events are loved and valued by the community, and Coasties really proved that this year when organisers of Patonga Blues Across The Bay put out the call that ticket sales were struggling and the festival’s future was uncertain. Locals rallied, tickets sold, and the much-loved festival celebrated its 23rd year!
3. You’ve seen a show at The Art House in Wyong
As the epicentre of arts on the Central Coast, The Art House brings us the best in the biz – no Sydney trip required. From comedy to cabaret, music to musicals, it’s hosted the likes of Amy Shark, Human Nature, Anh Do, Jessica Mauboy, Lano & Woodley, Bell Shakespeare, Bangarra Dance Theatre and Opera Australia, plus hit musicals like HAIR and RENT.
Extra points if you’ve ever survived a school holiday thanks to one of their brilliant kids’ shows!
Book your next show at The Art House Wyong here.
4. Enjoyed a drink at our outdoor, beachside venues
Okay, maybe you’ve also partied hard at some of these spots! We certainly have. If not, here’s your hit list. You’re welcome.
You’ve got Terrigal Beach House and Mumbo Jumbos in the heart of Terrigal, Drifters Wharf perched on Gossy’s waterfront, Margarita Daze and The Boathouse Hotel Patonga showing off with views out to the Northern Beaches, The Entrance Social Club, The Beachie, and Avoca Beach House – plus the brand-new Astra Rooftop Bar, Terrigal Pavilion or the riverdeck beer garden at The Royal Hotel Wyong.
Turns out, plenty of our pubs and bars have water views or epic outdoor spaces – how good’s that!
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Must-Do Central Coast Experiences
5. Been out bushwalking and view catching
We’re surrounded by tracks that show off the Coast at its best. Want to claim true Coastie status? Tick off the Bouddi Coastal Walk (you’ve gotta do the whole thing from Putty Beach to Macs for it to count), snap a selfie at Norah Head Lighthouse, stroll across the suspension bridge in Strickland State Forest and cool off under Somersby Falls.
But don’t stop there! Explore Girrakool Loop Track, Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk and Munmorah State Conservation Area, and don’t forget to take in the view from Staples, Crackneck, and Mt Ettalong Lookouts, or power up The Skillion in Terrigal.
Speaking of the Skillion, hands up if you’ve rolled down it? It’s a rite of passage for any young kid, teenager or free-spirited adult to give yourself up to gravity and roll down the grassy banks… let’s go!
6. Had a wildlife encounter
Breakfast with alpacas at Iris Lodge? Said g’day to Elvis the croc at the Australian Reptile Park? Braved pelican feeding at The Entrance?
How about spotting whales from Crackneck Lookout during winter, getting up close with kangaroos at the Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary in Calga, or hand-feeding the friendly cows and farm animals at Harvest Festival each June?
Bonus points if you know who Ploddy the Dinosaur is! Hint: spotting him is a sure sign that you’ve officially hit Coastie territory.
7. Jolled around Long Jetty
There’s no doubting the Jetty is a vibe, and it’s way too easy to spend a whole day there. Early risers can catch a yoga or pilates class at Neighbours, then grab brekkie, brunch or lunch at one of the endless cafes nearby. You can actually shop ’til you drop with everything from vintage to cacti to markets to homewares, wine and more, then rest your legs with a film at The Savoy. Plus there are gigs, festivals, and of course, witness the most incredible sunsets on the Central Coast as you stroll along the jetties.
Yep, Long Jetty is a vibe! And we know true Coasties aren’t too cool to get a snap in front of the mural – we totally dig @biffybrentano’s work. It’s easy to see why Long Jetty is one of the Coast’s most photographed spots.
8. You know all the Coastie urban myths
If you haven’t yet heard about Jenny Dixon then do yourself a favour and get Googling, then see if you’re brave enough for a night-time drive! Then there are the Gosford Glyphs in Kariong… ancient Egyptians or an elaborate prank? You decide. And of course, Coastie commuters know all about the infamous Mount White goats.
9. Signed up for your Coasties Card
There’s power in keeping it local, and all true Coasties have their Coasties Card.
Your little turquoise card (soon to be an app, watch this space!) gives you member-only discounts at 180+ local businesses across the coast; cafés, shops, experiences and more. It’s your ticket to the #supportlocal movement, helping keep our small businesses thriving and our community strong.
So go on, sign up here and lock in your $25 a year membership for life.
** Coasties Card is only available to Central Coast locals.
RELATED: Bindi and Minka’s Favourite Coasties Card Deals
Time to start ticking things off
So there you have it. Our round-up of the best things to do on the Central Coast – but let’s be real, we’ve barely scratched the surface. From bush to beach, brekkie spots to big events, the Coast’s bursting with things to see, do and taste, no matter how long you’ve called it home.
What are you waiting for? Grab your sunnies, your Coasties Card, and start ticking off the list.
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Congratulation!