The Ultimate Guide to Visiting The Entrance

Your ultimate visitor guide for The Entrance

Let’s talk about The Entrance. Up there with the Central Coast’s top holiday destinations and a long-standing favourite with holiday makers and visitors to the Coast. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, and scenic walking/bike paths that hug Tuggerah Lakes, making its proximity to neighbouring Long Jetty and lakeside suburbs feel closer than a stone’s throw. Couple that with some of the Central Coast’s most pristine beaches to the north, and The Entrance of the Central Coast gives visitors and locals options and choice; it’s the perfect box-ticker. Not to mention all of this gives The Entrance that “I’m on holiday” vibe all year round.

The perfect combo of the channel connecting the lake to the ocean is popular amongst the keenest of fishermen and boaties. While families and kids enjoy meeting the locals, aka the pelicans that glide in for their daily feed. Kids also can’t go past the permanent amusement park and the newly renovated Vera’a Water Garden, providing guaranteed entertainment for all.

But there’s more to The Entrance than meets the eye. Beyond its waterfront, you’ll find the community hub of Memorial Park, which plays host to festivals and community events regularly, as well as the Central Coast’s main Visitor Information Centre, which is worth checking out for a spot of shopping. They stock a range of local makers and creators’ wares. Beyond that, the strip of pubs, cafés and eateries will spoil your taste buds for choice.

This is the only guide to The Entrance that you’ll need. And, hot tip, it’s not just for holiday makers and visitors, this guide has something for everyone, including the Central Coast local who loves to explore new hoods in our region. No surprise really, here at Coasties we are all about singing our own praises! We have everything covered, from eating to things to do, to wellness go to’s that you can’t skip. So dive in, plan your next visit and enjoy this Coastie hood and all it’s got to offer.

The best places to eat in The Entrance

The Entrance Social Club

The elevated pub experience is where it is at in The Entrance. And, The Entrance Social Club successfully and consistently exceed expectations with exceptional drinks and dining.

TESC is an exciting, all-round crowd pleaser of a venue. Boasting two distinct personalities, there’s Taffy’s Sports Bar, with its big screens and buzzing atmosphere for the sports lovers amongst us, and then there’s Mrs May Bistro & Bar, which is a touch more refined. A design-led space that’s perfect for those long lunches with mates or date nights in the outdoor (with water views) section or indoors, where the style oozes class!

Now, the menu, let’s start with cocktails because that is always a good place to start. Signatures like Mrs Mays, to classics, well, hello there, Paloma, to an entire menu dedicated to margs! Oh, and a cocktail by the jug menu! Then there’s the craft beer choices and impressive wine list… Don’t worry, though, it’s not all about the drinks; the food here is equally as impressive. We live for the raw menu, and we can rarely go past ordering one of the signature plates, all of which will leave you very satisfied.

Coupled with frequent live music and events, that sun-drenched courtyard (that’s dog and kid friendly) and TESC delivers on all fronts and has truly established itself as a real crowd-pleaser and venue not to be missed.

Keep in the loop with them over on their socials here: @theentrance.socialclub  

The Lakes Hotel

A couple of years ago, The Lakes Hotel underwent a major transformation, with the beloved local pub entering into a new era, yet still maintaining that real “locals” feel and vibe that we Coasties love. Having been around (and serving up the goods) since 1940, The Lakes manages to perfectly nail that nostalgic, come contemporary coastal charm in the pub. Not only that, but the new look also accompanied a revamped, new and improved menu. AHA award-winning executive chef Paul Thornton heads up the kitchen and dishes out delicious, elevated pub classics with a modern twist. It’s a winning combo; brilliant food in a refreshed space with a cool, laidback atmosphere.  

With a new menu launching in mid April of 2026, you can bet we are waiting with baited breath for whats in store for our tastebuds and bellies!

The Lakes ticks all the boxes; it’s there for casual catch-ups, family dinners, long lunches or a drink that turns into boogying to some live music. It’s no wonder The Lakes tops our list of the best places to dine in The Entrance.

See what’s on, check out their menus or make a booking right here.

Coco Rice and Noodle Bar

Hidden a little further up The Entrance Rd is a quaint and unassuming Thai restaurant. Say hello to Coco Rice and Noodle Bar, we’re talking big flavour without the fuss. This laidback and casual eatery is all about generous portions, speedy service and those layered, soul food kinda Thai and Asian flavours that will have you coming back for more time and time again.  What we love the most (especially atm) is just how affordable everything on the menu is, making this an easy go for those evenings when the fridge is bare or a quick takeout for lunch.

Coco has the most welcoming vibe and consistently solid food, but don’t just take our word for it, judging from the hundreds of positive reviews out there, you know that this is always going to be a reliable and blooming delish go-to every time!

The Entrance Restaurants

Albie’s Coffee Bar

The spot to grab your morning caffeine fix, along with a dose of boogying moves and tunes, good vibes and banter *the best type. It’s a family-run teeny tiny hole-in-the-wall that pours absolute quality brews alongside pastries and toasties. Situated over near Picnic Point Reserve, Albies is perfect for a quick takeaway while the kids play at the park across the road, or to quench your thirst after a lakeside walk/bike ride.  

Ken’s Humble Pies

Whatever you do, don’t leave The Entrance without visiting Ken’s Humble Pies. This is an award-winning pie shop and everything on offer here is unbelievably amazing. There’s a whole range of flavours everyday. And they also do profiteroles which are mind-blowing.

Usui Café

Found just opposite the Visitor Information Centre, Usui Café keeps cafe-goers returning time and time again due to focus eye on high-quality local produce and excellent brews. It’s all super fresh here. Try the freshly-squeezed juices with your breakfast.

Los Dos Hombres

This colourful Mexican restaurant comes alive in the evening, with Los Dos Hombres serving authentic Mexican eats and a fun atmosphere. The pork belly tacos are unforgettable. And there’s even a vegan menu for those looking for something delicious but plant based.

Wellness in The Entrance

Central Coast Aesthetics Laser Clinic

The Entrance is quite the hub for all things wellness, and for those looking to invest in their skin, you can’t go past Central Coast Aesthetics Laser Clinic, run by Peta Dalziell. Peta offers a boutique, results-driven experience that goes well beyond your standard treatment menu. Here, it’s all about personalised care, with a refined, one-on-one approach that prioritises trust, continuity, and long-term skin health. Every visit begins with a tailored consultation, ensuring treatments are thoughtfully aligned with your individual goals and skin concerns.

Offering a full suite of skin-focused services that include advanced tattoo removal using medical-grade Q-switched laser technology. Skin-tightening treatments designed to restore firmness and glow – say hello to rejuvenating facials like Hydrafacial! As well as treatments to target pigmentation, texture and overall skin health.

But don’t just take it from us, Peta has a glowing portfolio of 5-star Google reviews that sing from the rooftops about excellent results and service. This has to be one of our faves: “I could not be happier with my vascular laser therapy done by Peta. No more spider veins on my face. Peta was so patient and professional and caring. I’ll be back for sure. A fantastic local business doing excellent work.” – shared with permission from Hayley Blackman. Mic drop! Now, stop thinking and go book your treatment at Central Coast Aesthetics Laser Clinic. You can do so right here.

They are located at 3/225 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance

E’Lan Hair Collective

Effortless and welcoming but also oozing elevated luxury (without the pretence) would be how we’d describe E’Lan Hair Collective. In the heart of The Entrance, you’ll find the most perfect boutique hair salon that prides itself on highly personalised care and building solid, long-term client-stylist relationships. This is the kind of salon where every appointment is thoughtfully tailored to suit your individual style, hair goals and lifestyle. Not to mention ensuring you walk out with wearable hair!

The team of skilled stylists blends creativity with precision, delivering everything from fresh, on-trend cuts to bold colour transformations and polished looks for special occasions. It’s that kinda space where your vision is genuinely heard and better yet, your stylist just “knows” what you’re after. And then they expertly bring it to life. Clients can enjoy a moment of calm in the salon’s warm, intimate and welcoming environment. Here at E’Lan your whole experience is just as important as the final cut. Book in here to see the team now.

20A The Entrance Rd, The Entrance

The Entrance Pilates Studio

Sometimes fitting in an exercise class between the juggle of working, running businesses and families and our busy schedules can feel impossible. But not anymore with The Entrance Pilates! Let us introduce 24-hour pilates!  Yes, you read that right, this is on-demand access to classes outside of class hours. So now, Pilates works around your life, not the other way around. It really is the best of both worlds.

Opening in January of 2026, The Entrance Pliates is flipping the script and making it easier to stay healthy and fit. You can join their classes for motivation, structure, and of course, the all-important community (and accountability) aspect. Or, if class times don’t suit your schedule, you get to enjoy it in the freedom of a time that better suits your needs. They offer 24-hour on-demand access to classes outside of class hours. You can step into the studio when it’s quiet, move at your own pace while streaming the guided reformer sessions, at any time! How epic!

Classes are designed for all levels, helping you build strength, improve posture, and feel your best. Without the fret of when/if you “can, maybe, be able to squeeze in that class, but only if all the stars align”… This is pilates on your terms. No pressure and equally no limits.

And what makes this even better? An exclusive offer for Coasties readers. Visit their booking page here, and use the promo code COASTIES to unlock your special discount and start your Pilates journey today.

Find the studio at 74 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance

Bliss Salon

As they say at Bliss Salon, “It’s much more than just hair, it’s personal!” and that couldn’t be more on point. Walking out of a salon with a fresh cut or colour truly does make you feel a million bucks! And that is the exact feeling that the salon experience at Bliss aims for and nails every time. Expect an experience that feels truly personal and also lives up to their name of “Bliss”, where perfect happiness and pure joy are the outcome they want for you. Here, it’s about more than just the end result; it’s taking time to treat yourself while the stresses of life wait and melt away, a little moment of bliss, just as it should be. Here, great hair and genuine connection go hand in hand.

Bliss is proudly a sustainable salon with a team of very experienced stylists who prioritise ongoing education in order to ensure that you’ll leave not only looking your best, but you’ll also feel more confident than you’ve felt in a long time, and you’ll also have the tools on how to maintain your new look.

Bliss has always been about building relationships grounded in trust, with each client receiving individual attention and a service tailored to suit their unique and own authentic style.

To book in for your next cut, colour or styling call 02 4332 2444 or pop in at 13 Victoria Ave, The Entrance.

The Entrance Accommodation

ibis Styles, The Entrance

When it comes to finding a place to stay in The Entrance, if you’re just visiting or you’re planning a Coastie staycation, we can’t go past the ibis Styles. It has, without a doubt, got a prime position overlooking the stunning Tuggerah Lakes. And, being situated on the edge of The Entrance, means you can enjoy the tranquillity and peacefulness of water views. As well as access a host of facilities and the award-winning and on-site Diggers at The Entrance. Yet in just minutes, you can also be immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of The Entrance’s town centre and local community events. Or enjoy its beautiful beaches.

With just 52 fresh, bright and contemporary guest rooms, the hotel feels perfectly intimate as well as first-class. Amenities include the Outside-In Kitchen, a kids’ indoor jungle gym playground, multiple on-site bars, and the 24/7 Anytime Fitness. Oh, and did we mention, access to versatile conference and meeting spaces too, should you be visiting for work. And (yes, there is more) look forward to a pickleball court and bowling rinks, which will be opening mid 2026.

At the ibis Styles The Entrance, it’s all about comfort, convenience and value. This is a warm and modern hotel in the perfect location, making it an ideal base to explore The Entrance, Long Jetty and the wider region easily.

To book, get in touch here or email/call them on [email protected] or 02 4336 0400

315 Central Coast Highway, The Entrance

The Lakes Hotel

Doubling as one of the best spots to dine, The Lakes Hotel offers conveniently located accommodation that is also pretty reasonable in price. With stays starting from as little as aorund $90 a night. And best of all, as mentioned before, the bistro downstairs has a brilliant menu and a great atmosphere.

Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites

For those looking for self-catering apartments, the Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites is it. Location-wise, you couldn’t be more central and within walking distance to everything in The Entrance. Each room has a kitchen and a balcony. And there’s a large swimming pool.

Things To Do in The Entrance

Pelican Time, The Entrance

Gone are the days of the pelican feeding at The Entrance (and whilst this started innocently enough, over 30 years ago, by staff at the local fish shop, who would feed scraps to the pelicans every day, and many may have felt likethis was a right of passage when visiting The Entrance) the old has made way for a much more eco friendly experience that respects these magnificent local birds in a more natural and safe way.

Central Coast Council and Destination Central Coast now support The Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast in facilitating an educational talk to educate locals and visitors on pelicans and give you the opportunity to observe them in their natural environment.

Bike Riding The Tuggerah Lakes Cycleway

The path can be joined just under the bridge, running 12 kilometres all the to Chittaway Bay. It passes alongside incredible Tuggerah Lakes, through Long Jetty, Killarney Vale and plays host to many picnic spots, toilets and playgrounds along the way, as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants to stop off at for refuelling. Better yet, finish off with a beer at the Chittaway Bay Tavern if you make it all the way to the end.

The Entrance Boat Shed

Hire a boat or kayak from The Entrance Boat Shed, found just under bridge. This boat-hiring business has been part of the scene here for over 20 years. They’ll give you advice on safe boating and then it’s out into the channel that connects the ocean with Tuggerah Lake.

Vera’s Water Garden

One of the most iconic things to do when visiting The Entrance is undoubtedly having a play at Vera’s Water Garden. It’s actually like a mini-water park for kids of all ages and has only recently been refurbished. So it’s all shiny and new. Plus, there are shaded areas for a little picnic and a park nearby too. A brilliant spot to let littlies run wild.

The Entrance Baths

If doing laps at an ocean pool is your vibe, then The Entrance Baths are calling you. It’s totally free and there’s even a toddler pool.

Whatever you’re into, The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast is likely to have it. There really is something for everyone.