Let’s play a word game. We’ll say Long Jetty, and we’re guessing it’s not long before you think edgy, cool, hip or boho. A Central Coast town to get a tattoo, an out-there haircut, or to let your freak fly and get that obligatory picture next to the fifty-shades-of-purple Long Jetty mural.
But Long Jetty is so much more than our grittiest suburb. There’s wellness, yoga, water-front walks and a real focus on health.
In fact, there’s no other area on the Central Coast that has such a diverse offering and it’s perhaps why Long Jetty has had such a boom in popularity over the last year or so.
From a booming café scene, a WWII cinema turned into a bar and an outrageous amount of vintage-style shopping, here’s your ultimate guide to discovering everything that Long Jetty has to offer.
Where to Eat & Drink in Long Jetty
For the whole length of The Entrance Road, which runs through the heart of Long Jetty, there’s so many incredible cafes. However, something to remember is that there’s not much after dark. There’s no booming restaurant scene in Long Jetty.
Long Jetty Cafes
The Glass Onion Society
The Glass Onion Society shines in its uniqueness. Seriously, as soon you walk in, it’s all vintage furniture, original art pieces and a general sense of, well, grooviness. The Glass Onion Society is well known for its coffee, but we’re a big fan of the Magic Mushroom Burger (no tripping here though). Side it with the sweet potato fries and you’ll be satisfied for the day.
Green Tangerine
Green Tangerine, a local artisan bakery and café, is a must visit. They offer all the tasty treats, with a real focus on artisan bread and pastries. But be warned, if you try their pain au chocolat, you’ll be forced to move to the area as you’ll want it every day for the rest of your life.
Modern Organic
The beauty of Modern Organic is the secret courtyard at the back of the building that makes you feel a million miles away from the busy main stretch. The menu here is packed with health. Vegie bowls, smoothies and brilliant coffee. This is also a yoga studio.
Lucky Surf & Supply
Lucky Surf & Supply is the perfect place to get your mind inspired while dousing it with the best caffeine. Home of the local artist, Grant Moloney, you are invited to share the space for thoughts. The staff there are always smiling, and the gallery outback offers a creative getaway, perfect for embracing local art.
The Savoy, Long Jetty
Why not enjoy a cocktail while watching your favourite movie throwbacks with your girls The Savoy? Open since 56′, we’re lucky this cinema-slash-bar has been brought back to life and now we can drink to celebrate. Happy hour from 4-6, then a movie afterwards? Perfect. Or if you want to host a function there? You can do that too.
Long Jetty Restaurants
Yasaka Japanese
Yasaka is one of the leading Japanese restaurants on the Central Coast, and not just in Long Jetty. It’s a pocket rocket of a space. And they’re all about quality over quantity when it comes to their small but mighty menu, much like any authentic Japanese restaurant. The restaurant freshly makes each of their items and sources them from the Sydney Fish Market. Try the deep-fried oysters, served with Yasaka’s original ponzu sauce, if they are on the menu. Closed Monday and Tuesday but open at lunch and at 5pm to 9pm.
Charcoal Chicken Long Jetty
Okay, not a restaurant as such but Charcoal Chicken Long Jetty is one of the most popular eateries in the area. The chicken is just the right amount of juicy and the right amount of crunch when it comes to the skin. There’s really good sides available. Try the potatoes. And while there’s seating, we get it to go and eat it down at the foreshore at sunset. This place is open daily until 8pm.
Shopping in Long Jetty
Either before or after you’ve firmly stuffed your beautiful face, it’s time to get shopping as Long Jetty has unlimited options when it comes to supporting independent boutiques. Here’s a guide to shopping in Long Jetty…
Sorry Grandma is always our first stop as it’s at the further end of The Entrance Road. Here you’ll find a real jumble sale of items. All vintage and pre-loved, there’s clothes, furnishings and even children’s clothes. And if you are a Coasties Card member, you’ll get 10% off any purchase.
Shadow Bang has the most unique exterior of any building in Long Jetty and inside, it has a lot to offer. With bespoke fashion and wellbeing necessities like organic tea, amazing candles and remedy body care products, you’ll be sure to find a gift perfect for a friend or even yourself. Located next to the Glass Onion, you won’t be able to miss this one!
Plain janes was established by April and Amelia Mills. They’ve created a simplistic and stylish boutique, combined with a unique botanical workshop. Their energy is engaging, and the clothes are always on-trend. With books, homewares, clothing and plants, you will feel inspired to redecorate your home with everything in store.
Wildberry Boutique is a treat. Welcoming boutique with ever-changing boho-style fashion? Look no further. This is our go-to if we are looking for a new hat or sunglasses. They always have such an amazing range. Again, take 10% off any order if you’re a Coasties Card member.
Now let’s not forget about the Tiny folk. For all the bubbas out there, this shop has the cutest and most dapper necessities and styles to make sure your little one is taken care of. Their range is curated with quality and organic materials, leaving you with peace of mind and not wanting to leave the store.
Kloth Industrie is a pocket rocket of a boutique. Packed to the rafters with everything from womenswear, footwear and homewares. They have an outstanding range of leather sandals that always demand our attention. The team at Kloth also like to give back to locals and offer 10% off to Coasties Card members.
Mowgli Studio is always our final spot to visit in Long Jetty, often signalling the end of our visit. And that’s kind of lucky as it’s near impossible to leave without one of their ginormous hand painted plant pots which are a helluva hard to hike around LJ. Again, take 10% off when you flash your Coasties Card.
Things To Do in Long Jetty
Okay, you’ve eaten, you’ve shopped and now what else? Well, here’s a guide on things to do in Long Jetty.
Walk the Long Jetty Foreshow. The foreshore walk will take you to the destination of the 350 metres Long Jetty itself, perfect for getting that little bit closer to the setting sun. Then continue your walk along the Tuggerah lakes walk, passing the old boat shed.
Meditation at Modern Organics. Although these guys over at Modern Organic have one of our favourite menus, they also offer yoga classes seven days a week. Catered to everyone’s busy schedules so you can meditate in peace.
Stretch out at Compass Pilates. There are so many yoga and pilates classes in Long Jetty but one of our favourites has to be Compass Pilates. The owner Robyn is brilliant, no matter if you’re a newbie or well-seasoned.
Massage at Avani Women’s Bodywork. Then, after all the healthy eats, exercise, yoga and shopping, take a moment to enjoy a total rub down at the Avani Women’s Bodywork. You deserve it.
Long Jetty Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation in Long Jetty, there’s not a huge amount of choice with visitors generally staying in neighbouring The Entrance, Toowoon Bay or Blue Bay.
For luxury, head over to neighbouring Toowoon Bay to Kim’s Beachside Retreat. This is a five-star adults-only retreat, made up of individual timber cabins, that sits right on the beach. You’ve to contact them directly for prices.
For romance, then it has to be the incredible The Nest at Blue Bay. It’s all free-standing bathtub, white-on-white interiors and an stunning outdoor shower. Not bad for $200 a night.
And for those travelling as a family, then one of the most popular options is the Toowoon Bay Holiday Park. Here you can camp or grab a cabin, starting at a $100 a night. There’s a an outdoor swimming pool on-site.
Did You Know?
Long Jetty has become known as the Newtown of the Central Coast. To get that Long Jetty mural shot, you’ll find it down the side of Green Tangerine.
Getting Around
There’s no nearby train station but the bus service does travel from The Entrance and Toowoon Bay. But as always with the Central Coast, it’s easier to travel by car. When it comes to parking, it’s easiest to park at Long Jetty Foreshore and walk up to The Entrance Road.
Long Jetty Property Prices
Long Jetty has become an incredibly popular spot to buy due to it’s easy access to the freeway for those working in Sydney. The median house price is now $855,000 and rent is at $440 per week.
Where next? Why not check out the 30 Coast cafes that everyone needs to visit.Â
Congratulation!