Umina Beach is the town at the centre of the Central Coast’s Peninsula, with Woy Woy to its north and Ettalong to its south.
Historically, Umina was always seen as one of the grittier neighbourhoods on the Peninsula but since 2020, it’s had a bit of a reputation overhaul.
The arrival of young families, new Umina cafes and an ever-growing wellness offering has seen the coastal town become one of the most sought-after destinations of the region. And not just to visit but to also relocate to.
Here’s everything you need to know about Umina Beach…
Things To Do In Umina Beach
Umina Beach
Running just over a kilometre in length, Umina Beach is an incredible beach for family fun, water activities and dog walking.
The beach is generally calm and suitable for young kids. And Umina Beach is patrolled by lifeguards and Surf Life Saving volunteers at certain times of the year, especially during public holidays.
The very southern end of the beach is dog-friendly and allows off-leash. The rest of the beach allows dogs but they must always be on the leash.
A favourite thing to do in Umina Beach is to book in for a SUP lesson with Manasup. Paul will teach you not only the art of SUP but also using a SUP to surf the waves.
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Playground
Umina Beach playground is the biggest playground on the Central Coast, with three different zones. The first is fenced and for littlies. The next is for 4+ and is also fenced. And the last is an open area with huge climbing frame and flying fox.
There’s plenty of room to picnic but you’ll get a decent coffee and an extensive range for both breakfast and lunch, jam packed with really fresh ingredients, at the Jasmine Green kiosk found inside the park.
Pottery Class
Found on West Street, the long road that runs through the heart of Umina, Centred Ceramics offers a range of pottery classes and workshops.
We love their Friday night special of wine and clay workshops. But there’s even three-hour children pottery workshops that are a big hit.
Yoga Classes
Umina Beach Yoga are so much more than a place to do bend and stretch. The space, also on West Street and a few doors down from Centred Ceramics, has its eye on the community.
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There’s mum-to-be gatherings, antenatal yoga and women circles. At its helm is Helen, who is truly passionate about helping women, especially mums, be the most balanced versions of themselves.
And best of all, there’s no pressure to sign up for a lengthy membership. A single class is $22 or a monthly unlimited class pass is $150.
Where to Eat & Drink in Umina
West Street runs through the centre of Umina and it’s here you’ll find most of the cafes, restaurants  and shops. But Umina isn’t really an after-dark spot. There’s not that many bars and most people will descend down to Ettalong for nightlife.
Umina Beach Cafes
Centred Café, Umina Beach
Yes, within the Centred Ceramics workshop is one of the best cafes in Umina Beach. Centred Café are about creating wholesome foods, raw treats, freshly baked goods and some seriously delicious coffee. And it’s all served on creations made right in the studio.
Jasmine Green
This is the best takeaway food you’ll find in Umina. Smashed avo on sourdough filled with fresh herbs, vegan dishes and freshly baked treats, Jasmine Green’s owner Gabi is particular about what goes into each dish. And that alone elevates this to more than a park kiosk spot.
Sundaesesh
Okay, not quite a café. This is the ultimate ice-cream bar on the Central Coast. The interiors are like walking right into an emoji, with rainbows on the walls, pink furnishings and disco balls. And in the summer months, Sundaesesh generally sell out every day. Check openings times as it is seasonal. Read our full review of Sundaesh here.
Umina Beach Restaurants
Margarita Daze
The only restaurant with ocean views in Umina Beach, it’s perhaps no surprise it is also the most popular. Margarita Daze is open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. But for us, it’s our choice for sundowners. After all, it would be rude not to have a margarita or two with a restaurant name like that.
The Italian Sandwich Company, Umina Beach
Okay, the name alone makes it sound like all it does is sarnies. And it does so big whopping Italian-style sandwiches. But at night, The Italian Sandwich Company turns into a leading Central Coast Italian that is also BYO. There’s a range of freshly-made pasta dishes, PYO sauce and then eat in the outside dining area.
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Sounds on West, Umina Beach
If you like hearty meaty dishes, like slow cooked ribs or heaving burger, then this Central Coast restaurant is where it’s at. Found on West Street, Sounds on West our go-to for dinner as it’s really the only place with a bar-feel to it once the sun goes down. They do killer cocktails, craft beers and the interiors are edgy and cool.
Umina Beach Shops To Visit
Tribe Living
If boho fashion is your thing then Tribe Living right at the northern end of West Street is where it’s at. There’s a whole range of flowing dresses, fashionable sunglasses and even homewares. You’ll not leave empty handed.
Little Wren Designs
This little nook of a shop halfway down West Street in Umina Beach is packed with everything from unique children’s sunhats to paintings by local artists and aromatherapy and everything really in between. Little Wren Designs is a great spot for present buying.
Vinnies
Psst. We’ll let you in on a secret. Vinnies might look a little run down from the outside but this op shop is always packed with incredible treasures. It’s always worth a visit if you’re in Umina. You never know what you’ll leave with.
Umina Beach Accommodation
When it comes to Umina Beach accommodation, there’s such a wide range on offer but during the summer this is a very popular area for holiday makers so always try to book well in advance.
There’s dog-friendly accommodation at Kokomo Umina, which has a selection of four mid-range beach shacks, including a cute caravan.
There’s also the family favourite of NMRA Ocean Beach Holiday Park that offers camping or chalets. It’s a big drawcard during the school holidays due to its beachfront location but also because it has a huge swimming pool with slides and water park that’s suitable for all ages.
And there’s also a large array of luxury holiday homes starting from $250 a night for three bedrooms. We like the Panoramic Paradise at Accom Rentals.
Did You Know
Umina Beach comes from the aboriginal word ‘a place to sleep’. And historically, the land was home to the Guringai Australian Aboriginal tribe.
Getting Around
Public transport isn’t so great in Umina Beach, with the nearest train station being found in Woy Woy. The best form of transport is car. However, it is also very bike friendly with a cycle track running from Gosford all the way through Umina and to Ettalong. And for the best part it is flat.
Umina Beach Property Prices
Looking at Umina Beach as a possible area for relocation? Well, the prices have shot up since 2020. In July 2021, the average house price was set at $850,000 with rentals on average around $450.
Congratulation!