Nestled between mystical mountains and captivating waterways, wake up to a fragrant blend of blue gum eucalyptus trees and sea mist perfume from your national park surroundings. No wonder why the Aboriginal meaning for Umina is - place of sleep. Fall into the locals' laid back way of life. Learn to surf or SUP with Central Coast Surf School - the waters are calm and swells never get too large here. Or, opt for a stretch at Umina Beach Yoga.

Walk or cycle the shared pathway joining seaside villages, hugging the water's edge from Umina to Ocean Beach to Ettalong, and around to Woy Woy. Take your own bicycle, or rent one from Ride Ettalong. Stop off at The BOX on the Water's takeaway kiosk for a brekky wrap and coffee. A great spot for admiring the scenery, or people watching! Check the Central Coast Ferry timetable to plan Empire Bay to Woy Woy ferry times...

After a cycle around the most scenic pathways, board the local Central Coast Ferry to explore the historic waterways of Brisbane Waters' prolific shipbuilding history. Circle St Hubert's Island from Empire Bay, passing Kincumber, Davistown, Daley’s Point, and Blackwall. Arrive back at the town of Woy Woy with its fresh seafood market, endless waterway views and hidden foodie spots.

Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf has been serving freshly caught seafood on the Central Coast for over 40 years. Pat Cregan started the business in Woy Woy in 1974 serving the best quality seafood as simply as possible. You won't argue with their ocean to plate menu! Sit above the piers, water lapping beneath you, and views across to Pelican Island (notice oyster leases farming the Akoya oyster pearls).

Before leaving Woy Woy, pop into see the husband and wife duo at Young Barons, an artisan Italian deli-pantry-pastry hub in the town centre. Curate some select sweet or savoury treats for back at the RV this evening. You may want to grab a freshly made pasta pack and bottle of vino from their thoughtful collection to enjoy as the sun goes down at your campsite.

A unique dining precinct finds thousands of visitors returning each year, with a hard choice between hatted Turkish-inspired Safran Restaurant, or authentic La Fiamma Woodfired Pizzeria. Either way, enjoy the ambience of the Ettalong Galleria courtyard that feels more like a romantic getaway - piazza style - boasting humble Bologna or Naples vibes.

See some of New South Wales' most incredible Aboriginal rock engravings, each thousands of years old telling stories about the creator spirit of the local land and the star world. Discover the ancestral Creation Dreaming story of God Creator, Baiyami, at this significant Central Coast Aboriginal Art Site. Learn his journey across the Mirrabooka (Milky Way) arriving at sacred Mount Yengo. Contact Darkinjung Cultural Tours or Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences for a guided experience.

Check in for the next few days at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina Beach. Wake up to the sound of waves in Broken Bay, with hiking trails to Mt Ettalong Lookout, Pearl Beach Rockpool, Pearl Beach to Patonga trail, Warrah lookout, and Elephant Rock in Brisbane Water National Park. With direct beach access, this Park is within walking distance to Umina and Ettalong's restaurants via a coastal pathway.

Take in the awe-inspiring Broken Bay in all its glory with a short hike to Mt Ettalong Lookout. Situated on a large sandstone boulder with great views along Umina Beach back to your campground, across to Box Head and the South Pacific Ocean, protected Lion Island, and Barrenjoey lighthouse through to Pittwater. An amazing spot to get your bearings - you'll be calling into these seaside villages over the next few days!

With all your walking planned today, a local-inspired lunch at Pearly's is well-deserved with delicious meals designed by renowned Chef Pauly Mac, alongside Head Chef Cam. Grab a gelato to go in the general store and hit the southern beach for a dip in Pearl Beach's historic rockpool with spectacular ocean views.

Take a refreshing dip with the locals in Pearl Beach Rockpool, with stunning views across Broken Bay. Situated just across the road from Pearl Beach Cafe you'll find there are important engraved notes by Captain Arthur Phillip and Lieutenant Bradley commemorating their first visit to Broken Bay in March 1788. 

Warrah Lookout offers spectacular views across Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River; a top spot to visit all year round. But the area is also known as Warratah Patch by locals as it's one of the best places in Brisbane Water National Park to see these fiery-red flowers. Don't miss their stunning late-winter bloom on display. Elephant Rock is the location to capture a winning sunset shot.

Start this journey at NSW's only pearl farm! The Shellar Door of Broken Bay Pearl Farm grow two varieties of oysters on the waterways of Broken Bay and Brisbane Water. Taste their world-famous Sydney Rock Oysters, plus the locally and sustainably grown Akoya, which is not only tasty but produces among the finest quality pearls grown anywhere in the world.

Now for an epic waterfall ride through the Central Coast's stunning natural cascades! There's the popular Somersby Falls, named one of the 7 best waterfalls in New South Wales, ideal for a swim in the heat of summer at its lower pool, with the water forming a stunning liquid curtain to shower beneath. Or just around the corner seek out Girrakool Falls on the Piles Creek Loop Track, a great lesser-known option with a diverse 4km bushwalk for the adventurous.

An ecotourism gem of the Central Coast, Strickland State Forest is 100% free, family and dog-friendly, and filled with many amazing ways to enjoy nature - with its own waterfall too. Park at the Banksia Picnic Area, find the signs that lead to 'Strickland Falls' or the Arboretum Loop. There are several loop tracks in this forest, ranging from challenging hikes along rainforest ridges to simple tracks through the tree museum, one of the oldest arboretum's in Australia.

Hop on the Central Coast's harvest trail growing citrus, avocado, cucumbers, flowers, and more with a list of eco-conscious farm-gate experiences, markets, and honesty boxes. Follow scenic Peats Ridge Road that loops around Glenworth Valley to find your choice of quality produce. Check ahead to stock up at seasonal farms like S & S Peruch Avocado, Wavertree, Sparacino, Meliora Farm and Mangrove Mountain Country Markets on weekends.

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures offer a unique camping experience to take in the Coast’s hinterland scenery spanning 3,000 acres of wilderness. Arrive here in time for the ‘Man from Snowy River’ running of the horses around 4pm (dusk) daily. Settle in at your campsite beside Popran Creek under the stars with an open fire and the faint sound of 200 horses in the background.

After having lunch at The Beachie and checking out, head to the Central Coast hinterland to Iris Lodge Alpacas for a farm experience. The kids and Marcia absolutely loved it. They got up close and personal with the Alpacas, Wiltipoll sheep, horses and cows, and their Maremma Lola. Adorable! 

On the way home visit the iconic Australian Reptile Park for a ‘VIP Behind the Scenes’ experience.You'll enjoy up meeting a python, Koalas, kangaroos, and the biggest tortoise you'll ever see up close and personal.

A recommended lunch stop on the way home is Saddles at Mt White- a Bakehouse eatery with a quintessential Australian bush backdrop at Mt White. Run by Hayley and Cameron Cansdell, local Central Coast based restaurateurs.