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. 

First off feel how amazing is it to wake up on the water! Truly no better way to start to the day believes Marcia. After a cuppa on the front porch, head to Ettalong for brunch at COAST175. This buzzy little casual eatery is walking distance to the water where there is a regular ferry service that connects Ettalong, Wagstaffe and Palm Beach – a commuter ferry, and beautifully scenic day trip! Another must visit while in Ettalong is Tiki La La a shop all about vintage fashion and home wares. 

In the afternoon, Marcia took the family out to Bouddi National Park for an incredible picnic set up by Elixir Journeys. A bush walk will take you to this unforgettable clifftop location with a coastal view that will take your breath away. Food and champers will hit the spot too.

Next destination on Marcia's roadie is Toukley, to the recently renovated Beachcomber Hotel & Resort, or as the locals call it ‘The Beachie’, an iconic waterfront destination located in the heart of the Central Coast. With sweeping waterfront views, Hamptons-inspired ambiance, boutique-style accommodation, exclusive pool-club, multiple eateries and bars, it’s the perfect place to gear into holiday mode, even if it’s just for an afternoon.