Early birds can head to this pretty as a picture seaside cafe on Ocean View Road, open early every day of the week. Serving all your coffee, cake or avo smash needs, there's plenty of tables inside and out in their garden terrace, with a menu boasting specialities such as lemon French toast and salty coast fries. Grab a sweet takeaway treat for your onward journey.

Head just down the street from your morning cafe, toward Booker Bay, to find Anderson's Boatshed, a local favourite for hiring watercrafts. Choose your adventure on Brisbane Water: explore on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or book a BBQ Boat and drop anchor in a local bay to enjoy the serenity of being surrounded by crystal clear water you can dive into.

Treat yourself to a wholesome lunch to make you feel good inside and out at Inner Glow Kiosk. Designed as a walk-in juice bar meets cafe, this charming little foodie stop is just the ticket for eating fresh fruit, juice, yoghurt or salad and will set a positively good tone for your afternoon ahead.

Choose an entry point into the Galleria Ettalong, a Mediterranean-inspired collection of shops, markets, bars and restaurants. There's even a quaint arthouse cinema tucked inside this fascinating complex. Wander through its eclectic shops and vintage bookstores, or venture to neighbouring home and fashion boutiques Salmon & Co. and Amour Loves Fashion.

For a Peninsula dinner to remember - dine at Safran, within the Galleria. Headed up by seasoned chef Sulo, who brings colourful culinary flavours from his home by the Black Sea, you will experience exceptional contemporary Turkish cuisine at one of the Central Coast's hatted restaurants. There are set menus available with wine pairings and the presentation is a photographer's delight.

Time to chill with a bar-side bite. The vibe at Bar Toto is lively and the cocktail menu is exciting. From an Oscar's Wild to a Cherry Poppins, the creative influence goes far beyond the glass! Choose your poison and pair it with one of their delicious antipasti, which includes cured meats, cheeses and some of the Coast's most popular arancini balls.

Stay in little Italy, also known as the Galleria at Ettalong Beach. Surrounded by Roman-esque courtyards, sculptures and dramatic oil paintings, you experience all the ambience of a Mediterranean village in a beautiful, boutique room just two minutes walk from the ocean, with Ettalong's most popular shops, cafes and restaurants on your doorstep.

Kick start your day with an exceptional morning brew at punk-pink cafe Lords of Pour, right next door to The Galleria market precinct. Any little ones present will love their delicious smoothies or cold-pressed juices, while seasoned brunchers can enjoy their classy breakfast roll selections or fresh pastries and whopper slices of homemade cake.

The best way to explore Ettalong's foreshore is by bike. Hire one easily with Boomerang Bikes of Ettalong and peddle along The Esplanade as far as neighbouring Umina Beach. You will find bikes ready for hire on the corner of Beach Street and The Esplanade, opposite The Box on the Water café, just behind Ettalong Diggers (with handy locks and helmets available at their reception).  

Within The Galleria precinct at Ettalong, follow your nose to find scrumptious baked goods at RISE Artisan Bakery. With every pastry treat baked fresh in the morning, you will feel like you're strolling a European city, and can even grab some exceptionally handmade sourdough to take home with you.

What is a seaside escape without a day spa experience weaved in? Within the large resort building of Ettalong Diggers, you'll find Mantra - Ettalong’s Advanced Skin Spa. The therapists offer a variety of facial, body and massage treatments including the popular Slow Flow Massage, that chimes perfectly with the calming vibes of this town.

Arguably in one of the best waterfront spots on the Peninsula, The Box on the Water is part daytime beach kiosk cafe and part evening restaurant with smart-casual dining. From local tap beers and refreshing afternoon Aperols alongside modern Australian cuisine, this is a fine spot to enjoy a sundowner in style peering across Broken Bay.

You can't get much more convenient than landing a room at modern accommodation right opposite the beach. Mantra Ettalong Beach combines Broken Bay views with the relaxed atmosphere of this friendly seaside village. There's even a pool that looks out onto the ocean, and rooms are available with spa baths to complete your luxury experience.

Start your day with a smile at this friendly, peek-a-boo roadside café. Rise Mofo delivers a fresh, simple menu with a chance to grab an Instagram-worthy photo in front of their stunning colourful wall mural.  

A short distance from the main street of Toukley, over the bridge in Gorokan, you'll find Wallarah Point Peace Park on the edge of Tuggerah Lake. Peaceful, scenic and shady, it's perfect for picnics, pelican spotting - and for the little ones there's unlimited rides down the colourful double storey rainbow slide!

No visit to the Central Coast is complete without browsing some modern coastal home interior boutiques. In this northern reach of the region you'll find Coastal Road, a light and airy shopfront by the lake with a range of curated wares celebrating all that is charming about life by the sea. Pick up a souvenir to bring your holiday home with you.

The food scene continues to heat up in Toukley, with the addition of this authentic Mexican cantina, inspired by the vibrancy of eateries in the Baja Peninsula region. Located right in the centre of town, Mexicoast makes for a colourful lunch stop, serving jalapeno poppers, charred corn on the cob, street quesadillas and caramel-filled churros.

Toukley Village Green is now home to the Gallery Container which houses local artist in residence display their stunning artwork. Pop in and browse the exhibition space, immerse yourself in the installations, chat to the artist and stay for an engaging workshop or talk. The artists rotate every 3 months, so there is always something new and creative to discover.

Work up your appetite by fishing, water-skiing, wind-surfing, SUPing, canoeing or kayaking on the lake, or simply exploring the picturesque foreshore on foot. Refuel for the evening at Hart & Soul Bar and Grill and sip on delightful cocktails. A perfect location to relax, have fun and eat delicious fresh food. 

Canton Beach Holiday Park is the perfect, family-friendly place to rest your head for the evening. Just a few streets from Toukley's Main Road you'lll find the modest suburb of Canton Beach, with your accommodation surrounded by a vast array of native flora and fauna thanks to the wetland waterways and Wyrrabalong National Park just around the corner.

Your first stop for the day is to Island Café in Norah Head. Locally renowned for excellent coffee & food, it's the perfect place to start the day right by fuelling yourself up with a delicious breakfast. Enjoy the relaxed coastal vibes and treat yourself to zucchini fritters or a mouth-watering granola bowl. 

If you love discovering beachy boutiques full of quaint and unique clothing, accessories & homewares, this next stop is for you! Yasmin Starkey started Frankie Lifestyle in 2016, especially for the females who love a relaxed coastal lifestyle. From beautiful handcrafted jewellery to flowy beach dresses, Frankie Lifestyle showcases many unique Aussie brands allowing you to look fantastic while supporting the local economy! 

After shopping up a storm, it's time to explore the beautiful Norah Head scenery! The Norah Head Lighthouse walk showcases some of the most picturesque sights on the Coast. The whole walk will take you around one hour in total to complete and is a relatively easy walking track, so you won't require a high level of fitness. To begin the walk, park your car at Bush St Reserve (near the intersection with Young St) and look for the information board; this is where the track begins.

After soaking up the stunning scenery, you'll be ready for lunch, and your next stop certainly won't disappoint. Johnny Tapas is a fun and stylish space for you to enjoy delicious food, excellent cocktails and have a great time. From wood-fired pizzas and spicy margaritas to fried cauliflower, Johnny Tapas has an ever-changing menu full of exciting flavours and options that will blow your mind.

Your next stop will provide all the overseas holiday vibes without needing a passport. The Beachie is a slice of paradise located on beautiful Budgewoi Lake. Boasting a Hampton style ambience and situated right on the water, you'll feel instantly relaxed upon arrival. Check-in, order a cocktail from the luxurious poolside bar and enjoy the sunset. If you dine here, the Baja fish tacos are amazingly delicious!

One of the best ways to approach this town is by driving down the scenic Woy Woy Road and taking a worthy stop at Staples Lookout to see the Central Coast open up before you at sunrise. The name ‘woy woy’ originates from the Guringgai language, meaning ‘much water’ or ‘big lagoon’. Take a moment to stop at the nearby Bulgandry Aboriginal Engraving Site as well.

By now you’ve worked up an appetite and it’s time to feed your soul from a selection of fresh juices, smoothies and healthy brunch essentials at Gnostic Mana Café – home of the all-day breakfast. Enjoy certified organic coffee with milk chocolate and dried fruit notes, and colourful veggie, vegan and gluten free options that will leave you satisfied and ready to explore.

Shop the Gnostic Corner for all things health, wellness, fashion and homewares. This local co-operative has 9 unique shopfronts in the one spot that each sell fair-trade goodies, fresh flowers, crystals, ethical clothing and new age books. For something different - check out their weekly event calendar to try hypnotherapy, yoga or visit their apothecary.

Fishermen’s Wharf is an award-winning Central Coast icon perched on the picturesque Brisbane Water, run by the Cregan-Clayton family since the mid-1970s. Your lunch is some of the region's freshest seafood! Check their daily blackboard menu of classics, or choose from the market and they'll cook it up. 

Take a stroll along the scenic Woy Woy waterfront. The recently restored War Memorial is almost 100 years old and surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. Your path follows the waterway offering a wave of old-world charm as you walk past people picnicking and fishing boats bobbing in the water. If you feel energetic, follow the path past the popular boat ramps and Lions Park around the point for a glimpse of the iconic Rip Bridge and Pelicans Spot nature reserve.

The Bayview – You’ll feel a sense of comfort as you walk through the door of this recently renovated family-owned and operated hotel with stylish accommodation options. Head for a sundowner session at Frankie's Rooftop with its Japanese-inspired menu and a colourful cocktail menu, or pop downstairs for traditional pub classics at the bistro.

After a peaceful night's rest in the tranquillity of bush-set Noonaweena, hit the road to continue your journey through the Central Coast. First stop for today is one of Australia's best-kept secrets. Saddles Restaurant is one of the most stunning venues you'll ever see with an incredible menu of breakfast classics with an innovative twist. Sit outside to soak up the lakeside views on the deck! And grab a photo barside on the bar saddle seats near the Piano Bar.

One of the best things about exploring the Central Coast is having direct access to some of the freshest farm produce in Australia. Grace Springs Farm has everything from pasteurised eggs to honey and fresh fruit & vegetables. Book in to do a farm tour to see exactly where your food comes from and how it's lovingly grown by the Grace Springs team. You'll experience live cow milking demonstrations, egg collecting, piglet feeding, and you might even score a cuddle from one of the chooks.

Get off the beaten track again to discover more fresh produce available on the Central Coast. Christine, Hannah & Tim are Mangrove Mountain locals using their 20+ years of farming experience to show visitors how to source and enjoy Mangrove Mountain's best with Mountain Goat Farm Trails. From working farm walks where you'll see what daily life working on a farm is like to the 'Hand-Picked Tours' where you'll learn about sustainable farming and enjoy a wine or two.

After a jam-packed day of exploring the Central Coast Hinterland, it's time for a well-deserved lunch at The Sitting Duck. An innovative paddock to plate dining experience, Chef Dan will serve you unique dishes featuring local produce and creative flavour combinations that will not disappoint. Make sure you stop by the Duck Inn and enjoy a bush inspired cocktail, locally brewed craft beer or local gin while soaking up the fantastic views of the hinterland.

All that's left to do now is to make your way back home to enjoy your full esky brimming with local treats! Thank you for adventuring with #EmptyEsky, and be sure to spread the word about all the local hidden gems you discovered on your road trip!

Remember to tag #LoveCentralCoast and #EmptyEsky so we can share your road trip with the rest of Australia.

Kick-start today with a delicious breakfast enjoyed with a front row view of the Avoca beachfront. Both The Point Cafe and Avoca Sands Cafe offer perfect spots to watch all the morning people as they take to the waves, jog along the coastline, or take a refreshing dip in the rockpool. You couldn't ask for a better coastal view, but you can ask for a second coffee.

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​​​​​​Enjoy the morning at Avoca Beach - why not give beginner's surf lessons a crack? You're in safe hands with Central Coast Surf Academy, founded by ex-World Tour Surfer Amee Donohoe. Classes are designed to help build your water confidence and beach awareness on the way to catching your first wave.

Opening in the craziness of 2020, Avoca's own specialty coffee curators, Social Junction, offer a great place for a pick me up. Grab a seat by their larger than life wall mural and choose from the classic eggs benny or B&E, to veggie stacks and summertime juices. And if you love your coffee, why not browse their beans for a take home souvenir.

Catch an arthouse film at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, a local icon famous for its eclectic movie screenings since 1948. This old-school cinema is still run by the same family who arrived in Avoca in 1932! Voted a Top 20 Cinema of the World by the BBC, and Top 10 in the World by the New York Men’s Journal, they even offer a cafe-bar serving local craft beers and al fresco films.

Dine in at Avoca Beach House for sunset to fully appreciate the 180 degree vista at this seafront restaurant, freshly refurbed in 2021. They have a great choice of quality seafood, grill and share-style platters with a 5-star location. Enjoy a refreshing sundowner drink on their outdoor deck to soak up the action-packed day that's been. 

A quaint way to kickstart your day exploring the surrounds of Toukley is breakfast at the Village Cafe in the cosy community of Noraville. Travel along the Main Road in the direction of the beach and you'll spot this local gem on the corner of Pandora Parade, ready to prep you a hot breakfast.

Make your way to the south side of Norah Head's headland. Considered one of the best beaches for catching a break on the Central Coast, Soldiers Beach does not disappoint when it comes to weekend adventures, whether you're surfing, paddling or walking. Steep sandy paths lead down the surrounding dunes to the shore, with an on-site kiosk for refreshments.

A day on the waves deserves a generous lunch with a top class view. Visit beachside cafe, The Kraken Kiosk, perched atop the stairs to Soldiers Beach. Serving simple takeaway bacon & egg rolls, wraps of the day, chips with the special "Kraken" salt blend or the epic 'Kraken Burger' - devoured with a view down to the dunes of course.

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One of the hidden gems of the Central Coast's north is Canton Beach Paddle Shack. It's impressive location right on the edge of the lake is equalled by its large range of watercrafts ready to hire. Simply choose your stand-up paddleboard or kayak and take to the lake for some adventure! If you've brought your furry pet on holiday, they are welcome on the water too.

Located on the upper floor of Soldiers Beach Surf Club, offering panoramic coastal views, you will find Dunes by Dish. This tapas bar and oceanfront restaurant is kid-friendly and a popular spot for spending an evening after a day at the beach, when everyone’s appetites are sky high.

Stay in a coastal lighthouse for something magnificently different. Perfectly positioned to take in the pristine coastal vista with access to the local rockpool and beaches, there are two heritage listed Light Keeper’s Quarters available. Both are fully fenced with generous living areas, well equipped kitchens and laundries. This is the best spot to enjoy privacy, peace - and an unforgettable sunrise.

A growing number of coffee houses and casually cool cafes are popping up in Gosford, but for freshly roasted coffee enjoyed next to the brewers themselves, head to Legend Coffee & Culture at West Gosford. Coffee lovers are spoilt for choice with both filter and espresso blends available daily alongside jam-packed toasties, fresh pastries, and themed bags of quality beans roasted by the Legend crew.

Taste-test your way through a behind the scenes tour of The Factory at West Gosford, or let the kids indulge in a Junior Chocolatier Workshop so they can become the next Willy Wonka! The Factory creates their own gourmet chocolate and nougat with a wide range of delectable treats and gifts available in their sweet shop. There's even an on-site cafe for a hot cuppa to ebb that feeling of sugary indulgence.

With its designer interior, brunch and long lunches are best enjoyed in the filtered sun of South End Social, or in a cosy booth. Try their carefully curated wine or local beers, hand-crafted cocktails and a menu inspired by the lifestyle and flavours of the Mediterranean.

Learn about the Aboriginal heritage of Gosford's story with a stroll through the accessible Leagues Club Park on the edge of the beautiful Brisbane Water. The Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council played an integral part in the park's new design. Check out the innovative ‘tidal terrace’ - as the tide rises and falls sandstone animal 'islands' are revealed, each inspired by the nearby Bulgandry Aboriginal Rock Engraving Site.

Enjoy a craft beer at Bay Road Brewing, a microbrewery in the heart of Gosford making waves since its opening in late 2019. Housed in a light, bright and airy warehouse space, the philosophy is all about crafting delicious beer for the community to enjoy as it's proudly made by locals. Check out what's on tap and spot the giant wall mural octopus painted by beloved community artist, Grant Molony.

Hotel Gosford is a classic 1920s pub on the corner of Gosford's high street. Its social bar and restaurant are stylishly reimagined with a nod to the past. Enjoy Earl's Kitchen cuisine crafted by Chef Mark Wisemen among the contemporary dining space and sleek, open air appeal.

See a show at the region's popular performing arts venue, Laycock Street Community Theatre. Browse their annual season of hand-picked, international shows and touring productions, including everything from orchestras, bands, schools, concerts, comedies and the Gosford Musical Society, who have called Laycock home for 30 years. And yes, there's a fully licensed bar too.

Recently upgraded Peninsula Recreation Precinct is where the kids will want to be! With a new BMX and skatepark, bouldering wall, tennis, futsal and basketball courts, shaded fenced play area for tots and a multi-play space for school aged kids, this state of the art park is a must visit.  Enjoy the quality on-site cafe, Jasmine Greens Kiosk,  serving many veggie, vegan and gluten-free options, with a fully tummies, the kids can head back to the park, while you enjoy another morning coffee! 

A quick stop at the viewing platform in front of the Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club will reveal a cheeky sign, reading 'The Deck of Excuses'. Whether you judge the waves, the water or where to put your towel, this spot is great for taking a panoramic photo of Broken Bay. The idea is to stop thinking of venturing onto the beach and just do it!

Venture to the Coast's 'ceramic cafe' located on West Street for a chance to get your hands dirty while playing with clay and find your sense of calm. Open early mornings until lunchtime, drop in to browse their wares and grab a good coffee, or book ahead for their workshops where you can create your own mug, succulent vase or learn how to "throw" on the wheel. 

There is no finer spot in Umina to enjoy lunch with a sea view than Margarita Daze, perched literally on the edge of the sand with an outdoor deck and large glass windows to appreciate the view from indoors too. The bright, airy venue serves fresh pub classics alongside pizza, seafood and light bites. 

Whether you're a seasoned stand-up paddle boarder, or this is your first time balancing on the water, local Umina Beach business MANASUP is an accredited stand up paddle school ready to fill your day with fun. Open every weekend for hires, be sure to book your board ahead.

Grab your sombrero, gather your amigas and amigos and join the Mexican fiesta in Umina Beach at Don Pedros! This zesty restaurant is an explosion of all things Mexican with flavour packed feasts of chilli and lime mixed with a big serving of vibrant vibes!  Enjoy crispy prawn and soft shell crab tacos and fish ceviche or pulled pork belly taco and spare rib share plates, and don't forget the Margarita!