The Anchor Coffee House is a local fave for a morning kickstart in Budgewoi. Seek out this cafe at the end of Ocean Street to enjoy a delicious range of brekky options including 'The Big Anchor'. This dog-friendly cafe also serves fresh smoothie bowls and barista coffee, meaning plenty of opportunities to meet the four-legged locals before you head out for the day.

Budgewoi Beach is patrolled by lifeguards in the peak summer season, and an absolute treat all year round for luxuriously long, secluded walks your dog will love in the Off-Leash Area. If you're a surfer, some great sets roll through here in autumn and winter. Try the Weemala Wetlands beach access route for some wild scenery and an epic lookout across the ocean to the protected Bird Island and beyond.

Order lunch from Swordfish Co in its long-standing spot by the bridge, the fresh options available in this little nook of Budgewoi are top-notch. Take away your choice of freshly cooked prawns, oysters, whole fish, fish fillets, lobsters, crabs, squid and more - best enjoyed relaxing by the wharf. 

Work off that fish & chippie lunch and wander to ​​​the iconic Budgewoi Footbridge at Mackenzie Reserve. Soak in the beauty of Budgewoi Lake. If you're feeling energetic, walk the shared pathway foreshore to Buff Point, or peddle the Darren Smith Memorial Cycleway toward Lakes Beach Cafe for a cold drink.

Whether you cycle here on the shared pathway, walk via the scenic beach, or drive to save time, this little hub tucked off the main road at Lakes Beach is a great stop for an afternoon refresher - cold can, ice cream or otherwise! If it's a hot day, this is the perfect chance for a paddle to work up that evening appetite.

Upstairs in Budgewoi Hotel is Lago Cucina, a contemporary Italian trattoria wanting to transport you to Italy. Enjoy bold flavours of Italian inspired dishes as you dine with glimpses over the lake capturing the essence of the Italian coastline. 

Enjoy an early morning yoga class (available 7 days a week), followed by breakfast in the garden of the Coast's soulful cafe, Komuniti. With its healthy, vegan menu options, lunching at this zen spot makes healthy eating simple and delicious. Their sustainable, organic menu is designed to help you maintain a happy body, mind and soul.

Shop the high street for bespoke handmade items and vintage goods. Great shops to stop at include Sorry Grandma, Tiki La La, and Webster’s for superb vintage, The Sound Exchange for its epic vinyl collection and Plain Janes for women's clothing and kid's fashion store.

Grab lunch at the Green Tangerine cafe and bakery, serving some fresh brunch options alongside a 'make your own mix' where you can craft your own dish of sourdough, eggs, bacon, avo, herby potatoes, greens, tomatoes and more. Don’t forget to grab an iconic photo in front of the famous ‘Welcome to Long Jetty’ mural on the side street of this vibing cafe.

Grab a freshly brewed coffee to go from The Morning Coffee Society and a couple of sweet treats and make your way to Long Jetty Foreshore Park. Let the kids enjoy the fresh outdoor air as they climb and clamber on the equipment while you take in the scenic views over the water. 

Hiding on Long Jetty's high street you'll find the entrance to The Savoy, a wonderfully restored 1950s cinema now open for dinner and drinks. Catch a classic film with pizza served to your seat, or simply kick back at the contemporary bar with good company to soak up this vibrant social hub.

This private beachside villa is an Air B &B hosted by TV personalities and design duo Kyal & Kara with its own private access and deck space to relax in, and features a hot outdoor shower. Fitted out with quality furnishings and fixtures and is equipped with everything you need!

So much more than your regular railway cafe, the Link and Pin is a great vibing venue to start your day off with a smile - and hearty breakfast! Enter via their rear lane access to enjoy their lovely and large hidden courtyard, which is also pet-friendly. Can you brave the large Brekky Plate?

Hop on a daily ferry ride from the newly redeveloped central Woy Woy Wharf and cruise through the Brisbane Water channels with Central Coast Ferries. There are also History & Heritage Tours available early mornings, exploring the waterways to Empire Bay, Davistown and Saratoga. Check the ferry timetable to plan your trip in advance.

Venture to Young Barons Food Store for fresh pastries, sandwiches, coffee, cakes and authentic Italian handmade deli items to create your own park picnic platter. Their curated store features cured meats, olives, dips, chutneys, pickled vegetables and boutique wine. Enjoy your spoils in nearby Memorial Park by the water.

One of Woy Woy’s highlights is its scenic foreshore. Follow the foreshore path to connect with Blackwall Mountain Reserve and walk to its lookout for vast views of Ettalong, Broken Bay, Lion Island and surrounding national parks. In the distance you can see Palm Beach in Sydney – it seems a world away! Walk down the other side to Booker Bay with an interesting walk through the streets of Orange Grove with views over Brisbane Water.

^{Image: @liam_burrows_official}

Grab a table, a cocktail, and order a slice of tropical life in Woy Woy’s Trafalgar Avenue social hub. Set within a calypso kitsch decor, your evening wraps up at Tropicana Social Club, a lively pizza bar with a selection of craft beers, ciders, sours, cocktails and boutique Australian sustainable wines.

A short stroll away from Woy Woy’s stunning waterways is a quaint cottage for those looking for a comfortable and convenient holiday retreat close to the town centre. The fully furnished cottage has an open space living and dining areas with a cosy western facing backyard. It is close to Phegans and Woy Woy waterways, ideal for those who enjoy a spot of fishing, boating or other water sports.

Breakfast in Gosford CBD is easy with a handful of specialty coffee houses in its centre on Mann Street. Start your day early with a hot cup of joe at The Good Bits Co, serving freshly baked croissants and more. Or head to Shop 3 Coffee to enjoy a great brew and fresh morning wrap as you watch the busy world go by.

_{Image: @thegoodbitsco}

In the heart of Gosford CBD, you can now have an unapologetically unconventional wedding ceremony. The newly opened City Hall Registry is a beautiful heritage listed Art Deco building complete with Romeo and Juliette balconettes and the ideal venue for the bride and groom who want a playful wedding embracing the scaled down alternative to a traditional wedding.  Book a tour and plan your Viva-Gos-Vegas style right here on the Central Coast!

Eat drink and laugh over a wonderfully fresh lunch At Baker Street, a Gosford restaurant run by the passionate Chef Daniel. Located just around the corner from the brewery, waterfront, park and stadium, this is a modern spot for good food made with heart, such as locally sourced oysters and a range of popular canapes.

Explore Gosford's local history at Henry Kendall Heritage Cottage, named after a poet and originally built by a convict around 1836. Set on 2.5 acres, the site is lovely for a picnic and wander through its museum for a glimpse into early settler life. Alternatively, escape to the green to enjoy a round of golf at Gosford Golf Club, located on Racecourse Road with 9 or 18 holes available.

For tasty food with the ultimate view - dinner at Drifter's Wharf takes the trophy. This newly renovated waterside venue is perched atop the water with floor to ceiling glass windows looking out across The Broadwater. Serving fresh seafood, unique cocktails and 50 taps of beer, arrive in style by boat, jetski, seaplane, train, shuttle bus, car, bike, or the old fashioned on foot! 

Sip and savour the taste of fresh artisan coffee first thing in the morning with a belly warming breakfast to fuel you for the day. Try the Egg Benny where poached eggs meet hollandaise bliss or indulge in a stack of fluffy pancakes. Watt Street Gosford also offers exceptionally crafted cupcakes at Cakes by Kyla, an award-winning baker (often selling out by lunchtime!).

Grab some fresh food and locally grown produce at the weekly Gosford Farmers Markets held in the open air at The Entertainment Grounds (Gosford's racecourse). With produce harvested from hinterland areas of the Central Coast, including Peats Ridge, Dooralong, Jilliby, Kulnura and Yarramalong, this is a taste of the regions amazing fresh food scene.   

Travel a few minutes to neighbouring East Gosford for lunch at Gos'Sips Lane. This chic, sophiscated space is where creativity and caffeine collide. With sleek industrial decor and the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a mouth watering menu options you'll definitely not want to miss a visit to eatery.

Feed the koi and catch an exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery. Capture a moment of zen in the Japanese-themed Edogawa Commemorative Garden. Join an immersive gallery tour in the adjoining gallery throughout the year. There are seasonal curated exhibition of both local and national artists, including big names like the Archibald Prize and important exhibitions highlighting Aboriginal artists of the region.

Enjoy an authentic Italian pizza or pasta dish at Pinnochio's, Gosford's wine and pizza bar, with a menu that offers flavours from across the key Italian foodie regions. This is the perfect place to grab a tasty bite to eat before heading to your next action-packed stop at the stadium.

Cheer-on a game at Central Coast Stadium. Hosting a number of national sporting matches across codes, concerts and events throughout the year. Be sure to catch a home game for the mighty Central Coast Mariners.

Rumour among early birds is that Soldiers Beach and Norah Head Lighthouse present the best sunrise spots on the Central Coast. Is it true? There's only one way to find out! Get up to enjoy that pre-dawn blue light and capture the day from its very beginning - from Budgewoi you're just 5 minutes away from this magnificent spectacle.

There are several friendly little morning coffee hubs in Budgewoi, including the Cafe One Fifty Four and Birdy Cafe. If you've gone coastal for an early sunrise and beach day, The Island Cafe at Norah Head captures the essence of calm and cool coastal life perfectly, with a popular Patisserie next door. Don't miss the great photo opportunity in front this cafe's interior wall mural (a must for The Gram).

 _{Image: The Island Cafe}

Boldly known as 'The Rockpool', this Norah Head icon is made for making memories (and sandcastles). Offering safe, calm waters in the southern corner of Cabbage Tree Harbour, you'll discover fascinating rock pools to explore with the whole family. It's free and it's hours of fun in the sun. 

From The Rockpool beach, climb to the top of the stairs through a nature reserve and you will find The General Store cafe. This coffee spot serves up healthy, fresh lunch options to elevate your day spent exploring the great outdoors, with open air dining and tables thoughtfully placed in the leafy surrounds of the trees.

Walk the Headland Nature Trail to see the Norah Head Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse has 360 degree views and is a great place to explore the heritage of the area. Book a guided tour to delve into its history, or even stay the night like a real lighthouse keeper in the stylishly refurbished quarters of yesteryear! Finish with a refreshing Yum Fast Nutrition drink to replenish your body after climbing all those steps.

A secret little beach along the coastline between Norah Head and Budgewoi offers a free art show - its natural rock sculpture is the fascination of locals and a special subject for a photo. Visit Hargraves Beach to see the large sculpture by Mother Nature on your way back north to Budgewoi. 

 _{Image: @tizianalorena}

For quality dining local to Budgewoi, you can't go past La Bocca Woodfired Pizzeria for their traditional woodfire pizza, and steaks, pasta and ribs. Feel like an extended member of the family in this family friendly restaurant. La Bocca is a must for those craving an authentic Italian crust.

Johny Tapas is the perfect place to end your day with some drinks, laughs, and maybe a few cheeky plates of tapas or dessert. With Mr Black and Moores Gin featured on the cocktail menu and Grant Molony art painted on the walls, this venue loves championing local talent.

Located in The Clan on the foreshore of Terrigal Lagoon, this Tudor-style establishment called Maccoa is a local favourite for breakfast. The view is fantastic and the menu is superbly fresh. Expect classics like eggs benedict and avo smash plus the Maccoa Big Brekky for hungry hearts. Produce is sourced from Central Coast businesses including Killarney Bakery, Coastal Providores, the Egg Shed and even gin from Distillery Botanica (for later).

A picture perfect postcard of Terrigal! Explore the lagoon on one of many brightly coloured paddleboats for hire. Laughs are almost guaranteed as you and your boating partner navigate the waterway as stylishly as possible, or simply use the time floating along the surface to chill and chat. Plus if you went for that big breakfast at Maccoa, this activity is right next door and ready to work up an appetite for lunch.

Beside Terrigal Lagoon you'll discover a shady, family-friendly green space featuring Parklife Coffee and the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre. Park your excitement to enter the centre and refuel with freshly roasted coffee and a bite at the outdoor cafe. This is a great spot for the whole family, as kids can go wild in the cute playground, while parents take a moment of me-time, or even pull up a picnic rug.

Dive under the surface to learn more about the local marine wonderland at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre. This family-friendly educational experience invites children to explore and interact with the world under the waves by painting a sea creature, building a whale, or creating a turtle. It's also completely adult-friendly, with hands-on museum exhibits and displays with fascinating insight into the HMAS shipwreck just off Terrigal's coast.

As sunset falls over Terrigal's shores, grab a table at one of many restaurants lining the high street. Choose from Thai food at Thaiger Temple, pizza at Four Hands, or fresh seafood from Swells Terrigal. There's a range of global flavours dished up every weekend in the heart of Terrigal, just remember to book ahead to secure your spot as these beachfront dinner venues are often hives of activity.

If you haven't tried to conquer the famous 'Ice cream Sink' at Terrigal Icecreamery, have you even been to Terrigal? This food challenge has long been a favoured past-time for locals of all ages, but it's now a trend for visitors to attempt eating a ridiculous amount of scoops to secure their photo on the parlour's wall. Choose your flavours wisely and definitely enlist a mate.

Stay the night on the edge of the iconic Terrigal Lagoon at The Clan, completing the perfect loop from where you had breakfast in the morning. This accommodation offers a cottage-style elegance that will ensure you feel equal measures of cosiness, comfort, and seaside charm. You can also catch the magnificent sunrise from this location by setting the alarm and stepping out onto the sandy shores of the lagoon.

Before you make your way to spending a day exploring The Haven, start your morning off with a fresh cup of coffee. Located further up the north end of Terrigal Beach, stop by Luna Cafe. Breathe in that fresh sea breeze as you sip away on your cappuccino, and if you're closer to The Haven, stop by Legend Coffee. This coffee bar uses their very own coffee beans roasted in-house at their roastery in West Gosford, so you know you're getting the good stuff with every sip.

If you've dreamt of exploring the world under the sea, grab a chance to learn to scuba dive with the experts at ProDive Central Coast. Explore the ex-HMAS Adelaide, the largest warship off the NSW coast, which sits just a few kilometres off Terrigal's shore. Now considered a world-class dive attraction, this huge vessel is a purposely-scuttled diver recreation area with a lively artificial reef.

Dry off and venture just a stone's throw to the Haven Beach Kiosk for lunch. This place often has a queue for fresh fish and chips around lunchtime. Enjoy your hot parcel of seafood seaside on the cafe's outdoor deck, at one of the picnic tables looking out to Terrigal Beach, or on the grassy hills surrounding The Haven.

One of Terrigal's iconic attractions is its steep headland lookout, The Skillion. Stretch your legs with a short but sharp walk to the peak of this popular spot for panoramic photos. Views extend from Avoca Beach in the south to Forresters Beach in the north. Watch sunset from here or spot a whale during their annual migration, along with occasional pods of dolphins playing off shore.

After swimming, diving and walking up The Skillion, you're probably famished? A short walk along the Terrigal boardwalk will bring you to Meribella, a fine dining restaurant with a contemporary take on old world charm classics. Take in picturesque epic water view thanks to the glass conservatory the restaurant is housed in.  It's highly recommended to book a table, especially if you're dining around dusk when the vistas are spectacular. 

The Star of the Sea luxury apartments boast some of the best accommodation views across the entire Central Coast. Situated atop the headland between the bustling Terrigal Esplanade and The Haven, you're perched in the perfect position to easily access the town centre for its nightlife, and the secluded cove for a revitalising morning swim. 

Breakfast like a local at corner cafe Mr Sha Shas, serving delish food with vegan options, smoothies, fresh pastries and more with sustainability at the heart of their operations. Grab a coffee and take in their everchanging gallery space, or sit back and watch the Long Jetty neighbourhood as it wakes up.

Visit Burnt Honey Bakery to stock up on artisan pastries ready to enjoy for a mid morning snack. Walk, ride or scoot along the Long Jetty shared pathway running the foreshore of Tuggerah Lake. You also need to make three important scenic stops - walk the three heritage jetties - Parry’s Jetty, Watkin’s Jetty, and of course The Long Jetty stretching 350m into the lake's centre.

Grab an easy lunch at one of the many Long Jetty options. For casual takeaway to enjoy down by the lake try The Pelican, serving a range of seafood lunches with a famously great burger menu. Or try a fresh loaded roll from Long Jetty Charcoal Chicken, serving the neighbourhood since 1981 - the fact there's always a queue tells you something.

Continue your stroll along the boutiques of the high street, now in search of special fashion and homeware items to take home. At the very top of the neighbourhood there's Home by the Jetty, in its centre there's Wildberry Boutique, Ohana Boutique, Sadie Lou, Kloth Long Jetty, , Shadow Bang Apothecary & Supply for dried flowers and homewares and The Bang Threads & Espresso.

This evening’s dinner venue provides the perfect reason to drop into Upstairs Wines for a tasting session with a strong focus on natural, small batch & minimal intervention wines, beers & spirits from Australia & around the world that you can BYO to your next stop.

Settle in a for an evening of handmade artisan Italian food, cooked with fresh local ingredients and made with the spirit of Italy! Indulge in the authentic Tuscan tastes right here on the Coast and treat yourself to tasty pastas and meatballs with Napoletana. This family friendly restaurant will have you part of the owner's family in no time! 

Explore the Coast to Lake Walk on foot or bicycle (bikes can be hired en route at The Entrance). The 7.6km total loop walk is a great way to see the local neighbourhoods, and the accessible walk is designed to enjoy as much or as little as you feel. Today you are following it from Long Jetty to Toowoon Bay, from lake to bay. Look out for the blue, green & pink signage to guide you.

Once you've reached Toowoon Bay, it's time to take a break and admire the scenery. This little neighbourhood has big options available for breakfast - try family run Flour & Co that has been serving since 1988.

Toowoon Bay beach is an excellent family friendly beach with calm waters and is patrolled during the summer months. It offers great snorkeling opportunities and is perfect for stand-up paddle boarding too. There's a kiosk on site for a cold drink and you can venture across the small rock platform to easily reach the neighbouring shores of North Shelly Beach, a popular dog-friendly spot. 

After a few hours spent paddling at the beach, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of Toowoon's central eateries. Cecilia's on the corner serve lunch by day, and by night transform into a restaurant and wine bar. For today, you're attention should be drawn to their freshly shucked oysters!

Head to Swadling Reserve, a popular green space for families and couples to relax, read a book, watch the waves, or head down to Toowoon Bay beach for another paddle after lunch. If you're with the kids, the playground here is one of the best on the Central Coast, surrounded by shaded space to watch the little ones safely play.

Located within The Quarters at Forresters Beach the “pantry to the resort” where guests and locals come to get their fixings and enjoy some seriously good produce. A beautiful poolside venue to enjoy luxurious specialty coffee, an all-day brunch menu and lovingly designed and researched wine and cocktail menus. You can take a seat inside the café or sit in the courtyard and enjoy the sun poolside.