For breakfast, you're spoilt for choice today! Take your pick from the many brunch spots within minutes of the waves. Island Time Espresso will serve up smoothie bowls and holiday vibes, while Freestate Cafe is great for the whole family (even your furry friends!). You’ll love the front row ocean views from Aromas On Sea, known for serving up outstanding coffee on The Esplanade, with a menu inspired by seasonal produce from local farms.

​​​​​​Venture with your pre-packed beach bag onto the golden sand of Terrigal Beach and lay your towel down for a morning of relaxation. The beach is superbly located for public amenities, refreshments and even has a shady cafe below the Surf Life Saving Club. When you fancy a dip, the waves are welcoming and calm, while the view across the Pacific is simply amazing. Little kiddies can enjoy a paddle in the accessible Terrigal Rockpool, by the Boardwalk at the southern end of the beach.

Grab a casual lunch on the outdoor terrace of Terrigal Beach House, a stylish coastal hangout fondly known to locals as 'The Beery'. The food is wonderfully simple here - expect woodfired pizzas, fresh fish tacos and local beer on tap. Catch live music in their beachside beer garden to fully embrace the atmosphere of Terrigal on the weekend, with bands playing most Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evenings.

After lunch it's time to soak up the beautiful surrounds of your day spent by the seaside. No need to hop in the car - simply head on foot to the new Terrigal Boardwalk, installed in 2021 to connect the Promenade to The Haven. This architectural marvel is fully accessible and provides a stunning tour of the ocean below and beyond. With seating to admire the view, this is the perfect afternoon spot for family photos and dolphin watching.

No visit to Terrigal is complete without indulging in a gourmet fine dining experience. Reserve the best seat in the house at these award-winning restaurants; The Cowrie, Yellowtail, or L'isle de France, each with their own transformative menu of tantalising modern Australian cuisine. Inspired by a paddock to plate philosophy with local produce, head chefs gracefully mix in influences from the Middle East, the Mediterranean and France. Seaside dining has never felt so fine.

Tap into the vibrant nightlife of the seaside town of Terrigal with a session at one of its lively bars. Along the main Esplanade find the atmospheric Pocket Bar and try to snag a couch spot, or climb the stairs to Maew Maew, a late-night Asian fusion restaurant and bar overlooking the ocean. For rooftop action try laid back Italian pizza and pasta at Rhonda’s rooftop bar, or head up to Caribbean rum shack Mumbo Jumbo's. 

One of the grandest places to stay in a room with a view is the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific. This deluxe, beachside accommodation features welcoming guest rooms and suites with furnished balconies, plus a pool and panoramic ocean vistas. If you're in the mood, Meribella on site will sort you out with the perfect night cap.

Minutes from the beach, you can’t miss the bright yellow, floral mural signalling Like Minds, Avoca's friendly community café. With its fresh, sustainable menu and zero waste ethos, soak up the good vibes at this great little spot complete with a gorgeous outdoor herb garden to sit in. Must-try is the Surfer Toast and Swedish-inspired pastries.

If your visit is timed for a Sunday market day, the weekend journey continues as you head to Heazlett Park Foreshore. Explore a spectrum of stalls showcasing local produce, wares and art at Avoca Beachside Markets, held on the fourth Sunday of every month. Everyone is welcome at this inclusive, accessible, community event. Even doggos on a leash can enjoy the festivities!

Refreshed by your morning exploring local produce, head to the top of the beach (by sand or drive the scenic road) for a colourful lunch at stylish modern cafe, The Boy & The Rose. Nestled in North Avoca, you can fuel up with locally roasted coffee and nutritious brunchy food. Grab yours to go and find a spot of sand to enjoy while you watch the waves.

One of the most beautiful ways to explore Avoca's waterways is with Aquafun Avoca's eco-experiences on the lake. Not only will you burn off brunch, but this family-run ECO Certified business will set you up for a safe and scenic water adventure. Hire pedal boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or book a lesson or guided kayak eco-tour.

Perched in the leafy outskirts of Avoca you'll find swanky eatery Shady Palms, the Central Coast's own slice of California with a touch of Hawaii. Pick a spot in the lush garden by the oyster and champagne 'shack', by the outdoor undercover woodfire pizza oven, or in the cottage for a more classic dining experience. There's a rainbow of cocktails and the vibes here are lively, especially on live music weekends.

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.

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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.

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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 at Feel Like Home Cafe. Try the Egg Benny where poached eggs meet hollandaise bliss or indulge in a stack of fluffy pancakes. 

Grab some fresh food and locally grown produce at the weekly Gosford City 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 through to the Watt Street in the centre of Gosford for a cheeky midday treat. Visit Jo and the team from Just Frosted for a little slice of heaven and pick from buttercream frosted cupcakes in over 90 flavours, to loaded brownies, slices and cookies. These devilishly sweet treats are worth every bite.

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, and visit the new Moving Image Gallery. 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's Polytec 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).

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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. 

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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.