We ask respectfully for all those who tread from headland to hinterland in our region to explore responsibly by observing some simple ‘house’ rules. Just like you wouldn't walk into a friend's home with muddy shoes or leave rubbish behind, we've got the no-brainer Central Coast Sustainability Pledge to embrace to leave our beautiful region as you found it...

Ecotourism Certified since July 2021, Iris Lodge Alpacas let you get up close with their herd of 140+ alpacas, 12 llamas and 75 wiltipoll sheep. Book breakfast in advance, available as an accessible experience. Open every day during school holidays and during the week for groups of 10 or more. You can also try an afternoon alpaca farm visit on Saturdays from 3pm.

Are you ready to climb up in the eucalyptus tree canopies, or jump and tumble around in Networld like a kangaroo? Hidden in Ourimbah State Forest you'll find the ECO Certified Treetops Adventure park, where you can sign up for a level of activity that suits you. Instructors set you up safely to enjoy exploring the beautiful forest surrounds above.

More of an MTB enthusiast? Just enjoy cycling in nature? Ourimbah State Forest also has 22km of Forestry Permit-approved, community-maintained trails to traverse on two wheels - for free! All you need is your bike and a helmet. Routes include a simple family-friendly loop, to the XC and Gravity trails. Park at the trail head and read the on-site signage to get rolling.

Go via Wyong town centre to pick up lunch (there's bakeries, cafes, Korean fried chicken, sushi and more!). Head just 5 minutes drive over the bridge for a stunning picnic at the old Pioneer Dairy, saved from becoming a power station 20+ years ago! Now home to the Sustainable Wetlands Agricultural Makers Project (SWAMP) it's free for visitors. Nature stroll, twitch for 200+ bird species, or visit the Heritage-listed building.

Go via Wyong town centre to pick up lunch (there's bakeries, cafes, Korean fried chicken, sushi and more!). Head to Strickland State Forest for a picnic and post-lunch walk to a waterfall or through their Arboretum Trail (a tree museum!). Strickland has some exotic tree plantings established since the late 1800s which are among the oldest known in Australia!

Prepare for an afternoon on the Central Coast waterways! Start by visiting New South Wales’ only pearl farm at their 'Shellar Door'! At Broken Bay Pearl Farm, see a beautiful selection of locally grown pearls, shells and jewellery. Enjoy tasting fresh local oysters by the riverside, or choose to take one of their famous guided tour experiences, like pearl grading.

Get ready to immerse yourself in one of the Central Coast's luxury tourism experiences! This is NSW's only ECO Certified, family-owned oyster farm, led by Sheridan Beaumont, offering you an unforgettable in-water oyster shucking and dining experience. Stand in the very waters oysters are harvested from, surrounded by nature, and topped off with bubbly.

The Saddles menu is modelled on the chef's simple and ethical approach to food along with showcasing Australian native ingredients - and tonight you may be lucky enough to try the new edible seafood delicacy found only on the NSW Central Coast: the locally grown Broken Bay Akoya pearl oyster! Otherwise, their venue and menu will showcase the culinary clout of the region.

Your 'resting place in the bush' for tonight is Noonaweena in Kulnura, in the heart of the Central Coast Hinterland. Whether you're a couple, solo traveller or with a group, there's lovely accommodation options to suit. This includes a glamping bell tent for the brave, who really want that natural eco experience sleeping under the stars in the wild! 

Another nature-based accommodation option for tonight is this charming Hinterland property originally established in 1856! Evolving over the years, today The Rustic Nest is a historic sandstone house and garden studio cottage surrounded by quaint gardens, citrus orchards, birds and mountain views, with modern comforts for guests.