Where to eat, play and stay on the Central Coast

Famous for its expansive beaches, surf, and hinterland, the Central Coast in New South Wales is as picturesque and serene as it is beautiful. Here's our top 10 picks for things to do.

What to see and do?

Whale Watching

The first day of winter marks the official start of the whale watching season around New South Wales' east coast. Humpback and southern right whales migrate north to warmer waters each year. The migration will continue into early July, and the whales will return south between September and November. For an up-close encounters with these majestic mammals, book with Fantasea Cruises for an unforgettable and educative guided adventure. And the best part? Members receive 20 percent off all whale watching cruises when using the promo code: 'NRMAWHALES20' on booking. 

Australian Reptile Park 

Regarded as one of the country’s premier attractions, kids of all ages will enjoy the live shows, themed exhibits, behind the scenes tour, and complimentary barbeque facilities at the Australian Reptile Park. Learn about conservation work undertaken by keepers, get up close to native wildlife including koalas, Tasmanian devils, and wombats, and hand feed the kangaroos.

The Wyong Milk Factory 

Set on the bend of the Wyong River, The Wyong Milk Factory is a heritage listed old riverside barn. The renovated main building – a rural-industrial space with winding nooks and crannies – is home to an eclectic mix, including a bakery, a coffee roaster, a boxfit studio, and a cycle studio. You can also enjoy the local produce from an award winning producer of cheese and yoghurt and hand crafted gourmet chocolatier.

Scuba Dive at the Ex-HMAS

138.1m long and 15m wide, the Ex-HMAS Adelaide is a former Australian naval warship that was purpose prepared and sunk to create an artificial dive reef. Located approximately 1.8km off Avoca Beach near Terrigal on the Central Coast of New South Wales, in 32m of water this site is optimally located for divers of all levels of experience.

Distillery Botanica

Distillery Botanica, also known as The Fragrant Garden, was established in 2005 by Philip Moore, one of the most renowned Australian botanists and master distillers. Wander the two and a half acres of picturesque gardens with lush greenery, and herbs and flowers. Tour the distillery itself, and taste the lovingly handcrafted spirits made up of botanicals picked on site.

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures

Located in the Central Coast hinterland, Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventure offers a range of options to explore the 3,000 acres of unspoilt wilderness at Glenworth Valley; from free-range horse rides to quad biking. Kayaking and abseiling are also exhilarating ways to explore the valley. Guided tours of all of these experiences are available for all abilities and ages.

Daily Pelican Feeding

Pelican feeding is conducted daily at The Entrance, Memorial Park from 3.30pm. Get there early and watch as the pelicans arrive earlier, eager for a feed. A special area has been built where the pelicans gather each afternoon, waiting to be fed fish donated by the local fish shop, giving the feeding officers an opportunity to locate and treat any injured birds.

Norah Head Lighthouse

Step back in time to feel what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper at Norah Head Lighthouse. Learn about the duties of a lighthouse keeper, and how the light was originally operated compared to how it works today. Listen to the stories of shipwrecks in days gone by, climb the 96 stairs and enjoy the 360 degree views from the Tower’s balcony, and marvel at the optics prism and its 700 lens.

Avoca Beachside Markets

Avoca Beachside Markets is held every forth Sunday of each month between 9am – 2pm at the Heazlett Park Foreshore of Avoca Beach. Aside from its picturesque waterfront location, the market offers an impressive selection of stalls, including local arts and crafts, food and fashion.

Brisbane Water National Park

Offering a range of activities for every type of person, Brisbane Water National Park makes a great day-trip or weekend away from the city. Discover colourful spring wildflowers, ancient Aboriginal engraving sites and scenic views from the park’s lookouts. There are numerous fishing spots, along with walking and cycling trails that cross rainforest and rugged sandstone country. The park’s waterways are also a great place to spend a day on the water, so don’t forget your swimmers or kayak. Don't forget, you can search nearest National Parks to you, wherever you are in NSW on the my nrma app.

Where to eat and drink?

A fast-growing culinary hub, both foodies and the hungry will be spoilt for choice on where to dine. To ease the rumbling in your tummies, we've listed 12 of our favourites. And don't forget, Members save on food and drink at a range of venues throughout the Central Coast. Simply search your nearest food and drink in the my nrma app.

• Sul Rondo (Avoca Beach). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• Saigon Garden Restaurant and Cafe (Ettalong Beach). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• Delish Of Erina (Erina). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• Hotel Gosford (Gosford). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• Mama's Asian (Gosford). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• ReviveR (Gosford). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• Viet Taste Vietnamese Restaurant (East Gosford). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• The Fat Goose (Killcare). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• Terrace Grill (Terrigal). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• The Bayview (Woy Woy). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• The Red Lime Cafe (Woy Woy). Save 20% off the total bill up to $25. 
• Wendy's Milk Bar (Woy Woy). One complimentary UPSIZE OR MIX-IN with any purchase. 

Where to stay?

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Central Coast

There’s a range of fantastic activities and facilities for both young and old to enjoy at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. Kids will be happily entertained by the Splashaway Bay water park, giant jumping pillows, adventure playground, games room, or making new friends at the Kidz Korner activities program and huge entertainment barn. Adults can relax with a swim in the heated resort pool complex with spa and waterslide, take a stroll on the beach or simply kick back at the Bluebottles café by the Beach and enjoy a great coffee and dining experience.