Every time I visit the Central Coast—my home town—there’s always a clear divide among locals: half embrace local tourism, and the other half want to keep travellers at bay. I mean, can you blame them? It’s a nature-lover’s paradise with over 42 stretches of sandy beaches and more than half of the region dedicated to preserved, natural areas. Cenny Coast locals have, in a way, cracked the code to living the good life.
What’s even more intriguing is that the Central Coast is officially an ECO Destination, meaning it is now recognised as a world-class location for sustainable and nature-based tourism. From protected rolling, lush hinterlands and rugged surf breaks to sustainable oyster farming and accessible beach matting, the Central Coast is committed to nature-based tourism more than ever and is an enriching weekend or extended vacay for the conscious and outdoorsy experience seekers.
Whether you're a first-timer or a frequent visitor, we’ve partnered with Love Central Coast to serve up the best experiences. Here are six nature-filled and eco experiences to explore and enjoy on the Central Coast.
Switch Off And Check Into Luxe Eco Accommodation
When you wind your way through Mangrove Mountain and your phone reception drops out, it’s a sign. You might not receive any more text messages but the message is loud and clear: time to switch off—and The Grower’s Cottage is a splendid space to do so.
Nestled at the foot of the mountain in Dharug National Park, this restored farmer’s cottage is an inviting retreat from bustling city life. Surrounded by fresh produce like fruit trees and veggie gardens—all ripe for plucking—the Grower’s Cottage is an open-plan, secluded stay featuring a wood-fire outdoor pizza oven and a tandem bicycle. But the pièce de résistance is the stone outdoor bath for two. Here, you and your partner can soak the city soot away with a wine in hand to the sounds of the eastern whipbird and a crackling fire—I guarantee, you’ll ponder your life choices at some point.
If the Grower’s Cottage is booked out—for good reason—there are plenty of other secluded stays to check into, like Unyoked and Glenworth Valley Eco Cabins to name a couple.
Indulge In An Immersive Oyster Lunch
Love ‘em or loathe ‘em, oysters are fascinating, and the founder of Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, Sheridan Beaumont, is not only striving to educate oyster lovers on mollusc must-knows but she’s levelling up the Central Coast oyster dining experience altogether.
After losing over 600,000 oysters in the devastating floods, Beaumont and her family had to, essentially, start from scratch, which inspired Beaumont to think bigger; diversifying into oyster tourism. Now, Sydney Oyster Farm, located at Mooney Mooney, offers a unique, innovative and sustainable experience where you can learn all about the humble oyster, don waders and shuck a plate of them while submerged in the tranquil waters of the iconic Hawkesbury River. Teamed with a white linen tablecloth and a crisp bottle of French champagne—naturally—it's undoubtedly an unforgettable experience you’ll want to share with everyone (I lost count of how many oysters I actually ate).
Have Brekkie With Alpacas
When you think of the Central Coast, the shoreline and crashing waves might, rightfully, spring to mind; it’s in the moniker after all. But what the majority of Sydneysiders might not realise is that lush hinterland and dense national parkland await just west of the highway. Here, you’ll find Iris Lodge Alpacas, an ECO Certified alpaca farm serving up the opportunity to meet, greet and eat with over 75 beautiful alpacas and seven lamas.
Owners Sharon and Sean Hooper are passionate about sustainable farming and protecting the environment, and their admiration for alpacas and farm life is infectious. Hand feed hungry alpacas and learn all there is to know about them as you wander around and wrap up the experience with a hearty breakfast including bacon and egg sandwiches, fresh fruit platters, muffins, toast, cereal, tea, juice and coffee.
Visit The Only Pearl Farm In NSW
Aside from shucking succulent Pacific and Sydney rock oysters, the Central Coast also serves up the only pearl farming experience in New South Wales. Developed by an impassioned team of marine biologists, scientific researchers and generational pearl farmers, Broken Bay Pearl Farm is committed to sustainable pearl cultivation and creating awareness of the alluring and ever-evolving marine practice.
Set out from the Shellar Door in Mooney Mooney and uncover the sustainable and mesmerising art of pearl farming. Whether you’re after a private tour or keen to jump aboard and join a group, you can choose from a broad range of tours including scenic one-hour ‘snapshot’ tours to the more involved four-hour tours including a decadent dining experience, immersive pearl grading and a take-home pearl.
Embark On A Stunning Bushwalk
In my opinion, one of the best ways to soak up the vastness of the Central Coast is by embarking on one of the many bushwalks curling throughout its 10 national parklands. But while each parkland is teeming with glorious wildlife and stunning vistas, Bouddi National Park, to me, is the jewel in the Coast’s crown—or perhaps even more fittingly, the heart of the Coast, as Bouddi is commonly known as ‘heart’ in various Aboriginal languages.
The Bouddi Coastal Walk, which is a spectacular 8.5-kilometre grade-three walk (one-way) from Putty Beach to McMasters Beach, is home to sacred Aboriginal sites and boasts a string of lookouts, swimming spots, campgrounds and even whale watching during migration season (May through to November). Walk, swim, ride, run, surf or picnic—however you choose to soak it in, Bouddi Coastal Walk is an incredible way to become acquainted with the Coast’s natural beauty and diverse landscape.
Hit The Water And Get Paddling
The Central Coast is surrounded by glistening peninsulas, lakes, estuaries, waterfalls and beaches, so it would be amiss to visit for the weekend and not get wet. There are a plethora of water-based activities to choose from but when it comes to ECO Certified experiences, Aquafun at Avoca Lake is where it’s at. Here, you can hire a fun mix of Australia’s largest, modern human paddle boats including iconic pedalboats, SUP boards and kayaks to help you power your way around Avoca’s idyllic lake.
If you’re after something a little different and keen to combine a workout atop the water, Bombora Beach SUP in Ettalong offers a mix of SUP yoga and SUP pilates classes are an incredible way to kick-start your morning. Ranging from wobbly beginner classes to ab-defining advanced classes, Bombora is an Academy of Surfing Instructors-accredited small business led by registered personal trainer Karl Herman, so you know you’re in capable hands. Whatever you do, be sure to pack your beach towel and bathers.
If the hustle, bustle and grind of city life are dragging you down, the Central Coast is the ultimate place to hole up for the weekend and immerse yourself in nature. Find out more about the Central Coast's recent ECO Destination Certification here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Love Central Coast. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: Supplied and sourced from Instagram.