Food & Drink

Uncover 8 Awesome Things To Do On The Central Coast This Season

By Elise Cullen
8th Sep 2022

People dining and shucking oysters in the water at tables on the Hawkesbury River.

The Central Coast is an ever-evolving place but its ability to offer us a reprieve from our daily grind never wavers. Brimming with natural splendour, it's flanked by calm coastal waters and boasts over 42 beaches—so, it’s a pretty idyllic place to hole up or visit for a weekend.

In fact, the Central Coast is now a certified Australian ECO Destination, meaning it has a globally-recognised commitment to sustainable practices and provides high-quality nature-based experiences to both locals and tourists. 

If you’re looking for a round-up of the ol’ faves on the Central Coast—that survived and thrived across Covid—we have you covered with the best restaurants, best local favourites and the best outdoor activities. But to showcase a few fairly new kids on the Cenny Coast block, we’ve teamed up with Love Central Coast, so you can uncover something new to explore next time you visit. 

From bustling bars to coastal boardwalks, here are 9 new things to uncover next time you visit. 

Unyoked Tiny Homes

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Like the idea of an off-the-grid escape but don't want to venture too far from home? Well, one of Unyoked's beloved tiny homes on the Central Coast might just be the antidote you're looking for. Offering humbling respite from regular urban life, you can bathe in Mother Nature's glory for a few nights and completely switch off with a campfire cook-up and cosy reading nooks. The Central Coast has two Unyoked locations including 'Fern', which is surrounded by classic Australiana bush and trails, and 'Yen', which is a little home among the gum trees. Book an unforgettable stay here. 

Sydney Oyster Farm Tours

Mooney Mooney

Ever shucked an oyster? Okay, well, what about shucking your own oysters and devouring them during a fine-dining experience submerged in water—white table cloth and all? If you're yet to tick that one off, you're in luck because Sydney Oyster Farm Tours on the Central Coast now offers a new immersive culinary experience that gives new meaning to the whole farm to plate movement. Wade through oyster farms and learn from second and third generation farmers before you sip champagne and tuck into plump Pacific and Sydney Rock oysters in an incredible dining experience like no other.

(Images: Drifter's Wharf, Hotel Gosford, Terrigal boardwalk and La Taco)

Coastal Walk Terrigal

Terrigal

One of the jewels in the Central Coast’s crown is Terrigal and it’s recently scored a brand spanking new boardwalk and viewing platform. Hugging the coastline, the new timber boardwalk connects Terrigal’s village with The Haven and the Skillion landmark. Wind down with a picturesque stroll after you’ve hit Terrigal's boutiques or take a walk before dinner at dusk as the entire platform lights up at night. 

The Beachcomber

Toukley

Referred to fondly by locals as ‘The Beachie’, this beloved pub and waterfront hotel just scored a major, multi-million dollar revamp—and it’s pretty spectacular. Opening earlier this year under new ownership, the venue now offers all-day dining, spacious Hampton-inspired lounging booths and live gigs. If you’re looking to kick back and lean into a lazy Sunday session or a delicious, sun-soaked lunch with your crew and a view, The Beachie is where it’s at this season. 

Tropicana Social Club

Woy Woy

Beloved Tropicana Pizza moved house in early 2021 and with good reason—they needed more space to meet the demand for their incredible slices. Moving from Blackwall Road to Trafalga Avenue, the Tropicana crew are still serving up the same tasty feeds but they now have a spacious tiki-style diner to house their fans. Dripping with palm fronds, vintage cane and pineapple lights, the playful fit-out is a warm, vibing and inviting space that’s perfect for a laid-back feed with your mates—an undoubtedly welcomed addition to Woy Woy’s growing dining scene.

Lyon’s Den

Gosford

While this one isn’t the newest of new kids on the block—it opened its door in late 2020—it’s still considered a refreshingly new watering hole and laidback restaurant that’s perfect for sinking a few sunset sips with mates. Nestled in a heritage-style sandstone building, Lyon’s Den has a strong focus on supporting local producers, which we love, and a next-level tapas menu to boot.

(Images: The Beachcomber restaurant, Tropicana Social Club and  Hotel Gosford.)

Hotel Gosford

Gosford

For a long time, Hotel Gosford was a forgotten pub deep in the heart of Gosford’s CBD—a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of venue that certainly wasn’t one to write home about. But now, as Gosford becomes increasingly more gentrified, Hotel Gosford has gone through a deserving renovation. Paying homage to its humble beginnings in 1926, the restaurant, bar and hotel is an ode to the roaring 20s with rich timbers, brass accents and a contemporary approach to heritage chic. Expect comfort pub classics with a modern twist like crispy chicken schnitzel or chicken parmigiana with salad, gravy and crunchy potato spiral.

Drifter’s Wharf

GOSFORD

Good ol’ Gosford has had a little facelift of late and the iconic waterfront landmark that was once home to the notorious Iguana Joe’s has new residents. While ‘Iggies’ is long gone, the sails silhouette still remains but in its place is Drifter’s Wharf—the third brainchild from the team behind Terrigal’s Mumbo Jumbo’s and Avoca’s Shady Palms. Flinging open its doors in December 2021, it’s set to be a bustling hotspot with sweeping water views, wharf-style seating, vibing live music and a delicious mix of fresh seafood and cocktails.

A treasure trove of tasty delights, natural splendour and breathtaking water views, The Central Coast is the perfect weekend escape if you’re looking to escape the grind and uncover something new. If you’re looking for more things to eat, see and do on the Central Coast head 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. 

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