Explore Central Coast North

OVERVIEW

​Situated approximately 90 minutes north of Sydney you’ll find, Bateau Bay, The Entrance and Magenta Shores. These vibrant beach suburbs not only boast a stunning coastline but also provide easy access to Tuggurah Lake. With cool cafes,  local markets, vintage shopping and a world class golf course, this area has plenty to keep you occupied on your next Central Coast getaway.

THINGS TO DO

THE BEACH & THE LAKE

With pumping surf breaks, tranquil Tuggerah Lake and stunning ocean lookouts you won’t be short of options when it comes to the beach.

Toward the south is Bateau Bay, best know for its beautiful beaches and Wyrrabalong National Park. Here you’ll find Crackneck Point Lookout with stunning views all the way to Norah Head (on a clear day). Between May and August and you may just be rewarded with views of whales swimming past on their northern migration. It’s also a great spot for surfers to check out wave conditions along the coastline. If you’re feeling energetic after a picnic lunch, why not take a short walk along The Coast walking track? The track stretches north for about 2km to Bateau Bay Beach picnic area, or south to Forresters Beach, about 1.5km away.

Heading north you’ll find The Entrance. Bounded by water on three sides, The Entrance, certainly lives up to its name as the main marine mouth connecting Tuggerah Lake to beautiful beaches and the ocean. With ocean baths, a sheltered beach, surf breaks and lake access you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to taking a dip.

Magenta Shores is just over the bridge, north from The Entrance. This beach is mostly used by those staying at the Magenta Shores Estate. Just a short stroll through a sandy trail, you will emerge to the picturesque Magenta Beach, just in between Tuggerah Beach and the North Entrance Beach. Unfortunately this is not a lifeguarded area with no flags which means it is not patrolled and is considered unsuitable for swimming but great for beach games and watching the sunrise. For those staying at Magenta Shores, the lagoon and rock pools within the estate are great for a dip!

Tuggurah Lake is a great option for those who prefer calm waters. Fantastic for boating, fishing and paddle boarding. It also has a lovely bike trail perfect for a family ride or a gentle stroll. 

EAT & DRINK

The Entrance and neighbouring Long Jetty is the place to be is you like cool cafes, cocktail bars and buzzing watering holes. We can’t list them all (there are just too many) but here are some of our favourites…

Best Cafes:
For the best cafes in the area head to Long Jetty where you’ll find cool cafes galore. Here are out top picks:
Green Tangerine – for brunch and brews
Burnt Honey – for artisan buttery baked goods
Modern Organic Yoga Cafe – the name says it all!

Fun Cocktails Bars:
The Savoy at Long Jetty is definitely work a visit. Originally a vintage cinema from the 70’s reborn as a bar and entertainment venue.  Come in for a craft beer, a great wine list, cocktails, DJ’s, live entertainment, art installations, movie nights and so much more. 

Time for Dinner:
Ocean Restaurant in Blue Bay is one the best seafood restaurants in the area. For Cue & Crew at The Entrance is a trendy little smoke house serving us the best ribs in town. For something a little more exotic, check out Arabian Lounge for Middle Eastern Cuisine. 

Best Pubs:
The Entrance Social Club – great spot with its popular lakeview beer garden and headline events
​The Diggers at The Entrance – is also an award-winning venue perched on the hill before you head into the town centre, featuring a hotel, gym, café, live music and VROOM virtual reality experience.

Wine & Beer Tasting:
If you’re partial to a paddle or a sucker for a cellar door then we’ve got you covered. Head over to Firescreek Botanical Winery, one of the most unique and beautiful wineries in Australia. The Cellar door offers tastings but you can also book a unique experience such as foraging and mixology or chocolate and wine pairing. If you prefer a craft beer then there is no shortage of breweries. Choose from Six Strings, Bay Road Brewing and The Block & Tackle….just to mention a few.

SHOPPING & MARKETS

With lakeside markets and lots of boutique stores you’ll have plenty to spend your hard earned pocket money on.

If you need a little retail therapy make sure you check out Long Jetty Markets, on the last Saturday of each month, for products ranging from from local art, skincare, jewellery and international food. Long Jetty is also known for it’s vintage and boutique clothing and homeware shops which will be sure to relieve you of your hard earned cash! 

KID FRIENDLY

​If you’re travelling with the kids then the Central Coast has much more than beaches and bushwalks to keep the littles ones entertained. Here are a few activities that will win you some brownie points! ​

  • The Entrance Boatshed – Located under The Entrance Bridge, The Entrance Boat Shed was built in 1927 to cater to locals and visitors wanting to take advantage of the beautiful Tuggerah Lake to fish, prawn, or have fun in the sun. Hire a boat (no licience required) and get the kids to catch dinner!
  • Pelicans Pod Watch – If you’ve never seen the local pelican pods at The Entrance, have you even been to the Coast? A rite of passage for every tourist and animal loving child, this wildlife community is special as they’ve been thriving in the area for over 20 years – the pelican colony turn up to impress tourists daily. One of the best spots to pelican watch is from Memorial Park, when the tide is low enough a sandy island forms in the channel where they all hang out.
  • Ride the 19th Century Carousel – The Entrance Historic Carousel has proudly sat on the water’s edge of The Entrance since the 1930s. Originating from Germany in the 1800s, the carousel is now recognised by the National Trust as one of the oldest carousels in Australia.
  • Australian Reptile Park – If you’re not one for tramping the tracks then get your guaranteed wildlife fix at The Australian Reptile park where you can cuddle a Koala, pat a python or even book a private tour.
  • Glenworth Valley – If you’re little ones need a bit more adrenaline in their day then head out to Glenworth Valley for Quad Biking, Laser Skirmish, Horse Riding and Abseiling. 
  • Treetops Adventure Park – If you have a bunch of little monkeys in your tribe then you definitely need to head over to Tree Tops Adventure park where they can swing, leap and bounce the day away.
  • The Chocolate Factory – Explore an immersive world of chocolate, nougat and much, much more. Have a sneak peak of your beloved treats coming to life through the porthole windows, or take part in a guided tour of the factory floor, and learn how our products are made. You can even get hands on with a Junior Chocolatier Workshop!

DONT FORGET THE DOG

If you’re travelling with your four-legged friend then Bateau Bay to Magenta will be as fun for your fur babies and it is for the family.

The Central Coast has to be one of the most dog friendly places in NSW with heaps of pet friendly accommodation. With an long list of dog friendly beaches where Rover can and run and rumble with his buddies your fury friends won’t want to go home! After a long run at the beach, both doggo and owner will be hungry/thirsty so here’s a great list of Dog friendly watering holes. 

For Bateau Bay to magenta we suggest:

WHERE TO STAY

Beach Retreats Central Coast have carefully selected a portfolio of beach abode accommodation either on the beach or within a stones throw to the beach.

We have self contained holiday properties for singles, couples or extended families. On the beachfront or in the trees, with pools, hot tubs, fireplaces or pet friendly properties. We are always happy to curate the perfect holiday for you so please reach out to us to arrange your next Beach Retreat. Yes our properties are also listed on AIRBNB and STAYZ but we will be able to provide the best deal when booking direct.

Return to Destinations