Explore Ettalong Beach
OVERVIEW
Situated on the southern end of the spectacular Central Coast, Booker Bay and Ettalong are vibrant and buzzing beachfront suburbs. With beaches, bars, restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and bakeries there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Just a short 90 minute drive from Sydney you’ll have everything you need on your doorstep for a fun filled beachside family holiday.
THINGS TO DO
BEACH AND BUSH
With pumping surf breaks, sheltered waterways and stunning national park, all in your back yard, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it’s comes to choosing an activity. Here are our top pick’s to get you started.
BBQ BOAT
Hire a BBQ Boat or kayak (Andersons Boat Shed) for a spot of fishing or exploring Brisbane Waters.
LEARN TO SURF
Learn to catch some waves with Central Coast Surf School or Sals Surf School at Umina– from adults to groms, private or group classes.
STAND UP PADDLE BOARD
Get lessons or hire a Stand up paddle Board from Bombora and explore the calm waterways around Daleys Point, Ettalong and Booker Bay
FISHING CHARTER
Based in Booker Bay, just a short drive north of Sydney, Haven Sportfishing Charters is your expert deep water sport and game fishing crew on the NSW Central Coast.
WHALE WATCHING
Catch the ferry from Ettalong to Palm Beach – Palm Beach Ferries – enjoy a fabulous lunch at Barrenjoey House or a walk up to the lighthouse. Palm beach Ferries also operate seasonal whale watching tours.
BUSH WALK
Visit Daleys Point Aboriginal Site – You Tube Instructions & Daley Point Walking Track – access via 94 Daley Ave Daleys Point or Killcare Heights Aboriginal and cultural experience with Girra Girra. Venture around to Killcare and explore the stunning Bouddi Coastal Walk, accessed from the north end of Putty Beach.
EAT & DRINK
Ettalong and Booker Bay aren’t short of cool cafes, vibrant cocktail bars and an excellent restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. We can’t list them all (there are just too many) but here are some of our favourites…
BEST COFFEE:
For killer brews and awesome chews stop in at Lords of Pour in Ettalong.
RESTAURANTS:
Safran Restaurant – Contemporary Turkish Dining.
Osteria il Coccia degustation showcasing the best of land and sea cooked over wood in a charcoal oven.
For something more casual check out:
The Lucky Bee – South East Asian Restaurant and cocktail bar
Bar Toto – Cocktail bar and tapas
La Taco – Mexican Cantina with a modern twist and cocktails!
Yusu Japanese– Traditional Japanese & BYO
The Box on the Water – for great views you can’t go past the Box on the water
WINE, BEER AND SPIRIT TASTINGS
If you’re partial to a tasting, be it wine, craft beer or top shelf spirits, then the team at Upstairs Wines Bottle Shop in Ettalong have you covered. Book in for one of their master classes in store OR book a private tasting hosted at your holiday home. Tasting are accompanied by grazing boards and last approximately 2 hours.
CULTURE, WELLNESS & SHOPPING
If you can peel yourself off the beach maybe it’s time for a touch of pampering and a spot of retail therapy.
For a holistic facial or relaxing massage head over to Hada Beauty. Their zen treatment studio is right next to the ocean so you can enjoy a dip just before or after your time with them.
For the fitness fanatic in the the family, Belle Movement will have all your personal training and pilates needs covered.
For some retail therapy head over to the Galleria at Ettalong for an eclectic array for boutique shops and market style stores.
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!
- Ettalong beachfront playpark is a great spot for the kids to run and rumble. With a beach cafe just next door you can relax with a coffee or refuel the kids.
- 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 the Central Coast 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 Ettalong and Booker Bay we suggest:
- Umina Beach for Walkies
- The Box on The Water for food and drinks
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.