Explore Pearl Beach
OVERVIEW
Located on the southern end of the stunning Central Coast, Pearl Beach and Patonga are peaceful and scenic beachfront destinations perfect for a relaxing coastal escape. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, scenic bushwalks, the family-friendly Patonga Hotel (Boathouse Hotel), an ocean pool, and the lush Pearl Beach Arboretum, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. Supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes are just an easy 8-minute drive away, making it simple to stock up or enjoy a casual meal. Only 90 minutes from Sydney, it’s the ideal spot for a fun and laid-back 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.
PEARL BEACH ROCKPOOL
This lovely rockpool is a great place for the kids to splash and play when the ocean is a little rough.
PEARL BEACH ARBORETUM
Discover the peaceful beauty of the Pearl Beach Arboretum, a natural sanctuary on the Central Coast dedicated to native flora and fauna conservation. Wander through this living museum of Australian trees, enjoy the tranquil walking trails, and learn about local biodiversity. Throughout the year, the Arboretum also hosts a variety of community events, workshops, and nature-focused activities, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers of all ages.
PEARL BEACH TENNIS & RECREATION CLUB
Enjoy a game of tennis, bowls or pickleball in the fresh coastal air at the Pearl Beach Tennis and Recreation Club, located within a short walk of all Properties. Open to visitors and locals, the club offers a well-maintained tennis court available for casual hire, surrounded by the natural beauty of Pearl Beach. It’s the perfect way to stay active during your stay, whether you’re playing a friendly match or just having fun with family. Bookings can be made online, and equipment hire is also available. Visit the website for details and court availability.
BUSH WALKS
There are so many to choose from in the immediate area, but here are a few of our faves:
Patonga to Pearl Beach Walking Track is one of the best walks on the Central Coast NSW. There are amazing views at the top of the cliff. Enjoy a meal, coffee or cocktail at The Boat House Patonga and it’s a short enough walk for kids to manage.
Mt Ettalong Lookout for an easy walk with great views – another great one for the kids.
Umina to Pearl Beach for a longer adventure so pack a water bottle and make sure everyone is feeling fit.
Woy Woy Waterfall for the hidden secret trough waterfall. There is a rock scramble involved so not for the faint hearted but well worth it!
WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching from Pearl Beach is a magical experience, especially during the annual migration season from May to November. From the beach or nearby walking tracks, you might be lucky enough to spot humpback whales breaching or spouting as they journey along the coast. For an even better vantage point, nearby lookouts like Mount Ettalong offer sweeping ocean views perfect for spotting these gentle giants. Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee on the sand or heading out on a local bushwalk, keep your eyes on the water—you never know when a whale might appear.
Stays with Whale Watching Views->
BROKEN BAY PEARL FARM
Situated on the edge of the stunning Lower Hawkesbury River is the Shellar Door at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Visitors are welcome to come in and browse the selection of locally grown pearls, shells and jewellery, or enjoy some fresh local oysters at their outdoor seating alongside the river. While you are there, why not join in on one of their guided tour experiences. Tours depart from Woy Woy or Killcare.
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 Umina and Ettalong
BOAT HOUSE FERRY
Catch the ferry 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.
EAT & DRINK
Pearl Beach and Patonga are tucked away but the tranquility won’t leave you hungry or thirsty. Here are our favourite places to eat and drink.
BEST COFFEE:
Most days you will find a coffee van outside the Progress Hall on Diamond Road, alternatively head to Umina and check out Cafe Ronto or Lords of Pour in Ettalong.
RESTAURANTS:
For Italian food with a modern influence make a reservation at Amalfi – showcasing the best from the sea and land in an approachable, elegant and respectful environment. Amalfi Restuarant has recently closed due to a fire and has relocated whilst rebuilding to Ettalong. Worth the 10 minute drive!
Looking for a great spot to relax with a drink nearby? Head to The Boathouse Hotel Patonga—a popular waterfront venue with a spacious, dog-friendly beer garden perfect for soaking up the coastal vibe. For beachfront views, refreshing cocktails, and tasty food, Margarita Daze in Umina is a local favourite. Craving bold Mexican flavours and Margaritas? Make your way to Don Pedros in Umina for a fun, vibrant dining experience with a Latin twist.
Check other recommendations of what to Do and Where to Eat/Drink in Umina here.
Prefer to dine in? Let us recommend Pachamama Catering or VIP Private Chef—professional at-home catering services that will come to your holiday rental, cook a delicious meal, and take care of the clean-up, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
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.
CENTRLA COAST FLOAT UMINA
Central Coast Float offers a peaceful escape from the everyday with a range of wellness experiences designed to relax the body and calm the mind. Located in Woy Woy, just a short drive from our holiday homes, this tranquil studio specialises in float therapy, infrared saunas, massage, and more. Whether you’re winding down after a day at the beach or looking to fully recharge during your stay, Central Coast Float is the perfect local retreat.
YOGA
Held at the local progress hall at Pearl Beach where you can limber up with the locals. Alternatively, head over to the community hall at Patonga for Saturday morning Vinyasa with Fit Life.
COCO MASSAGE AND BEAUTY
Indulge in total relaxation as you step inside and begin the sensory journey of your candlelit massage, or luxurious facial at Coco. Enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy with essential oils to calm your mind and body, hot towel compresses to soothe your muscles, and the healing touch of massage.
POTTERY CLASSES
Centered Ceramics holds pottery classes and workshops in Umina Beach on the Central Coast of NSW. Whether you’re learning to “throw” on the wheel, or improving your hand building techniques, we give you a place to enjoy the magic of clay. Center yourself and surrender to the joyful mess of pottery!
UMINA BEACH MARKETS
Held every 3rd Sunday of the month you find an array of locally made arts, craft and jewellery as well as international food. Check out their Facebook page for more information
GALLERIA
For an eclectic array for boutique shops, vintage cinema and market style stores head over to the Galleria at Ettalong.
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!
- 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 Patonga and Pearl Beach we suggest:
- Patonga or Pearl Beach for Walkies
- The Boat House at Patonga for food and drinks
WHERE TO STAY
Beach Retreats Central Coast offers a handpicked collection of coastal holiday accommodation, with each property located on or just moments from the beach. Our portfolio includes a range of stunning stays in Pearl Beach—one of the Central Coast’s most peaceful and picturesque seaside villages—perfect for relaxing escapes, family holidays, or romantic getaways by the ocean.
At Beach Retreats Central Coast, we offer a wide range of self-contained holiday homes to suit solo travellers, couples, families, and groups. Choose from stunning beachfront escapes, peaceful bush retreats, or properties with pools, fireplaces, or pet friendly —all designed for a relaxing coastal getaway. We’re here to help curate your perfect stay, so feel free to contact us directly. While our properties are listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Stayz, you’ll always get the best rate when you book direct.