Everything you need to do on a trip to the NSW Central Coast
The Central Coast of NSW is the best part of Australia... maybe even the world.Ok, I'm probably biased because I live up here. But trust me when I say it really is heaven on earth up here.Travellers seem to agree, too. In the last year, domestic tourism to the Central Coast has gone up 11 per cent, with thousands of day trippers and weekenders choosing to visit the are.Less than an hour and a half from Sydney, it's certainly a destination that's calling your name.Here are all the things you can't miss. READ MORE: These are the best islands in Australia, for all types of holidayTreat yourself to brunchThere are endless options for brunch on the coast, whether you're keen for smashed avo, an acai bowl, or a classic bacon and egg roll.Here are my tried and tested favourites:Green Tangerine for brunch classics and amazing pastries. Try their iced strawberry matcha.Freestate for the best coffee in Terrigal and daily homemade muffin specials. Bellyfish for an inventive menu with great vegetarian options, right opposite the beach.Flour & Co. for epic breakfast burritos to takeaway and sit on the beach.Burnt Honey for mind-blowing pastries and coffee.Good Bits Co. for a funky space with a varied menu.Best food on the Central CoastOnce you've digested your brunch, there are some other top spots to add to your list while you're in town. From hatted restaurants to the humble Aussie pie, there's something for everyone.Il Toscano for authentic Italian pasta you'll be thinking about for a long time.Salt Pig Deli for deli sandwiches on freshly baked bread.Meribella for relaxed fine dining with ocean views.Elanora Hotel for the best pub steaks in NSW (seriously).Osteria Il Coccia for two-hatted dining where everything is cooked over wood in a charcoal oven.Fisherman's Wharf for amazing seafood.Ken's Humble Pies for the best meat pies on the coast.READ MORE: Eight free things you can do in Melbourne to give your wallet a breakBest hikes and walks on the Central CoastThough there are many national parks all up the coast, your first port of call should be Bouddi National Park.You can tackle the whole coastal trail, which is 8.5 kilometre one-way and has stunning views the whole way. Or, just take on small segments, like the 5 kilometre Box Head and Tallow Beach loop.If you're more a fan of inland scenery, Somersby Falls can be reached by an easy 1 kilometre track that's accessible for all ages.Other winners include the Ridge to Rainforest Track (4.2 kilometre loop) and The Coast Walking Track (3 kilometre one way).The best way to find suitable hikes is by using an app like AllTrails, which shows you routes near you. Best beaches on the Central CoastWhen it comes to choosing a stretch of sand to relax on, you're really spoiled for choice on the sunny Central Coast.Terrigal is an obvious choice, as the ample parking and tons of cafes and bars right along the beach make for an easy day out.READ MORE: The best time to visit Japan and where to avoid the crowdsSurfers flock to North Avoca and Forresters when the conditions are right, but if you're after a calm, family-friendly beach then Toowoon Bay is the spot.If you don't mind a bit of hiking, Little Beach and Maitland Bay in Bouddi National Park are quiet oases where you'll be able to get a whole stretch of sand to yourself.Other standouts include Copacabana (hit up Burnt Honey Bakery while you're there), Norah Head rockpool for kiddies, and Wamberal Beach.Make your own ginDistillery Botanica in Erina has just opened a new cellar door located in an expansive botanical garden. You can just stop by for a cocktail or a coffee and soak up the sun in the garden, or take on a gin-distilling workshop, cocktail-making class or a tour of the facility.Go on a bar crawlWhen it comes to nightlife, there's a lot going on.In Terrigal, the Beach House is a popular spot with live music on weekends, while Mumbo Jumbos rooftop is a favourite among young locals. Pocket Bar serves up exceptional craft cocktails, or head to Lost Souls for a more relaxed vibe. Further afield, Drifters Wharf is right on the water in Gosford and has a ton of events, or try The Savoy in Long Jetty which is in an old 1950s cinema. Have breakfast with alpacasAt Iris Lodge in Jilliby, visitors can get one-on-one face time with the farm's alpacas, llamas, sheep, and cows. If just feeding and patting them isn't enough, they even offer breakfast and brunch events alongside the furry critters.Try the local craft beerPlenty of small breweries have sprung up on the Central Coast in the last few years, so it's definitely worth visiting a few to see which is most to your taste!Locals love the newly-opened Hawkesbury River Brewing, which has great burgers to enjoy in their outdoor beer garden. Six Strings Brewery is the OG, and has a taphouse at Erina as well as weekend brewery tours.Another hot spot is Block N Tackle microbrewery in Kincumber, where you can order a cheese and beer paddle in collaboration with local cheesemongers Little Creek Cheese.FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest travel news and deals via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.