Last verified 05/26
The Entrance is a popular holiday town on the Central Coast of NSW. People come here for the waterfront, pelican feeding and calm swimming areas along the channel. The beach, cafés and shops are all close together, making the town easy to explore on foot.
I think The Entrance feels different depending on when you visit. In summer the waterfront feels lively and busy. During the school holidays, Memorial Park and the foreshore fill with families and visitors staying out late around the waterfront, restaurants and pubs. At other times the town becomes much quieter.
The Entrance isn’t as upscale as places like Terrigal or Avoca Beach. Some hotels and parts of the town centre look older and more relaxed. Still, lots of people visit because everything is close together and convenient for families.
Best picks
- Best family stay: Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites
- Best beachfront holiday park: NRMA Toowoon Bay Holiday Park
- Best luxury retreat: Kims Beachside Retreat
- Best oceanfront motel: Ocean Front Motel
- Best value hotel: Ibis Styles The Entrance
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Best Areas to Stay in The Entrance
The Entrance Waterfront
The Entrance Waterfront is a great spot for first-time visitors and families. Cafés, restaurants and the beach are all within walking distance. Memorial Park and pelican feeding are close by, too. This is the busiest area with plenty of activities nearby.
Blue Bay
Blue Bay is quieter than the main waterfront. It’s a good choice for couples or anyone who wants ocean views. Many places to stay are close to the beach and coastal walking paths.
Long Jetty
Long Jetty has a more local vibe. It’s known for its cafés and lakeside walking paths. This area is good for anyone looking for a quieter stay near The Entrance.
Toowoon Bay
Toowoon Bay is popular with families because the beach is calm. The area feels relaxed and residential with a holiday park and family-friendly places to stay.
Best Family Accommodation in The Entrance
These stays are close to Memorial Park, pelican feeding and the calm water near the channel.
Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites
Stay here if you want to be close to Memorial Park, pelican feeding and the waterfront. The apartment-style rooms work well for longer stays. Some have water views and kitchenettes. The pool is popular in summer, although some rooms feel dated.
Check availability
NRMA Toowoon Bay Holiday Park
This is one of the best family-friendly stays near The Entrance. You get cabins, caravan sites, a pool and a jumping pillow. Toowoon Bay Beach and Shelley Beach are nearby. The quieter location feels more relaxed than the busy waterfront.
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Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
Blue Lagoon suits you if you want direct beach access and ocean views. You can walk straight onto the sand and explore nearby rock pools. The heated pool and spas are popular with families. Some cabins feel more modern than others.
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Ibis Styles The Entrance
Stay here if you want a simple and comfortable base near Long Jetty. The rooms are modern and parking is easy. Diggers The Entrance is connected to the hotel for meals and drinks. This suits short stays more than resort-style beach holidays.
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Best Beachfront and Ocean View Stays
These stays are mostly around Blue Bay, Toowoon Bay and the coastline south of The Entrance. Many offer ocean views, easy beach access and quieter surroundings than the main waterfront area.
Stay at Kims Beachside Retreat if you want a quieter beachfront escape near The Entrance. The villas sit just behind Toowoon Bay Beach and feel more private than most stays nearby. This place suits couples best and has one of the nicest beachfront settings on the Central Coast.
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is one of the few holiday parks on the Central Coast with direct beach access. Some cabins sit only steps from the sand and have wide ocean views. The location is excellent, though some older cabins still feel dated compared to the newer beachfront options.
Stay at Ocean Front Motel if you want ocean views and easy access to The Entrance waterfront. Many rooms face the beach and channel, and you can walk to cafés, pelican feeding and Memorial Park. The location is the main drawcard, though parts of the property feel older.
Best Holiday Parks in The Entrance
Holiday parks around Toowoon Bay and Blue Bay are popular during school holidays. They suit families seeking cabins, caravan sites and quick access to beaches and outdoor areas.
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is one of the best beachfront holiday parks near The Entrance. Some cabins sit only metres from the sand and have wide ocean views. The location feels more secluded than most holiday parks nearby, though some older cabins and facilities still feel dated.
NRMA Toowoon Bay Holiday Park is one of the best family holiday parks near The Entrance. You can walk to both Toowoon Bay and Shelly Beach, and the pool and playground are popular during school holidays. The quieter location feels more relaxed than staying near the busy waterfront. Check availability.
Budget Stay
The Lakes Hotel suits you if you want cheap, central accommodation in the heart of The Entrance. It is close to the waterfront, shops, cafés and restaurants. Rooms are simple and use shared bathrooms. It works best for short stays, solo travellers and people who do not mind pub noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in The Entrance?
The Entrance waterfront is the best area for most visitors because cafés, pelican feeding, Memorial Park and the channel are all within walking distance. Families often stay near the waterfront, while quieter areas like Blue Bay and Toowoon Bay suit couples and beach holidays.
Is The Entrance good for families?
Yes. The Entrance is one of the most family-friendly holiday towns on the Central Coast. The channel has calmer water for kids, Memorial Park has a large playground, and many hotels are within walking distance of cafés and the waterfront.
What is the best beachfront accommodation in The Entrance?
Some of the most popular beachfront stays near The Entrance include Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, Ocean Front Motel and Kims Beachside Retreat. These stays are known for ocean views and direct beach access.
Is it better to stay in The Entrance or Long Jetty?
The Entrance suits visitors who want to stay close to the waterfront, restaurants and tourist attractions. Long Jetty feels quieter and more local, with cafés, walking paths and lake views.
How far is The Entrance from Sydney?
The Entrance is about 90 minutes north of Sydney by car, depending on traffic.
Which accommodation in The Entrance has a pool?
Popular stays with pools include Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites, Blue Lagoon Beach Resort and NRMA Toowoon Bay Holiday Park
Are there quiet places to stay near The Entrance?
Yes. Blue Bay, Toowoon Bay and Bateau Bay are usually quieter than the main waterfront area. These areas suit visitors wanting a more relaxed beach stay.
What is the best budget accommodation in The Entrance?
The Lakes Hotel is one of the better low-cost options in The Entrance. It’s centrally located and good value, though rooms are simple and bathrooms are shared.
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