Last verified 09/26
Long Jetty is a suburb on the Central Coast, known for its long jetty, memorable sunsets and relaxed café culture.
It sits beside Tuggerah Lake, with independent cafés, vintage shops and lakeside walks all close together. You can stroll along the famous jetty, ride beside the lake or spend a few hours exploring the local shops. Long Jetty is a great choice if you want a relaxed outing close to The Entrance and nearby beaches.
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Is Long Jetty Worth Visiting?
About Long Jetty
Long Jetty sits on the shore of Tuggerah Lake between The Entrance and Toowoon Bay.
The suburb takes its name from the 351-metre jetty that stretches into the lake. For many years, Long Jetty was a quiet lakeside neighbourhood. Today, it’s known for its cafés, vintage and boutique shops, street art and relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Many visitors come to walk along the jetty, enjoy the lake views and spend time exploring the local shopping strip.
Walk Long Jetty Wharf
Start: Tuggerah Parade, at the lakeside end of Archbold Road.
Distance: About 700 metres return.
Best time: Sunset for lake views and photographs.
The 351-metre Long Jetty is the landmark that gave the suburb its name. It stretches into Tuggerah Lake and is one of the most photographed spots on the Central Coast.
The walk to the end and back is about 700 metres. From the end, you’ll enjoy wide views across the lake and surrounding shoreline. If possible, visit at sunset. The sky often turns pink and orange, and the reflections on the lake can be spectacular.
There are also two smaller jetties nearby along the foreshore: Parry’s Jetty and Watkin’s Jetty.
Explore the Shops
Long Jetty’s independent shops make The Entrance Road a good spot to browse for clothing, homewares and gifts. A few places to stop:
Plain Janes — clothing, accessories, children’s gifts and homewares. Find it at 346 The Entrance Road.
Three Donkeys Home + Coffee Bar — furniture, locally made homewares and linen clothing, with coffee available too. 350 The Entrance Road.
Poppy Lane Flower Boutique — flowers, small gifts and homewares. Shop 4, 302–306 The Entrance Road.
Sadie Lou Boutique — women’s clothing, shoes and bags, including colourful prints and relaxed everyday styles. Shop 4, 308 The Entrance Road.
Upstairs Wines — Australian and international wines to browse for a gift or take home for dinner. Shop 9, 314–316 The Entrance Road, with entry via Pacific Street.
Between shops, stop for a coffee and look for the colourful “Welcome to Long Jetty” mural on Thompson Street.
Long Jetty Cafés and Restaurants
Long Jetty has become one of the Central Coast’s best spots for coffee, brunch and casual dining. We keep coming back to Long Jetty as much for the cafés as for the lake.
- Bakery and pastries: Green Tangerine.
- Courtyard setting: Neighbours.
- Pub meal: Long Jetty Hotel.
Ride or Walk Beside Tuggerah Lake
For a lakeside walk or bike ride, follow the flat foreshore path beside Tuggerah Lake. It forms part of the longer route from The Entrance to Chittaway Bay, but you can go as far as you like, then turn back.
If you don’t have your own bike, you can hire one from Boomerang Bikes at The Entrance. Two self-service kiosks sit together on the boardwalk near Pelican Plaza and Vera’s Water Garden.
Spend Time on the Foreshore
Long Jetty offers more than just the jetty. The lakefront foreshore reserve is a great place to stop and relax.
You’ll find:
- A playground approximately 750 metres south of the main jetty
- Picnic tables and free electric BBQ facilities along the foreshore
- Public toilets near the main jetty
Since everything is close by, it’s easy to visit with kids or stop for lunch during a walk by the lake. The foreshore has flat concrete paths suitable for prams.
Do the Coast to Lake Walk
If you want a longer walk, Long Jetty connects to the Coast to Lake Walk.
This 7.6-kilometre loop links The Entrance, Long Jetty and nearby beaches. It passes the channel, lakefront, cafés, picnic areas and local landmarks.
It takes about one and a half hours at a fast pace or up to three hours at a slower pace.
Sections one, three and four are accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and bicycles. Section two includes beach access and rock platforms.
Does Long Jetty Have a Beach?
Long Jetty borders Tuggerah Lake, so for surf and sand, you’ll want to head to Toowoon Bay, Blue Bay or Shelly Beach nearby.
Great beaches are just a couple of kilometres away. Here are our favourite beaches near Long Jetty:
Toowoon Bay is a sheltered beach popular with families. It’s patrolled at set times during the warmer months. Always swim between the flags.
Blue Bay is a small, sheltered beach with calm water on many days. It’s not patrolled. Swim at nearby Toowoon Bay when the flags are up.
Shelly Beach is an exposed surf beach popular with surfers. It can have strong rips. Only swim between the flags when patrols are running.
Visit Long Jetty Markets
If you’re visiting on the last Saturday of the month, stop at the Long Jetty Markets. More than 120 stalls line the Tuggerah Parade Foreshore. You’ll find handmade goods, art, fashion and food. There’s also live music, and dogs are welcome on a lead. The markets usually run from 9 am to 2 pm.
Why Long Jetty Is Worth Visiting
Long Jetty is not a large attraction with lots of activities in one place. Instead, it’s a spot where you can enjoy a simple outing.
You can walk along the jetty, ride by the lake, stop for coffee, and explore the local shops. Since everything is nearby, it’s perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon on the Central Coast.
This simple charm is why many locals come back often.
Best Time to Visit Long Jetty
You can visit Long Jetty at any time of year, but many people think sunset is the best time to go. As the sun drops, Tuggerah Lake often reflects shades of pink and orange.
Spring and autumn are ideal for walking and cycling. The weather is usually mild and comfortable.
Summer brings longer days and a lively atmosphere around the cafés and waterfront. Weekends can be busy, especially near the jetty.
Winter is quieter and still offers beautiful lake views. Clear days are great for a walk, bike ride or coffee by the water.
Explore Nearby Towns and Beaches
The Entrance
A popular waterfront town known for Pelican Time, family attractions and Tuggerah Lake views.
Toowoon Bay
A sheltered beach popular with families, swimmers and stand-up paddleboarders.
Blue Bay
A small beach with calmer water, ocean views and a quieter atmosphere.
Norah Head
A coastal village famous for its historic lighthouse, rock pools and whale watching.
Bateau Bay
A coastal suburb known for Crackneck Lookout, Wyrrabalong National Park and ocean views.
Soldiers Beach
A beautiful surf beach known for its wide sand, powerful waves and natural setting.
Canton Beach
A quiet lakeside village popular for sunsets, fishing and walks beside Tuggerah Lake.
Find Out More About The Central Coast
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Things to Do
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Eat and Drink
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