Last verified 09/26
There are over 40 beaches on the Central Coast, but a few towns really stand out. Here are 11 beach towns we love to visit, each with a great beach, something special to see, and a good spot for coffee.
Many of these towns are close together, so you can easily visit two or three in one day, whether you’re coming from Sydney or exploring the Central Coast.
Quick picks
1. Terrigal
Terrigal is the Central Coast’s busiest and most popular beach town. You’ll find boutique shops, restaurants, and cafés right by the beach, making it a top spot for a lively day or weekend by the ocean.
You can swim, surf, kayak, paddleboard, fish, dive, or snorkel here. Walk along the sandy beach to Wamberal, or climb The Skillion headland for sweeping coastal views.
2. Avoca Beach
If you want a beach town that has everything but still feels relaxed, Avoca Beach is a great pick.
Avoca has great surf and a beautiful beach, so the whole family will enjoy it. Visit the popular Avoca Beachside Markets, try a pedal-boat on Avoca Lake, or see a movie at the Avoca Beach Theatre, one of the last single-screen cinemas in NSW.
3. Killcare & Hardys Bay
Killcare is a pretty town between Hardys Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its scenic bushwalks and beautiful beach, making it a great place for families and couples to relax.
Try the Bouddi Coastal Walk while you’re there. You can surf or swim at Killcare Beach, or paddle in the calmer water at Putty Beach nearby.
4. The Entrance
The Entrance sits beside a channel and Tuggerah Lake and is one of the most family-friendly towns on the Central Coast. It’s famous for its big pelican colony and the daily pelican feeding at 3:30pm on the foreshore.
Kids will love the waterfront rides, jumping castles, and water play fountain. You can ride a bike along Tuggerah Lake, swim at the beach or in the ocean pools, or stroll along the channel for great water views.
5. Macmasters Beach
Macmasters Beach sits at the base of Bouddi National Park and is a great place to slow down and relax. It’s one of the few beaches on the Central Coast with big shady trees, so families can spend a comfortable afternoon here.
Surf or swim between the flags, or cool off in the ocean pool. Walk the Bouddi Coastal Walk to Putty Beach, or head to Little Beach nearby for a quiet picnic.
6. Copacabana
Copacabana Beach is great for swimming and surfing. The village is quiet and relaxed, with the beach as the main attraction and just a small café strip across from the sand.
Drive up to Captain Cook Lookout on the northern headland for amazing coastal views and some of the best whale watching during migration season. Burnt Honey Bakery is a local favorite for coffee and pastries before or after your beach visit.
7. Ettalong Beach
Ettalong Beach is perfect for families with young kids. The water is calm and sheltered, facing Broken Bay instead of the open ocean, and there’s a playground right on the beach.
Walk along the foreshore, have a picnic by the water, or check out the Ettalong Markets with their Mediterranean-style arcade and weekend food stalls. The Palm Beach ferry links Ettalong to Sydney’s Northern Beaches, so it’s a great choice for a scenic day trip.
8. Umina Beach
Umina Beach is a family favourite thanks to its gentle waves and one of the biggest playgrounds on the Central Coast, right behind the beach. Toddlers will enjoy the fenced play area, and older kids can try the nearby BMX track and skate park.
Splash in the shallow water at the southern end of the beach or swim between the flags. Afterwards, visit Ettalong Lookout for great views of Pearl Beach and Umina Beach from above.
9. Pearl Beach
Pearl Beach is one of the prettiest beach towns on the Central Coast, set in bushland at the edge of Brisbane Water National Park.
Families enjoy swimming in the calmer water at the southern end of the beach. The ocean pool is a good option when the surf is rough, and young children can play at the playground behind the beach.
Take a walk through Crommelin Native Arboretum for a shady bushland stroll. Or hike up to Warrah Lookout for great views over Broken Bay and Palm Beach.
Note: Pearl Beach doesn’t have any permanent cafés or restaurants at the moment. Bring a picnic or head to the Patonga Hotel.
10. Patonga
Patonga is one of the most secluded beach towns on the Central Coast, set between the Hawkesbury River and Brisbane Water National Park. It feels like a fishing village, with a friendly pub by the beach and a popular campground next to the creek.
Swim in the calm water, bring your fishing rods or kayaks, and walk up to Warrah Lookout for views over Broken Bay. If you live near Palm Beach, you can catch the ferry for a scenic trip to Patonga.
11. Norah Head
Norah Head is one of the northernmost towns on the Central Coast and is away from the summer crowds. It’s best known for its lighthouse, but it also has a clean beach, a great rock pool, and nice waterfront walks.
Go for a swim, tour the lighthouse, and enjoy the views from the top. Norah Head is a good pick if you want a quieter, less commercial day out.