Things to Do in Long Jetty, Central Coast NSW

Last verified 03/26

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.

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.

Explore the Shops

Long Jetty has become one of the Central Coast’s most creative neighbourhoods. As you walk along The Entrance Road, you’ll find vintage stores, boutiques, homewares shops and independent businesses.

The area also features colourful street art and murals. The best known is the “Welcome to Long Jetty” mural on Thompson Street.

Part of the fun is simply wandering between the shops and stopping for coffee.

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.

You’ll find everything from artisan bakeries and brunch cafés to small bars and restaurants along The Entrance Road. If you’re in Long Jetty, these are places we often return to.

Mr Sha Shas

Mr Sha Sha’s is a café in Long Jetty NSW serving coffee, breakfast and fresh, made-to-order meals on The Entrance Road. This Long Jetty café offers a varied menu including eggs benedict, pancakes, breakfast burgers and fresh juices, with a dog-friendly setup and family-friendly touches. It’s a welcoming local spot for coffee, brunch and casual dining along the Long Jetty strip.

Green Tangerine

Green Tangerine is an artisan bakery café in Long Jetty NSW focused on seasonal food, specialty coffee and house-made baked goods. This Long Jetty café features an on-site bakery producing sourdough, pastries and treats using traditional methods, alongside coffee from The Little Marionette. It’s a standout Central Coast spot for quality ingredients, creative dishes and fresh bakery offerings.

The morning coffee society

The Morning Coffee Society is a café in Long Jetty NSW serving specialty coffee, breakfast and brunch in a relaxed setting. This Long Jetty café offers fresh dishes, house-made options and takeaway coffee for dine-in or on the go. It’s a local spot for coffee, casual meals and catch-ups on the Central Coast.

Three Donkeys

Three Donkeys Home + Coffee Bar is a café and homewares store in Long Jetty NSW combining specialty coffee with a curated retail space. This Long Jetty venue features wholefood treats, cakes and coffee alongside bespoke furniture, vintage décor and locally sourced homewares. It’s a unique Central Coast spot for coffee, browsing and a lifestyle-focused experience in one space.

Long Jetty Hotel

Long Jetty Hotel is a pub, bar and bistro in Long Jetty NSW offering classic pub meals, drinks and live entertainment. This Long Jetty hotel features a menu of pub favourites alongside a bar and regular events. It’s a well-known Central Coast spot for casual dining, drinks and social nights out.

Neighbours

Neighbours is a café and wellness space in Long Jetty NSW combining a community hub, yoga and pilates studio, and garden café. This Long Jetty venue features wholesome, seasonal food, specialty coffee and a leafy courtyard setting designed for connection and relaxation. It’s a unique Central Coast spot for brunch, co-working and wellness experiences in one location.

Walk the Long Jetty

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.

Ride or Walk Beside Tuggerah Lake

One of the best things to do in Long Jetty is walking, cycling or skating along the lakefront path from The Entrance to Chittaway Bay. The path follows the lake for many kilometres. It’s flat and easy to use.

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 for kids
free public BBQs
picnic tables and seating
open grass areas beside the lake

Since everything is close by, it’s easy to visit with kids or stop for lunch during a walk by the lake.

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.

Ocean Swimming Near Long Jetty

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.