7 Best Things to Do in Patonga Beach 

Patonga Beach is a charming fishing village beside the Hawkesbury River and Brisbane Water National Park.

It's the most isolated beach town on the Central Coast, a great spot to relax for a day. 

Here you'll find an art gallery, camping ground and a great pub.

And lots of water.

Things to Do in Patonga

1. Enjoy Water Activities

This beach town is about relaxing, swimming, relaxing, fishing, relaxing, kayaking. 

Fish in the creek. Swim in the calm ocean beside the jetty. Or kayak up into Brisbane Water National Park. 

You can walk the dog on the beach in the off-leash area, about 500 metres between Meroo and Jacaranda Avenues. 

2. Walk to Warrah Lookout

The trail leading to Warrah Lookout is a strenuous but great walk. 

Warrah Lookout is at the top of the headland, and the view is epic. You can see Palm Beach and lots of tiny boats sailing the Hawkesbury River. 

Warrah Lookout is one of the top lookouts on the Central Coast. So it's well worth the hike. 

The track starts at the eastern end of the beach. The walk takes 30-45 minutes to Warrah Lookout. And you can continue walking to Pearl Beach, which is about an extra 30 minutes.

Click here to read our full article on Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track.

If you're not up to walking uphill, you can take a shortcut to Warrah Lookout. Park at the end of Warrah Trig Road and follow Tony Doyle track. The track is about 375 metres to Warrah Lookout, and the walk is easy.

Staying in Patonga for more than a day?

Check out our top bushwalks in Brisbane Water National Park here.

3. Palm Beach and Hawkesbury River Cruises

Palm Beach and Hawkesbury River Cruises is no longer running. 

Enjoy the beautiful sceneries along the Hawkesbury River.

Travel to Patonga from Palm Beach aboard Palm Beach and Hawkesbury River Cruises. 

If you're already in Patonga, you can hop on the ferry and cruise to Bobbin Head and back. The ferry stops at Bobbin Head for an hour, enough time for a picnic.  

Or even better, alight at Cottage Point Inn restaurant for fine dining. The ferry will pick you up again on its way back from Bobbin Head. 

4. Have Lunch at The Boathouse Hotel

Have lunch at the Boathouse Hotel in the outdoor garden. Enjoy the relaxing views of the ocean. 

The menu ranges from seafood to burgers to pizza. And fish and chips of course. 

The Boathouse Hotel is a popular venue and always attracts a lot of visitors. 

5. Go for a Mountain Bike Ride

Enjoy mountain biking in Brisbane Water National Park. Ride the Tommos Loop, the Rocky Ponds trail or the Warrah Trig Loops.

The two first ones are 20 kilometres combined, and the trails start at Staples Lookout on Woy Woy Road. Warrah Trig is 10 kilometres and begins at the end of Warrah Trig Road. 

Find out more about mountain bike routes in Brisbane Water National Park.

6. Camp at Patonga Camping Ground

Patonga Camping Ground is a popular camping spot in a beautiful setting beside the creek.

There are powered and unpowered sites but no cabins.   

The campground is often fully booked during the peak holiday season, so better book as early as you can.  

Take your swimmers, kayaks and fishing rods.

Click here to book your site or to find out more.

7. Patonga Blues Across the Bay Festival

The Patonga Blues Across the Bay Festival has been going for 15 years for lovers of blues music.

The festival occurs in November at Broken Bay Sport & Recreation Centre. You can only get there by ferry from here or from Palm Beach.

Buy your tickets in advance because places are limited.

Where to Stay in Patonga 

Most visitors in Patonga stay in a holiday rental. You can search on a site such as Airbnb.

Wherever you stay, you'll always be close to the beach, creek and pub. 

These are top accommodation options in Patonga

• Patonga Creek Cabin - This lovely cabin is in a perfect location beside the creek, and you can use their kayak! Check this one out if you’re looking for a clean but good value accommodation with your dog and/or kids.

• Unique hillside retreat overlooking Patonga Beach - The highlight is the large deck overlooking the fantastic water views. You’ll enjoy morning breakfasts on the verandah and chilling in the hammocks. This charming cottage is ideal for a couple or a family.

• Winter escape Patonga - Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing home with fabulous views from the terrace. It’s a perfect place for two families, and the fireplace makes it a cosy winter getaway too.

Getting There

By car - Located 1 hr 30 min north of Sydney. Follow the M1 Sydney - Newcastle Motorway and exit toward Gosford / Woy Woy / Terrigal. The last bit of the drive is through a beautiful road in Brisbane Water National Park.

By ferry - There's a daily ferry service between Patonga and Palm Beach. Check out the timetable here.

More Things to Do on the Central Coast

• Things to do in Umina Beach
• Things to do in Ettalong Beach
• Things to do in Terrigal
• Things to do in The Entrance
• Best Central Coast attractions