Last verified 09/26
Toowoon Bay is a small coastal suburb on the Central Coast, NSW, located between The Entrance and Shelly Beach.
Toowoon Bay is one of the easiest family beach days on the Central Coast.
The sheltered bay has gentler waves than many nearby surf beaches. You’ll also find a café, picnic areas and places to stay close to the sand.
This guide covers what to do at Toowoon Bay and how to plan your visit.
Quick Facts — Toowoon Bay
- Location: Central Coast NSW
- Distance from Sydney: about 1.5 hours north via the M1
- Best for: swimming, families and calm water activities
- Nearby beaches: Shelly Beach, Blue Bay, The Entrance
Local Highlights in Toowoon Bay
If you’re visiting Toowoon Bay, these are some of the places and activities people often enjoy.
- Toowoon Bay Beach – calm water and sheltered swimming
- Toowoon Bay Park – playground, picnic tables and barbecues
- Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk – scenic clifftop walking track
- Shelly Beach Golf Club – oceanfront golf course nearby
What Toowoon Bay Is Like
Toowoon Bay sits inside a small curved bay protected by surrounding headlands.
Thanks to its sheltered spot, the water here is often calmer than at other Central Coast beaches. Families with young children often choose Toowoon Bay for its gentle conditions instead of bigger, rougher beaches.
The suburb is quiet and mainly residential, with a few cafés and small shops close to the beach.
People often visit Toowoon Bay to:
- swim in calmer ocean water
- relax on the sandy beach
- walk between nearby beaches
- enjoy breakfast or coffee near the water
- watch the sunrise over the ocean
Swimming at Toowoon Bay Beach
Swimming at Toowoon Bay is usually calmer than at most open surf beaches. The sheltered water makes Toowoon Bay especially popular with families and young kids.
The beach is patrolled from the September school holidays through to April. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
Locals also use the bay for kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Parks and Facilities
Next to the beach, you’ll find Toowoon Bay Park.
The grassy park has a playground, picnic tables, barbecues, and shaded seats. It’s a great spot for families to spend the day by the beach.
Public toilets are also located nearby.
Walk Between Toowoon Bay and Shelly Beach
A popular coastal walk links Toowoon Bay with nearby Shelly Beach.
The walk follows the coastline past rocky headlands and scenic viewpoints overlooking the ocean.
We often like to end the walk with a coffee or lunch at Munchas, which is near the Shelly Beach Surf Club.
Shelly Beach is also known for its golf course and popular surf break.
Dogs are allowed off leash along the stretch of beach between Little Bay and Shelly Beach. This dog exercise area runs for about 1.5 km along the sand.
Cafés Near Toowoon Bay
There are a few casual dining options close to the beach.
Village Kiosk Cafe next to the beach is a popular spot for takeaway snacks such as Fish and chips, burgers, and bacon and egg rolls.
For great coffee, toasties and pies, we like going to Flour & Co, which is about 500 metres from the beach.
How to Get to Toowoon Bay
By car
Toowoon Bay is about 1 hr 30 min north of Sydney via the M1 Motorway.
You can leave the motorway at Tuggerah, then follow local roads to The Entrance and nearby beaches.
Parking is available near the beachfront and along nearby residential streets.
Since the area is small, most visitors walk between the beach and local cafés.
Nearby Beaches and Places to Explore
The Entrance
A popular waterfront town known for pelican feeding, family attractions and Tuggerah Lake views.
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.
Shelly Beach
A wide surf beach known for swimming, surfing and long walks along the sand.
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.
Long Jetty
A lakeside suburb known for its long jetty, colourful sunsets, cafés and vintage shops.
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