Last verified 03/26
Umina Beach is on the southern Central Coast, beside Broken Bay. It’s close to Ettalong Beach, Woy Woy and the Brisbane Water National Park.
The long beach, gentle waves and large playground make Umina popular with families. You’ll also find a skate park, BMX track, cafés and shops nearby.
This guide covers the best things to do at Umina Beach and how to plan your visit.
Is Umina Beach Worth Visiting?
- Best for: Families, beach days and outdoor activities
- Great if you want: Surf beaches, playgrounds and easy coastal walks
- Not ideal for: Boutique shopping, nightlife or luxury dining
Local Highlights in Umina Beach
- Umina Beach – a long beach with gentler waves than Ocean Beach
- Peninsula Recreation Precinct – playground, skate park and BMX track
- Umina Beach Markets – held on the third Sunday each month
- Southern Umina Beach – a long off-leash dog area
- West Street – the town’s main café and shopping area
What Umina Beach Is Like
Umina Beach sits between Ocean Beach and Ettalong Beach on the southern end of the Peninsula.
Umina and Ocean Beach form one 2.6-kilometre stretch of sand inside Broken Bay. The Umina end is more sheltered. Ocean Beach receives more swell.
Parks and the recreation precinct sit behind the beach. Most shops and cafés are on West Street.
Things to Do in Umina
Swimming and Surfing
The Umina end often has smaller waves than Ocean Beach. This is one reason it’s popular with families.
Umina Surf Life Saving Club sits near the centre of the beach. Ocean Beach has another surf club farther east. Both areas have seasonal patrols.
You’ll often see beginner surfers and bodyboarders here when the waves are small. Sal’s Surf School also runs lessons at Umina Beach.
The combined Ocean–Umina beach is 2.6 kilometres long.
Take Your Dog to the Beach
A long off-leash dog area sits at the southern end of Umina Beach.
It’s a popular local spot for a beach walk with your dog. Mornings and late afternoons are often the busiest times.
Umina Beach Playground
Behind the beach is the Peninsula Recreation Precinct. It’s one of the best outdoor play areas on the Central Coast.
The main playground has a flying fox, climbing equipment, swings and a fenced toddler area.
Beside it, you’ll find a large skate park, BMX track, basketball court and climbing walls. Jasmine Greens Park Kiosk is nearby for coffee and food.
The skate park and BMX track were upgraded in 2024.
Browse Umina Beach Markets
Umina Beach Markets fill the recreation precinct on the third Sunday each month. They run from 9 am to 2 pm.
You’ll find local makers, food stalls and live music. The beach and playground are next door, so it’s easy to make a morning of it.
Walking and Bushwalking
One of the easiest walks follows the foreshore between Umina and Ettalong Beach. You can also walk along the sand towards Ocean Beach.
For a harder walk, drive to Pearl Beach or Patonga. The Patonga to Pearl Beach track is three kilometres each way. It usually takes between 90 minutes and two hours each way.
The track is steep and has a Grade 5 rating.
Fishing at Umina Beach
You’ll often see people fishing from the sand along Umina and Ocean Beach.
Early mornings and evenings are popular with local anglers.
Where to Eat and Drink in Umina Beach
Umina Beach has a growing mix of cafés, restaurants and takeaway food spots. Most eateries are located along West Street, the town’s main commercial strip.
How to Spend a Day in Umina Beach
Start with breakfast on West Street. Then head to the beach and spend the morning near the playground.
If you visit on the third Sunday, browse Umina Beach Markets beside the park.
Have lunch near the beach or return to West Street. In the afternoon, walk towards Ettalong or relax on the sand.
Older children may want more time at the skate park and BMX track.
Explore Nearby Towns
Ettalong
A relaxed waterfront village known for calm swimming, markets, cafés and the Palm Beach ferry
Woy Woy
A practical waterfront town on Brisbane Water, with foreshore walks and easy train access
Killcare
A peaceful coastal village surrounded by beaches, bushland and Bouddi National Park
Patonga
A quiet fishing village with a calm waterfront, scenic walks and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Pearl Beach
A small beach village with an ocean pool and access to Brisbane Water National Park.
Where to Stay in Umina Beach
The main family accommodation is NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. It sits behind the beach beside the recreation precinct.
The resort has cabins, camping sites, pools and a waterpark. Ettalong Beach also has apartments and other places to stay nearby.
How to Get to Umina Beach
By Car
Umina Beach is about 90 minutes north of Sydney via the M1. Large car parks sit beside Umina Surf Life Saving Club and the Peninsula Recreation Precinct.
By Train
Take a train to Woy Woy Station. From there, catch a local bus to Umina Beach.
By ferry
The Palm Beach Ferry takes about 30 minutes to Ettalong Beach. Umina Beach is a short bus or taxi ride from the wharf.
Find Out More About the Central Coast
Beaches
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Towns
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Kids and Family
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Things to Do
Find the best attractions, markets and experiences on the Central Coast.
Bouddi National Park Walks
Explore coastal trails and secluded beaches in Bouddi National Park.
Brisbane Water National Park Walks
Discover the best walks in Brisbane Water National Park.