Last verified 03/26
Woy Woy is an easy waterfront day trip on the southern Central Coast. You can arrive by train and walk straight towards Brisbane Water.
Many of the best things to do in Woy Woy centre on the water. Enjoy a flat waterfront walk, eat fresh seafood or catch a ferry across the bay.
This guide covers the best local activities, places to eat and nearby beaches.
Is Woy Woy Worth Visiting?
- Best for: Train day trips, seafood and ferry rides
- Great if you want: An easy day out without a car
- Not ideal for: Surf beaches or major attractions
Woy Woy is worth visiting if you enjoy relaxed waterfront towns. The station is close to the water, so you won’t need a car.
Local Highlights in Woy Woy
If you’re visiting Woy Woy, these are some of the places and activities people often include in their day.
- Woy Woy waterfront – views across Brisbane Water
- Fishermen’s Wharf – seafood, takeaway and water views
- Lions Park – playground, open space and picnic areas
- Walking tracks – mangrove boardwalks and shoreline paths
- Ferry services – access to nearby coastal spots
What Woy Woy Is Like
Woy Woy sits on a low peninsula between Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay.
The town centre can feel busy, but the waterfront is much quieter. The station, ferry wharf and Fishermen’s Wharf sit close together.
This makes Woy Woy easy to explore on foot.
Walk or Relax Along the Waterfront
The waterfront around Lions Park is a good place for an easy walk.
You’ll find picnic tables, a playground and wide views across Brisbane Water. Flat paths connect the park with Fishermen’s Wharf.
Pick up fish and chips nearby and eat beside the water.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Fishermen’s Wharf
Fishermen’s Wharf is one of the best-known places to visit in Woy Woy.
The wharf includes a seafood market and a waterfront restaurant where you can enjoy fish and chips or fresh seafood while overlooking Brisbane Water.
This place has operated as a seafood market and waterfront restaurant for decades and is a well-known local institution.
We like grabbing takeaway seafood and enjoying it at nearby Lions Park.
Cycle from Woy Woy to Gosford
If you bring a bike, Woy Woy is a handy starting point for the ride to Gosford.
The route is about 13 kilometres each way and mostly flat. Much of it follows shared paths beside Brisbane Water. It also includes road crossings and sections near traffic.
Point Clare is a good place to stop for a break. You can also ride one way and return by train.
Catch a Ferry Across Brisbane Water
Central Coast Ferries runs between Woy Woy, Saratoga, Davistown and Empire Bay.
Davistown takes about 25 minutes from Woy Woy. The trip passes mangrove islands and gives you lovely views across Brisbane Water.
You can get off at Davistown for a waterfront walk or lunch. Check the return timetable before planning your day.
Check the current timetable before planning your day. Opal is not accepted and cash is preferred for fares.
Explore Brisbane Water National Park
Brisbane Water National Park begins north of Woy Woy.
Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place is near Kariong. A 290-metre gravel path leads from the car park to a boardwalk around the rock engravings.
It’s about a 20-minute drive from Woy Woy.
Visit Staples Lookout
Staples Lookout sits beside Woy Woy Road. It’s seven kilometres north of Woy Woy.
The lookout has wide views across Brisbane Water, Woy Woy Bay and the national park. It’s beside the car park and has a picnic table.
Nearby Beaches
Although Woy Woy sits beside Brisbane Water rather than the open ocean, several beaches are only a short drive away.
- Ettalong Beach: A sheltered beach with a foreshore walk, cafés and weekend markets.
- Umina Beach: A long family beach with a large playground, skate park and BMX track nearby.
- Pearl Beach: A small beach village with an ocean pool, café and bushland setting.
Where to Eat and Drink in Woy Woy
You’ll find cafés and restaurants near the station and waterfront.
Fishermen’s Wharf is the obvious choice for seafood and water views. Satang is handy for breakfast or Thai food. Link & Pin is a local live music venue with casual meals.
The listings below show more places to eat in Woy Woy.
Explore Nearby Towns
Umina
A long family beach with a large playground, skate park and cafés nearby.
Ettalong
A relaxed waterfront village known for calm swimming, markets, cafés and the Palm Beach ferry.
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 secluded beachside village known for its natural beauty, ocean pool and peaceful atmosphere.
How to Spend a Day in Woy Woy
Start with coffee near the station. Then walk along the waterfront to Lions Park and Fishermen’s Wharf.
Catch the ferry to Davistown or spend more time beside Brisbane Water. Return to Woy Woy for seafood at lunch.
If you bring a bike, ride part of the shared path towards Point Clare in the afternoon.
How to Get to Woy Woy
By car
About 1 hour 20 minutes from Sydney via the M1 Motorway.
By train
Woy Woy Station is on the Central Coast and Newcastle Line.
The town centre, ferry wharf and waterfront are only a few minutes away on foot. Woy Woy is one of the easiest Central Coast towns to visit without a car.
By ferry
The Palm Beach Ferry travels to Ettalong Beach. From the wharf, catch a local bus or taxi to Woy Woy.
Find Out More About the Central Coast
Beaches
From sheltered bays to open surf beaches, find the right Central Coast beach for your next visit.
Walks
Discover the best walks and bushwalks on the Central Coast.
Towns
Explore coastal villages, lakeside towns, and local spots across the Central Coast.
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.