The Central Coast weekend guide 2026, including the best beaches, national parks, family activities, and places to stay within 90
Travel Desk is a contributing writer covering travel and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
The Central Coast is approximately 75km north of the Sydney CBD, which is about 90 minutes by car or train. The drive takes you along the Pacific Highway or the M1 Pacific Motorway. The train journey from Sydney Central to Gosford takes approximately 90 minutes and is operated by NSW TrainLink. The Central Coast is a good option for a weekend getaway, with a range of beaches, national parks, and family activities.
The Newport in Terrigal is a boutique hotel with 50 rooms and a restaurant. The hotel is located on the beach and has views of the ocean. The hotel has a swimming pool, a spa, and a gym. The price is $200 to $350 per night. The hotel is accessible by car or train.
The Entrance Resort in The Entrance is a large resort with a range of accommodation options, including hotel rooms, self-contained apartments, and villas. The resort has a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, and a restaurant. The price is $150 to $300 per night. The resort is accessible by car or train.
Terrigal Skillion Hotel in Terrigal is a boutique hotel with 30 rooms and a restaurant. The hotel is located on the beach and has views of the ocean. The hotel has a swimming pool and a spa. The price is $180 to $300 per night. The hotel is accessible by car or train.
Bouddi National Park Cabins in Bouddi National Park are self-contained cabins with kitchen facilities. The cabins are located in the national park and have views of the coast. The cabins have a range of amenities, including a kitchen, a living area, and a deck. The price is $150 to $250 per night. The cabins are accessible by car.
Terrigal Beach is the most popular beach on the Central Coast. The beach has a surf life saving club and is patrolled on weekends and public holidays. The beach has a kiosk, change rooms, and a picnic area. The beach is accessible by car or train.
The Entrance Beach is a family-friendly beach with calm water and a jetty. The beach has a kiosk, change rooms, and a picnic area. The beach is accessible by car or train.
Bouddi Beach in Bouddi National Park is a quiet beach with calm water and a national park setting. The beach has no facilities, so bring your own food and water. The beach is accessible by car.
Putty Beach in Bouddi National Park is a quiet beach with calm water and a national park setting. The beach has no facilities, so bring your own food and water. The beach is accessible by car.
Bouddi National Park is a national park on the Central Coast between Terrigal and Hardys Bay. The park has a range of walking tracks, beaches, and picnic areas. The most popular walk is the 1km Maianbar to Bouddi coastal walk and the 2km Guringai Track. The park is accessible by car.
Woko National Park is a national park in the hinterland of the Central Coast. The park has a range of walking tracks, including the 2km Woko Track and the 4km Barrington Tops Track. The park has several campgrounds. The park is accessible by car.
Dharug National Park is a national park in the hinterland of the Central Coast. The park has a range of walking tracks, including the 2km Dharug Track and the 4km Great North Walk. The park has several campgrounds. The park is accessible by car.
Australian Reptile Park in Somersby is a wildlife park with native Australian animals, including crocodiles, snakes, and kangaroos. The park has a range of shows and demonstrations. Entry is $43 for adults and $26 for children. The park is accessible by car.
The Entrance Ocean Baths are a series of ocean pools on the Central Coast. The pools are suitable for swimming and are patrolled by lifeguards on weekends and public holidays. Entry is free.
Gosford Regional Gallery in Gosford is a regional art gallery with a range of exhibitions. The gallery has a sculpture garden and a café. Entry is free. The gallery is accessible by car or train.
The Entrance Wharf is a historic wharf with a range of shops and restaurants. The wharf has a fishing platform and a boat ramp. The wharf is accessible by car or train.
The Newport in Terrigal is a restaurant with views of the ocean. The restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with a focus on local seafood. The price is $80 to $120 per person for a three-course meal. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
The Entrance Hotel in The Entrance is a pub with a range of pub food and craft beer. The pub has a beer garden with views of the ocean. The price is $20 to $40 per person for a meal. The pub is open for lunch and dinner.
Terrigal Skillion in Terrigal is a restaurant with views of the ocean. The restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with a focus on local seafood. The price is $60 to $100 per person for a three-course meal. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
More information about the Central Coast is available at Destination NSW.
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