The Central Coast is one of the easiest family getaways from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, about an hour down the M1 or A43 depending on where you’re headed. It’s close enough for a day trip but has enough packed in for a long weekend too.
Beaches, a working lighthouse, native animals, treetop adventures and family-friendly accommodation all sit within a fairly compact stretch of coastline. Here’s what’s worth your time, what to skip right now, and what to know before you go.
Jump to: Things to Do | Places to Eat | Where to Stay | FAQS
Things to Do on the Central Coast with Kids
The Entrance and Pelican Time
The daily pelican feeding that ran here for 20 years is gone, but it’s been replaced by Pelican Time, a free education talk with Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast. It runs Wednesdays, weekends, public holidays (except Christmas Day) and every day of the school holidays, at 3:30pm at Pelican Plaza. Combine it with the playground, the Historical Carousel, and Vera’s Water Garden for the kids to cool off in on a warm day.
Norah Head Lighthouse
Built in 1903, this working lighthouse is open to climb most days, with tours running roughly 10am to 1:30pm and no booking required, just pay at the base. Kids under 6 usually go free. If you’d rather skip the climb, the walking track around the grounds leads down to Lighthouse Beach, which is worth the wander on its own.
Australian Reptile Park
Home to koalas, kangaroos, dingoes and Elvis, the resident saltwater crocodile who’s still going strong at 60 and still lives up to his “crankiest croc in Australia” reputation. Daily reptile shows, feedings and the venom-milking presentations are all included, and there’s a decent playground and BBQ picnic area on site too. Paths are flat and pram-friendly.
Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park
A quieter, more hands-on alternative to the Reptile Park. This working wildlife sanctuary runs a petting zoo, ranger-led animal encounters, and a Bush Tucker Walkabout that covers traditional Aboriginal food knowledge on Darkinjung and Guringai land. Good option if your crew prefers fewer crowds.
TreeTop Adventure Park and Networld
For an adrenaline hit, TreeTops has flying foxes, Tarzan swings and rope courses up in the trees, plus the Crazy Rider zipline coaster. For younger or less adventurous kids, Networld is the calmer option, giant inflatable domes suspended in the canopy instead of harnesses and heights.
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures
Horse riding, quad biking, kayaking, mountain biking and abseiling all in one spot, with cabins and camping if you want to stretch the visit into an overnight stay.
Wyong Milk Factory
Part produce market, part playground. Try the local cheese and chocolate, let the kids loose on the playground with its pirate boat and cubby houses, then hire a kayak or rowboat along the Wyong River to finish up.
Amazement Farm & Fun Park
A retro, low-key option with hedge mazes, a petting zoo (bunnies, goats, donkeys, pony rides) and giant outdoor board games. Good for a shorter visit or a rainy-day backup that’s still outdoors.
Somersby Falls
An easy, lovely rainforest walk, 500m return through Brisbane Water National Park to views of the top, middle and bottom falls. It’s open again after a spell of closures, but this track has a history of shutting for weather, upgrade works or track damage, so it’s worth a quick check of current alerts before you drive out. Entry is $8 per vehicle per day, payable by card or the Park’nPay app. Read our full Somersby Falls guide for the latest.
Coast to Lake Walk
Feel like a walk? Do the Coast to Lake Walk – either in parts or in its entirety. It’s a self-guided 7.6 kilometre walk from Memorial Park in The Entrance round Blue Bay and Toowoon Bay before cutting back across the peninsula to The Entrance.
Beaches
The Central Coast has loads of beaches. Head to one of the 16 beaches for a swim, surf, fish or snorkel. Some favourites include Umina Beach, Ettalong Beach, Towooon Bay, MacMasters Beach, Copacabana Beach, Terrigal and Avoca Beach.
Between two headlands, Avoca Beach is a popular spot for local families. Famed as a surfing beach, it also features a shallow rock pool area that’s safe for little ones to splash around in. Head to the fenced Avoca Beach Playground. It’s great for toddlers.
Another family-favourite is Toowoon Bay. This 700-metre-long curved beach is ideal for those with kids. It’s also a top spot for snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Also recommended is Umina which has two patrolled beaches along a 2.8 kilometre stretch
Places to Eat with Kids
You’ll find solid family-friendly options scattered through the region rather than in one strip. The Entrance has plenty of casual takeaway near the playground and Vera’s Water Garden. Breakers Country Club at Wamberal has a play area with a view, Kincumber Hotel has an outdoor play area, sandpit and kids menu, and Gosford RSL has an indoor play area if you want to eat in peace. Wyong Milk Factory Cafe doubles as a meal stop and playground visit in one.
Where to Stay with Kids
Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie
Ingenia Holidays Lake Macquarie at Mannering Park offers a waterfront location on the southern end of Lake Macquarie / top of Central Coast. Kids will enjoy the jumping pillow and pool as well as water activities on the lake. Accommodation includes powered tent sites, cottages, cabins, 2 bedroom villas and a 2-storey, 2 bedroom waterview villas.
Crowne Plaza Terrigal – Beachfront with an outdoor heated pool, and extra school holiday perks including supervised Kids Zone sessions with karaoke, arts and crafts.
Mantra Ettalong Beach – A short walk to the beach, resort-style pool, and every room comes with a private balcony, kitchenette and laundry, handy with young kids in tow.
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort – Right on Umina Beach with an on-site pool, and Safari Tents if you want to try glamping without the full camping setup.
Budgewoi Holiday Park – Enjoy the lake and the beach when you stay at Budgewoi Holiday Park. It’s a relaxing spot facing Lake Munmorah yet it’s short walking distance to Budgewoi Beach.
Canton Holiday Park – Explore Tuggerah Lakes at Canton Holiday Park. Located near Canton Beach, this lakeside spot offers a variety of activities for families while still being close to the cafes and restaurants in Toukley.
Frazer Campground at Munmorah State Conservation Area – It’s old school at Frazer Campground with only tent camping allowed and cold showers.
Norah Head Holiday Park -Located near the historic Norah Head Lighthouse, Norah Head Holiday Park offers lots of fun for young and old. Swim either at the on-site swimming pool or at nearby Soldiers Beach or Norah Head Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 1 to 1.5 hours by car via the M1 or A43 Pacific Highway, depending on which part of the Coast you’re heading to.
Yes, it’s open at time of writing, but this track has closed on and off for weather, maintenance and road damage in the past. Check the NSW National Parks alerts page before you head out.
Yes, though the daily feed is gone. Pelican Time now runs Wednesdays, weekends, public holidays (except Christmas Day) and every day of the school holidays, at 3:30pm at Pelican Plaza.
No, tours run daily (roughly 10am to 1:30pm) with no booking required. Just turn up and pay at the base of the lighthouse.
Avoca Beach, thanks to its fenced playground and shallow rock pool right next to the sand.
You might also like:
50+ Camping & Holiday Parks to Stay Within a 3 Hour Drive of Newcastle