COAST ONLINE
Welcome to the best of the Coast where you can explore everything from beachy cafés to luxury resorts and bushland retreats. Discover its creative hubs and its inspiring people. Experience a region blessed by nature. We think you might find yourself on the Central Coast.
CompetitionFeatured WIN 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION FOR 10 GUESTS AT THE BOATHOUSE HOTEL’S PATONGA COTTAGE
Patonga Cottage, next door to The Boathouse Hotel Patonga and its landmark Norfolk Island Pines, is designed with the stylish touches evident in any Boathouse Hotel establishment — ideal for holiday relaxation.
Eat & DrinkFeatured AN ENDLESS SUMMER AT NEW COAST RESTAURANT: SHADY PALMS
In the aptly named ‘green room’ at the new Shady Palms restaurant in Avoca, chartreuse leaves peer through glass-louvered windows, ceramic birds fly across walls, while other walls are painted a faded lime, and another features an artwork reminiscent of an Elvis flick.
FeaturedPlay IT SEEMS TO COME IN WAVES: GOSFORD REGIONAL GALLERY
In this exhibition, the majesty, artistry and inspirational value of ocean photography are juxtaposed against the technological challenges that the photographers inventively overcame in their quest to gain the perfect shot.
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STAY
Find luxury accommodation fit for the most discerning tastes, or relaxing into the simple life. Whether you’re after the beach or the bush. Off-the-grid or relaxing close to boutiques and cafés. Resorts or glamping.
WIN 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION FOR 10 GUESTS AT THE BOATHOUSE HOTEL’S PATONGA COTTAGE
Patonga Cottage, next door to The Boathouse Hotel Patonga and its landmark Norfolk Island Pines, is designed with the stylish touches evident in any Boathouse Hotel establishment — ideal for holiday relaxation.
‘GLAMTAINERS’ AT OCEAN BEACH —Holiday accommodation that’s thinking ‘inside’ the box.
You’ve heard of ‘glamping’ but the latest innovation sweeping the world is the ‘glamtainer’, and it’s arrived at the Central Coast. It’s the blissful marriage between glamping and the tiny house trend, created from repurposed shipping containers.
PET FRIENDLY STAYS ON THE CENTRAL COAST
Sometimes the most difficult holiday decision is leaving one important family member behind: your beloved pet. Here are some enticing holiday stays that understand how important that family member is to everyone enjoying a great holiday.
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PLAY
Find your own style of adventure: a family outing; something to stretch your imagination; or satisfy your senses. Surfing, riding, flying, out on the water, or taking a class or a course.
IT SEEMS TO COME IN WAVES: GOSFORD REGIONAL GALLERY
In this exhibition, the majesty, artistry and inspirational value of ocean photography are juxtaposed against the technological challenges that the photographers inventively overcame in their quest to gain the perfect shot.
CHARMIAN GADD AND FRIENDS CONCERT
It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to enjoy live concerts, but thanks to the efforts of Charmian Gadd, patron of the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, the new year will kick-off with a goodie.
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EAT & DRINK
Find the best restaurants and cafés to tempt your tastes. Share the dreams that motivated the tree-changer and sea-changer chefs, and dedicated Hunter valley winemakers.
AN ENDLESS SUMMER AT NEW COAST RESTAURANT: SHADY PALMS
In the aptly named ‘green room’ at the new Shady Palms restaurant in Avoca, chartreuse leaves peer through glass-louvered windows, ceramic birds fly across walls, while other walls are painted a faded lime, and another features an artwork reminiscent of an Elvis flick.
THE ART OF GOURMET PIZZA
Inspired by the birthplace of pizza, this cosy restaurant in the heart of Wamberal is not just your average Italian restaurant or pizza place.
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EXPLORE
Discover secluded, unspoilt beaches and popular swimming spots; breathtaking coastal walks rated among the best in the world; abundant waterways; and architecture energised by clifftop views and leafy acreages.
MUNMORAH SEA CAVES
PHOTOS BY STEVE PASSLOW.
The ruggedly beautiful sea caves at Ghosties Beach and Snapper Point are jealously guarded by the elements.
MILLION-STAR RATING FOR GLAMPING ON THE CENTRAL COAST.
If you think camping is not quite for you: love the escapism and adventure of the outdoors but hate roughing it, then think glamping.
THE CENTRAL COAST COULD BECOME A MAJOR WILD HABITAT FOR KOALAS
‘I would like to see the Central Coast established as the largest natural koala sanctuary in the world,’ Jake Cassar says. ‘We have all the right trees here to offer new homes to koalas from fire-ravaged areas.’
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PEOPLE
Read the interesting and inspiring stories of those who call the Central Coast home: the creators, artisan makers and producers, fresh produce growers, and achievers in sport and business.
GABY PORTER, A RARE TALENT
Gaby Porter is as much renowned in Australia and internationally for her large stone works and bronzes as for her smaller whimsical pieces and sensuous female figures.
KIM AND MARK WAUGH IN JILLIBY — AND A DONKEY WHO THINKS HE’S A RACEHORSE
Kim Waugh’s pride and joy is her Mahtoum Lodge racing stables in Jilliby … and a miniature donkey who likes to challenge the big boys to race against him in the paddock.
COASTING ALONG with Libby Greig.
Confessions of an inner-city dweller who became a sea-changer.
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SHOP
The ultimate guide to Central Coast shopping — homegrown boutiques, niche stores, and super-centres — to update your wardrobe, brighten up your home, and help you feel fabulous for the season ahead.
SHOPPING GUIDE: A SUMMER TO CELEBRATE
With the Central Coast soaked in sunshine and our beaches looking their best, summer is the season to celebrate life by the sea. Spoil yourself with a little (or a lot) of sand- and surf-inspired shopping.
WINTER SHOPPING GUIDE
Shop up a storm at these local stores selling everything from restored furniture and botanic art to wardrobe essentials.
SPRING SHOPPING GUIDE
With spring in the air, we’ve rounded up the best shops to spring-clean your body, update your beachwear, brighten up your home and look fabulous for all those spring events.
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