Hotels and resorts 

The Central Coast is paradise for salt and sand lovers. Enjoy the ocean from the moment you wake up to the moment the sun goes down with a stay at the iconic Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, located in the heart of Terrigal with views of the pine tree-lined esplanade and family-favourite beach, or at Mantra Ettalong Beach, which has an unrivalled position looking out to tranquil Broken Bay. 

Families and groups are catered for at the luxurious Avoca Palms Resort, nestled in the quaint beachside town of Avoca and boasting three- and four-bedroom apartments looking over Avoca Lake or the beach. Perched on a hill between Terrigal Beach and The Skillion, Star of the Sea Luxury Apartments has three- to five-bedroom apartments with incredible views. While Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites is a stone’s throw from Tuggerah Lake and has a mix of studios and larger apartments for the whole family, too. 

Golf lovers can tee off at one of two 18-hole championship golf courses: Pullman Magenta Shores Resort, where you can relax afterwards in the serene day spa, or Mercure Kooindah Waters Golf Resort, followed by a meal at its award-winning golf club. 

The recently transformed Beachcomber Hotel at Toukley has been a much-loved local destination for years; its beautifully renovated rooms ooze Hamptons’ style with waterfront views, while its exclusive beach club, bustling pub-style eatery and fine dining restaurant will give you reasons to linger longer. And the Coast’s newest hotel, The Quarters at Forresters Beach (formerly Forresters Beach Resort) has been given a fresh coastal-cool makeover; the resort will be a hub for bespoke events, tours and wellness.

Boutique stays

The Coast is home to an endless list of unique and beautiful places to stay. Feel at home within one of two beautiful properties of local legends and style masters, Kyal and Kara Demmrich: Toowoon Beach House is a family-friendly holiday home just 150 metres from the lapping waves of Toowoon Bay with ocean-inspired interiors, while Blue Lagoon Studio is a Mediterranean-style private studio across the road from Blue Lagoon Beach.

Just down the road within five minutes’ stroll of two beaches, Nest at Blue Bay is a couples’ ‘retreat with a gorgeous bohemian style. Another one for the lovers, The Outlook Cabana – as the name suggests – has beautiful views, set high on 18 acres in Terrigal. Or for the best of both worlds, Little Valley Guesthouse is a farm-style stay nestled within 10 acres of bushland, an easy walk to MacMasters Beach.

Groups should check out The Green House Retreats, a collection of three luxurious rentals located in Green Point and Pearl Beach, boasting privacy without forgoing five-star-hotel amenities. Set on 50 acres of farmland in Yarramalong Valley, Lost Ranches offers rustic accommodation with a barn, cottage and camping. While Fernbank Farm at Wyong Creek can accommodate 16 guests in two houses, one heritage, one modern.

Luxury

A long-standing favourite getaway, Kim’s Beachside Retreat is a collection of free-standing bungalows just steps from the pristine water of Toowoon Bay.

For ultimate luxury, Pretty Beach House is located within Bouddi National Park. One of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, this incredible stay is made up of four exclusive pavilions and a private dining room where world-class modern Australian cuisine is served, and offers one-of-a-kind guest experiences.

Ahara House in Killcare is an incredible newly refurbished beachfront holiday home for a wellness inspired getaway. It sleeps ten guests and boasts a chic modern design. Clare De Lune Waterfront is another spectacular property, a four-bedroom house with a private jetty and swimming pool with water views, in the quiet suburb of Point Clare.

Big on luxury but smaller in size, the apartments at The Boathouse Patonga can sleep from four to six guests and are styled in the signature Boathouse coastal aesthetic. Located above the bustling hotel, with water views and minutes from Patonga Beach, guests will want for nothing.

Four new exquisite lodges have been added to Bell’s at Killcare luxury boutique accommodation in Killcare. Each with two bedrooms, they nestle quietly into their bushland surrounds with the interior of the lodges bringing the outside in with foliage tones and stone accents. Built over three levels with underfloor heating, an indoor rain-shower and a freestanding bath, they are designed for relaxation and an escape from cares. Step outside to your private pool heated to a constant 24 degrees all year round. Each has well-appointed space for entertaining with a fully equipped contemporary kitchen that leads to an open-plan dining and living area and a fireplace for intimate evenings. On the third level, the Sunset Deck offers sweeping views of Bouddi National Park, Broken Bay, Palm Beach, the Hawkesbury River and to the distant city Sydney skyline.

Caravan and camping

Caravan and camping options sure have come a long way in recent years, and the offering on the Coast ranges from good ol’ fashioned camping to upscale glamping with all the bells and whistles. NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort delivers it all. Located within steps of family-friendly Umina Beach, this resort has unpowered and tent camping and caravan sites, modern villas and cabins that sleep up to eight, safari-style permanent tents, and the park’s newest innovation, ‘glamtainers’ that sleep up to four, which are decked out in ultra-chic furnishings with a kitchenette, bathroom and deck.

Central Coast Holiday Parks have locations at Toowoon Bay, Norah Head, Budgewoi and Canton Beach and offer a range of cabins and villas, as well as traditional camping and caravan sites.

Claiming the only absolute beachfront location on the Coast, Blue Lagoon Beach Resort offers cabins and studio accommodation and more than 100 caravan and camp sites. Or if you want to get back to nature, pitch a tent at a beachside National Park Campground including at Patonga, Tallow Beach, Putty Beach, Little Beach and Frazer Beach.

Moving away from the beach, adventure hub Glenworth Valley has a 200-acre riverfront campground where natural bush camping and luxurious bell tents are available. There’s also several self-contained eco villas available, one with its own outdoor tub overlooking the expansive wilderness where you can indulge in horse riding, abseiling, quad biking, kayaking and more.

To explore more Central Coast summer ready experiences,
visit lovecentralcoast.com/stay