Boutique hotels in Central Coast
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Bells at Killcare
- Style
- Bold classy coastal
- Setting
- Graceful English gardens
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Pretty Beach House
- Style
- Luxe rustic
- Setting
- Hilltop bush, gentle water views
Central Coast Overview
Australia
- Coastline
- Bushland, beaches and boats
- Coast Life
- Rambling, swimming and lounging
It might only be a couple of hours north of Sydney, but New South Wales' Central Coast couldn't be any more different.
With larger centres, such as Woy Woy, Terrigal and Gosford, offering some civilisation, it is the tiny villages by the beach – often sleepy, always pretty – that make this destination so special. Take your time to explore the coastal Bouddi National Park, filled with beautiful native forest, and all the tiny hamlets on Brisbane Water, and be prepared to walk along bush tracks to find some sandy hidden gems.
Completely Central Coast
The Central Coast is a breeding ground for the large, ungainly pelican. These black and white birds with their large, pouched bills are so tame they come in large numbers to the foreshore at The Entrance every day at 3.30pm to be fed. A smaller feeding happens each day at 3pm opposite Fishermans Wharf at Woy Woy. If you prefer a more exclusive viewing, join the Pelican Feeding and Oyster Tasting kayaking tours (+61 (0)2 4342 2222; www.kayaktours.com.au) on Brisbane Water.
Local knowledge
- Taxis
- Central Coast Taxis (+61 (0)2 4337 3999) operates out of Gosford, but it’s an expensive and not particularly efficient way of travelling. Ask at your accommodation about transfers to and from local restaurants and bars.
- Tipping culture
- Gratuities aren’t really expected, but if you’re happy with the service you received at a restaurant adding 10 per cent to the bill is appreciated.
- Siesta and Fiesta
- It’s all about the laidback attitude here, so don’t expect stores and cafes to be open late. It’s best to phone ahead to check the closing times of restaurants and bars.
- Packing tips
- Fishing rod, Helen Kaminski crochet raffia sun hat, and New Balance trail shoes for getting to those hard-to-access beaches.
- Recommended reads
- Kate Grenville’s The Secret River is a novel about a former convict who stakes a claim near the Hawkesbury River in the 19th century. Chef Stefano Manfredi cooks at both Bells at Killcare and Pretty Beach House. Find out his culinary secrets in his latest recipe book, Seasonal Italian Favourites.
- Cuisine
- Get used to seasonal food prepared simply. Most people around here prefer the casual approach to meals and eating out. Relax into it.
- Regional specialities
- The area around the Hawkesbury is considered one of New South Wales’ best food bowls. Close by are orchards and farms that grow vegetables and citrus fruit. The local seafood – oysters, crabs, squid and fish – is a much-loved specialty.
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AU$)
- Time zone
- GMT +10.
- Dialling codes
- Country code for Australia: 61; Central Coast: (0)2.
- Do go/don't go
- Even mid-winter is temperate on the New South Wales coastline, although it may be a little cool to swim. High summer – December and January – see the tiny towns and normally quiet beaches filled with holidaying families.
Don't go home without
Hiring a small boat – called tinnies in Australia – and taking it out fishing. You don’t need any experience or a license, as instructions and equipment are provided. There are a number of places you can hire boats, but try Long Jetty Catamaran & Boat Hire (+61 (0)2 (0)408 506 661; www.cathire.bigpondhosting.com) at Tuggerah Lakes.
