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Boutique hotels in Central Coast

Central Coast, Australia

Central Coast
Eating, drinking and dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Central Coast.

Restaurants

Onda

This Italian restaurant by the beach (onda is the Italian word for wave) has won a raft of awards for its classical food. The degustation menu features six courses, including Sydney rock oysters with apple and verjuice reduction and confit duck Maryland with potato, parmesan and oregano gnocchi.

150 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal, New South Wales 2260, Australia

(+61 (0)2 4360 2999)

Yum Yum Eatery

There’s a fusion of styles on offer at this waterfront restaurant, where chef David Featherstone explores Asian and Mediterranean flavours. Wednesday and Thursday are both curry nights, and breakfast is also served on the weekend.

60 Araluen Drive, Hardys Bay, New South Wales 2257, Australia

Cafés

(+61 (0)2 4385 9144)

Zanziba

If you’re tired of poached eggs and the other usual breakfast offerings, this café is a breath of fresh air. They’re all there, but so are nasi goreng, breakfast burritos and BLAT sandwiches, as well as excellent Campos coffee. Nice for lunch too.

1/18 Church Street, Terrigal, New South Wales 2260, Australia

(+61 (0)2 4360 1667)

The Old Killcare Store

With a pretty outlook over the bay, this popular place is always buzzing. A casual spot to enjoy coffee and a light meal at any time of the day.

54 Araluen Drive, Hardys Bay, New South Wales 2257, Australia

Bars and clubs

(+61 (0)2 4383 9111)

Florida Beach Bar

It seems that every youngster on holiday in this part of the world congregates in this huge al fresco bar, where the beers are cold and the bodies are hot.

Crowne Plaza, Pine Tree Lane, Terrigal, New South Wales 2260, Australia

(+61 (0)2 4325 2020)

Iguanas Waterfront Bar & Brasserie

This waterfront bar picks up a gear as night closes in, with live entertainment and the Central Coast’s largest nightclub, Silks, kicking on till late on Friday. A retro set takes place at The Vue Lounge on Saturday.

12 Dane Drive, Gosford, New South Wales 2250, Australia

Pubs

(+61 (0)2 4360 1072)

Hardys Bay RSL & Citizens Club

Want to get to meet the locals? This club, like all RSLs, has cheap drinks, sport on the tellie, games of pool and meat tray raffles. There’s even a decent restaurant called The Fat Goose. For a gold coin donation, the courtesy bus will pick you up and drop you off from Thursday to Saturday.

14 Heath Road, Hardys Bay, New South Wales 2257, Australia

(+61 (0)2 4367 5222)

The Woodport Inn

The Sea Bar is popular with travellers and locals with its jukebox and welcoming atmosphere. Bands play here on the weekend, and if you want something even louder, head to Woody’s Nightclub in the basement on Friday night for some rockin’ beats.

207 The Entrance Road, Erina, New South Wales 2250, Australia

(+61 (0)2 4332 8022)

Bateau Bay Hotel

The beer garden is a relaxed, family-friendly spot to spend the afternoon. There are live bands here from Thursday night to Sunday afternoon, too.

Corner The Entrance Road and Lumby Drive, Bateau Bay, New South Wales 2261, Australia