Discover self-catering villas and hotels in Central Coast, Australia

Only two hours’ drive north of Sydney, the archly dubbed ‘Costa Centrale’ is luring early adopters – and savvy commuters – with its simple fibro shacks, serene surf beaches, tranquil lakes and beautiful native bushland. Edit out local towns such as Woy Woy, Terrigal and Gosford, and chill out in pretty villages by the sea, explore the coastal Bouddi National Park, sail on Brisbane Waters or walk along pristine bush tracks to find your own strip of sand. What’s more, with award-winning chefs cutting a slice of the action at the area’s best hotels and restaurants, you won’t have to make do with fish and chips.