Our 3 must-sees on the New South Wales Central Coast
Contact
Three retirees with cameras exploring the Central Coast

3 must-sees on the NSW Central Coast


Tuesday, 20 May 2025

From Hawkesbury River to Lake Macquarie, the Central Coast is always worth a trip.

There’s something magnetic about life in a seaside town. Maybe it’s relaxing on golden sands as the waves crash to shore. Or strolling along the foreshore, watching the pelicans glide across the water.

When it comes to stunning seaside towns, the New South Wales Central Coast has them in abundance. From the fresh sea air to the waft of fish and chips from a nearby café, a relaxing lifestyle is what the Central Coast is all about.

Planning your next travel adventure? Here are 3 of our must-see highlights of the New South Wales Central Coast.

1. Exploring seaside towns and stylish suburbs

Surrounded by waterways, cafés and upmarket shops, the Central Coast offers spectacular scenery and cosmopolitan towns. Whether it’s beachside strolling, café-sitting, boutique shopping or taking in the fresh sea air, you are spoilt for choice.

You won’t want to miss these sensational seaside towns:

  • Start at Terrigal, a thriving oasis where food, wine and luxury accommodation make for the perfect getaway.
  • Head south to Avoca Beach, home of upmarket cafés and trendy boutiques along the waterfront. There's even a stretch of sand where dogs are free to frolic!
  • Don’t miss Copacabana, MacMasters Beach and Killcare. These beautiful seaside communities offer everything from romantic sailboat charters and long beach strolls to restaurants and shopping.

2. Fine dining and luxury getaways

If you’re after luxury getaways or five-star restaurants, you’re in luck on the Central Coast. Discover deep relaxation at Bells at Killcare, an adults-only, five-star retreat set against the backdrop of Bouddi National Park and Maitland Bay.

While you’re there, indulge in one of the Central Coast's finest restaurants, The Wildflower Bar & Dining.

For more fine dining, you can’t miss The Cowrie in Terrigal. With stunning ocean views, this award-winning restaurant is a must-see along the Central Coast’s Scenic Highway.

Fancy a drink? Gosford's Distillery Botanica offers award-winning Australian native-flavoured gin. Distiller Phillip Moore spent more than 20 years as a horticulturist and herbalist before turning his hand to create his distinctive tipples.

3. Pelicans, shopping and plenty of fun for the grandkids

The Central Coast isn’t all beaches, shopping and fine food. There's something for everyone, including the grandkids. You’ve got endless options to keep them entertained, including:

For thriving shops, boutiques and restaurants, head to The Entrance, where you’ll also find a large community of pelicans. For over 20 years, these magnificent birds have gathered daily at Pelican Plaza, a purpose-built feeding platform. It’s a sight to behold.

Erina Fair is the place to go if you need serious retail therapy. It’s the largest single-level shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere.

Retirement living on the Central Coast: love where you live

While the Central Coast is great for a getaway, it’s also the perfect place to retire on your terms. Sure, it has a holiday vibe, but that’s all the more reason to stay. And when you live on the Central Coast, you set the pace.

If you want a contented life in a warm and welcoming coastal community, you’re in luck. We have not one but two incredible retirement villages to choose from on the Central Coast.

An aerial view of the beautiful Brentwood Village on the Central Coast

Brentwood Village

An aerial view of the beautiful Brentwood Village on the Central Coast

Set on almost 60 acres of coastal hinterland, Brentwood Village is a peaceful oasis with picturesque beachside towns only minutes away. It's a relaxing retreat that feels like a world away, yet it has all Terrigal and Avoca conveniences on its doorstep.

Choose from 2 and 3 bedroom villas with contemporary open-plan living spaces and private courtyards. If you'd like a bit more support, there are also 1 and 2 bedroom Serviced Apartments available. 

Henry Kendall Gardens

A resident walking through the lush gardens at Henry Kendall Gardens with their family

Henry Kendall Gardens offers a peaceful lifestyle with stylish homes, outstanding amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, all set amidst 100 acres of subtropical rainforest and landscaped gardens.

Choose from 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units featuring contemporary open-plan living spaces, or serviced apartments with additional support, including cleaning, cooking and laundry. 

A resident walking through the lush gardens at Henry Kendall Gardens with their family

For more information about the lifestyle and support offered at our retirement villages, call our customer service team on 1800 550 550 or send us an email here.

If you think your family or friends might enjoy this article, please share it with them.