Central Coast Food and Wine
From beachside cafes with great ocean views to pretty picnic areas in magnificent national parks, the beautiful Central Coast of NSW has many delicious experiences. You can enjoy cool drinks at waterside pubs, dine on succulent seafood and even learn culinary skills from a master chef.
You’ll find many delightful places to eat to suit various budgets. For a day trip from Sydney, take a train to Woy Woy and alight for the short walk to Fishermen’s Wharf and tasty fish and chips opposite Pelican Island. Nearby you can hop a scenic ferry round-trip on sparkling Brisbane Water.
The natural beauty of the Central Coast is spectacular, and a great way to enjoy the national parks and nature reserves is picnicking by a pretty waterfall, near a lookout with amazing views, beside a sublime sandy beach or in a majestic forest. Lovely picnic spots for family and friends include:
- Somersby Falls picnic area in Brisbane Water National Park
- Mount Bouddi picnic area in Bouddi National Park
- Ironbark picnic area in Popran National Park
- Bateau Bay picnic area in Wyrrabalong National Park
- Elizabeth Bay or the Palms in Munmorah State Conservation Area
The waterside towns offer enticing options. The Point Cafe at Avoca Beach is in an enchanting spot. On the Esplanade in Terrigal are cafes and restaurants with fabulous ocean views. After a swim or a jog, check out the options such as Bellyfish. There is scrumptious food at beachside markets too.
For simple elegance, the acclaimed Pearls on the Beach is featured in The Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide. In a charming beach house, the restaurant delights your sensors with exquisite flavours and seasonal fare. Another fine restaurant is Bells at Killcare, in a boutique hotel in Killcare.
Lovers of hops are in for treat, with small breweries, great pubs and community clubs. The Six String Brewing Co. has tours, tastings and live music. You can also tour the Block ‘n Tackle, which makes small-batch ales. For gorgeous views across the Hawkesbury River, visit the Patonga Beach Hotel.
Want to learn a master chef’s secrets? Then take a class a Julie’s Place in Gosford. Australia’s first MasterChef winner, Julie Goodwin, hosts a range of cooking classes. For moreish cheeses, visit the lovingly restored Wyong Milk Factory in Wyong for local handmade cheese at Little Creek Cheese.