Best beaches on the Central Coast

Avoca Beach  

Avoca Beach is a beautiful long stretch of sand protected from southern swells. At the southern end, Avoca Rockpool is a lovely spot for families, and you’ll also find cafes and restaurants here including The Point and the Avoca Beach House.

An estuarial lagoon separates Avoca Beach and North Avoca Beach, and is popular for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. You can hire these from Aquafun Avoca Lake. The beach is a great surf spot for both beginners and experienced surfers, with Central Coast Surf Academy or Central Coast Surf School offering lessons.

Avoca Beach, Central Coast

Pearl Beach 

Overlooking Broken Bay, Pearl Beach is a sheltered spot popular for swimming and rock fishing. At the southern end of the beach is a 1920s-built rockpool, offering another swimming option. Bordering the bushland of Brisbane Water National Park, Pearl Beach is also a great spot to cool off after bushwalking.

Follow fishing safety tips, especially when rock fishing. 

Pearl Beach, Central Coast

Bateau Bay Beach

Located in the southern part of Wyrrabalong National Park, Bateau Bay Beach is a rugged, wild (and unpatrolled) spot with sandy dunes. It a lovely spot for swimming and snorkelling, and is popular for fishing with lots of coastal rock platforms to cast a line from. There are some fantastic walks within the national park, including The Coast Walking Track from Bateau Bay Beach picnic area to Forresters Beach. 

Bateau Bay Beach, Bateau Bay - Credit: Central Coast Tourism

Terrigal Beach 

Terrigal has a Terrigal Beach and tranquil lagoon, making it a prime destination for swimming and surfing. The beach offers excellent surfing conditions, with lessons available for beginners from Central Coast Surf School or Central Coast Surf Academy. There is a rock pool at the southern end and from May to October whale-watching tours depart from the nearby boat ramp. Set just back from the beach is a great selection of bars and restaurants, including the rooftop bars Mumbo Jumbo's and Rhonda's.   

Terrigal Beach, Terrigal

Ettalong Beach 

Ettalong Beach, overlooking the Brisbane Water estuary, is ideal for families, offering calm, shallow waters, which are also perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and fishing. You can hire kayaks or small boats from Anderson Boatshed and explore the waterways. Rent bikes and cycle along the esplanade or take the 10km Warrah Trig cycling loop through Brisbane Water National Park. For lunch, enjoy waterfront dining at Box on the Water and Amalfi. 

Ettalong Beach, Central Coast

Toowoon Bay Beach

Located just south of The Entrance, Toowoon Bay Beach is sheltered from the ocean swell by a reef. This makes it a great spot for families and young children, with calm waters that are also great for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Snorkellers can explore the reef and may spot stingrays, along with lots of other fish. 

Toowoon Bay, Central Coast

Little Beach  

Little Beach, as the name suggests, is a small beach located in Bouddi National Park. The rocky cove is a 750m walk through the bush from the nearest parking at Grahame Drive. There are no facilities here aside from toilets and barbecues so bring what you need with you. Behind the beach is a campground (book in advance), where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean and wake for an early morning snorkel before the day visitors arrive.  

Little Beach campground, Bouddi National Park - Credit: John Spencer | DCCEEW

Wamberal Beach 

Head north from the lively coastal town of Terrigal and you’ll find Wamberal Beach. This wide expanse of golden sand is dog-friendly and a popular spot for surfers or those looking to relax away from the crowds. Set in front of Wamberal Lagoon and nature reserve, the northern part of the beach feels very remote, but at the southern end you’ll find a few eateries, including Lagune Artisan and Wamberal Ocean View Cafe.  

Wamberal Beach, Wamberal