The stretch of coastline situated just north of Sydney, otherwise known as New South Wales’ Central Coast, offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle and abundance of natural beauty well worth exploring. Spanning from Broken Bay to just south of Newcastle, the region is home to picturesque towns and villages, a hinterland covered in untouched wilderness and golden sandy beaches well worth discovering.

Make the most of the North Coast’s natural attractions, state forests and national parks, including Brisbane Waters National Park and Bouddi National Park, by heading outdoors and getting active. While away the hours horse riding, enjoying a tree top adventure, kayaking, canoeing or simply exploring on foot with a scenic bushwalk. Take advantage of the area’s pristine waters without having to get wet by casting a fishing line or heading off on a waterside bicycle ride.

Spend a day lazing in the sun, frolicking amongst the waves and strolling along the sands of one of the region’s many beaches. Ranging from family-friendly swimming spots to popular surfing destinations, there are ocean stretches to suit the needs of most beach-goers throughout the North Coast. Stop by The Entrance Beach or Umina’s Ocean Beach with kids in tow, flaunt your surfing skills during a board riding session at Terrigal or visit the popular Avoca and Ettalong Beaches.

The region’s markets are a fantastic place to head to find fresh seasonal produce ideal for creating your own culinary delights, as well as a wide variety of collectables, homewares and crafted by local artisans. Spend a morning perusing well stocked stalls, chatting with locals and sinking your teeth into tasty hot food.

Tantalise your tastebuds with the flavours of the world during a visit to one of the many eateries scattered throughout the region. Sample cuisines originating from Asia, Europe and beyond, settle into a cozy cafe or dine on a meal filled with freshly cooked seafood. Regardless of whether you’re seeking a fine dining experience or a convenient takeaway, there are more than enough restaurants, cafes and casual eateries to choose from.

Using the North Coast as a base, there are plenty of great destinations to explore, including Newcastle, Sydney and the Hunterregion, which can be easily reached during a day trip.