Beaches of the Central Coast

Pick and choose from some of Australia’s most brilliant East Coast beaches

Embrace the Coast’s 41 beaches

The Central Coast spans 80 kilometres of scenic coastline and is fringed by 41 beaches. That’s the kind of ratio we can get behind. Families, locals and guests alike flock to the 15 patrolled beaches during the warmer months, plus the patrolled ocean pool complex, the Grant McBride Baths at The Entrance. Our beaches are some of the most dynamic on the East Coast of Australia, and Council’s lifeguards and Surf Life Saving teams are always hard at work. Bring a smile to their dial by regularly applying water-safe sunscreen, checking current surf conditions, and swimming between the flags.

_{Words: Lyndsey Douglas of WritersWho in collaboration with Love Our Waterways.}

ESSENTIAL BEACHY TIPS

LOCAL BEACH GUIDE

Take 3 for the Sea

This local Long Jetty-based global movement is making waves. Take three pieces of rubbish with you when you leave anywhere and you’ll be doing our beaches and waterways a solid. Simple, human-sized actions can have a great impact. #Take3fortheSea #ECODestination

FIND OUT MORE

couple sunbathing under umbrella and running to surf

Credit: David Ross x Destination Central Coast

Beachy keen

When you’ve got beaches this beautiful it’s no surprise that everyone wants to enjoy them. But population growth and increasing residential and coastal development is taking its toll on the natural resources. Nestled in the fragile dune vegetation are some of our most vulnerable residents like the Little Tern and nesting turtles. Help protect our dunes and their precious ecosystems by giving them a wide berth when in breeding season. Instead, roll out a towel on the beach, invest in reef-safe sunscreen, and lap up a day on one (or many) of the Central Coast's best beaches.

BE A SUSTAINABLE VISITOR

Ace Buchan, professional surfer

"There’s oceans of opportunity in this place"

Neale Joseph, landscape artist

"The Coast is a landscape full of life"

coastsnap app on phone screen as example

Image: CoastSnap

Are you a snapper? Capture coastal moments

Got a phone? Love the Coast? We need you to get snap happy for a good cause on the CoastSnap App!

CoastSnap is a global citizen science project on a mission to capture our changing coastlines. You can participate no matter where you are in the world, and don’t be shy about sharing those snaps. The more photos we have of a particular site, the better we can understand how the coastline is evolving over time. All you have to do is download the free Citizen Science App on Google Play for Android or in the Apple App Store, and register with an email address to keep track of your beach photo trail.

There are currently three CoastSnap locations setup on the Central Coast, each monitoring station includes the instructions and phone cradle:

Ocean Beach - The Esplanade / Barrenjoey Road - Ettalong Point
#CoastSnapOB
Terrigal Lagoon / Wamberal Beach – Terrigal Drive, Terrigal
#CoastSnapWamberal
The Entrance Channel - Marine Parade, The Entrance
#CoastSnapTheEntrance

Where and when to swim in pristine water? Try Beachwatch

No-one wants a side of stormwater diluting a fresh morning swim. Thanks to the Beachwatch program, you never have to. Since 2002, Central Coast Council has worked with the Office of Environment and Heritage to undertake the water quality monitoring mission to help locals and visitors make informed decisions about where and when to swim on the Central Coast: 32 swimming sites, including 15 ocean beaches, three ocean baths/rock pools, four coastal lagoons, four estuarine netted baths and six lake netted baths are monitored.

So before you head out for your next summer swim, take a squiz at the latest Beachwatch results on Council’s website to help you decide if the water quality is up to scratch. If not, it’s a good thing we’re spoiled for choice here on the beautiful Central Coast with 40+ beaches to choose from!

CHECK BEACHWATCH RESULTS

Things to do on our Coastline...

Pearl Beach Rockpool

Float in 25 metres of pure bliss and serenity at the southern end of the picturesque Pearl beach. The sparkling waters are calling the name of all lovers of ocean pools.

Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track

It’s hard to beat a stunning walk among red gums that starts and ends at a beach. Bring your swimmers, pop your joggers on, and take a picnic or grab a bite at one of the nearby cafes.

Terrigal Ocean Tours

Fun fact, whales and dolphins sleep with only half their brain. Plenty more where that came from when you enjoy a whale, dolphin or seal tour with a guided marine biologist on board.

Darkinjung Cultural Tours - Waraba Ocean

Join the sacred circle on the beach with didgeridoo, song and dance and bask in this unforgettable, family-friendly cultural experience that will have you in awe of the wisdom and knowledge of our ancestors.

Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve

Stay, tour, celebrate, even tie the knot at this iconic lighthouse. Your memories of the glistening views across the Pacific will stay with you for life – and so will the stunning shots you’re guaranteed.

Crackneck Point Lookout

Make a beeline for this lookout between May and August and you may just be rewarded with views of whales swimming past on their northern migration. Can’t make it then? No problem, the panoramic views are worth your time any day of the week.

Fantasea Ferries

Want to get from Sydney's Palm Beach to Ettalong in just 30 minutes but don’t want to sacrifice the views? This one’s for you. This high speed passenger transport also offers charter services or even a scenic coastline cruise for a day out on the water.

Norah Head National Surfing Reserve

This iconic surfing hotspot became the first National Surfing Reserve on the Central Coast in 2022. These unspoiled breaks offer world-class surf for generations to come.

Warrah Trig cycling loop

This is one cycling trail that seriously outdoes itself in the nature stakes. With 270 native species in the national park, there’s a good chance you’ll at least spot a kangaroo, maybe even hear a rare koala bellow!