Budgewoi

Neighbourhoods and Towns

2 Day - weekend

Budgewoi

Neighbourhoods and Towns

2 Day - weekend

Budgewoi is our northernmost town centre on the Central Coast. Mostly surrounded by natural waterways, Budgewoi has a brilliant foreshore with plenty of spots to walk, cycle or fish. Uniquely positioned between two coastal lakes – Budgewoi Lake and Lake Munmorah – and lined by the sandy shores of Cabbage Tree Harbour, it's a top spot for a day on the water, with one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the region.

Photo opportunity: Budgee Bridge and its fishermen at dusk, or nearby Hargraves Beach and its naturally formed rock sculptures against the ocean.

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_{*This itinerary is intended as an inspirational guide only. We encourage you to check ahead of your visit that individual businesses are open, or book in advance to ensure the best experience.}

The Itinerary

Budgewoi: Day 1 Budgewoi: Day 2

Budgewoi's best hits

Today is designed for connecting to the simpler things; for hanging out with your family (furry four-legged members included) and soaking up some classic coastal experiences.

Breakfast

Drop in at The Anchor

The Anchor Coffee House is a local fave for a morning kickstart in Budgewoi. Seek out this cafe at the end of Ocean Street to enjoy a delicious range of brekky options including 'The Big Anchor'. This dog-friendly cafe also serves fresh smoothie bowls and barista coffee, meaning plenty of opportunities to meet the four-legged locals before you head out for the day.

Morning

Budgewoi Beach

Budgewoi Beach is patrolled by lifeguards in the peak summer season, and an absolute treat all year round for luxuriously long, secluded walks your dog will love in the Off-Leash Area. If you're a surfer, some great sets roll through here in autumn and winter. Try the Weemala Wetlands beach access route for some wild scenery and an epic lookout across the ocean to the protected Bird Island and beyond.

Lunch

Pick your fish & chippies

Whether you choose to order lunch from the award-winning Ocean Blues Seafood or Riverside Seafood in its long-standing spot by the bridge, the fresh options available in this little nook of Budgewoi are top-notch. Take away your choice of freshly cooked prawns, oysters, whole fish, fish fillets, lobsters, crabs, squid and more - best enjoyed relaxing by the wharf.

Afternoon

Mackenzie Reserve

Work off that fish & chippie lunch and wander to the iconic Budgewoi Footbridge at Mackenzie Reserve. Soak in the beauty of Budgewoi Lake. If you're feeling energetic, walk the shared pathway foreshore to Buff Point, or peddle the Darren Smith Memorial Cycleway toward Lakes Beach Cafe for a cold drink.

Afternoon

Lakes Beach refresher

Whether you cycle here on the shared pathway, walk via the scenic beach, or drive to save time, this little hub tucked off the main road at Lakes Beach is a great stop for an afternoon refresher - cold can, ice cream or otherwise! If it's a hot day, this is the perfect chance for a paddle to work up that evening appetite.

Dinner

Italian trattoria

Upstairs in Budgewoi Hotel is Lago Cucina, a contemporary Italian trattoria wanting to transport you to Italy. Enjoy bold flavours of Italian inspired dishes as you dine with glimpses over the lake capturing the essence of the Italian coastline.

Where we are

Directions

Budgewoi's nearby gems

There is a reason Budgewoi is one of the most highly-sought after places to live on the Central Coast. Today you'll explore all the amazing local gems found nearby, from rock sculptures, a historic lighthouse, and some of the best spots for fish & chips in the north. You'll be day dreaming of a beachside Budgee bungalow before you know it!

Early Morning

Salute the sunrise

Rumour among early birds is that Soldiers Beach and Norah Head Lighthouse present the best sunrise spots on the Central Coast. Is it true? There's only one way to find out! Get up to enjoy that pre-dawn blue light and capture the day from its very beginning - from Budgewoi you're just 5 minutes away from this magnificent spectacle.

Morning

Coffee craving

There are several friendly little morning coffee hubs in Budgewoi town centre, including the Health Spot Cafe and Daily Coffee Den. If you've gone coastal for an early sunrise and beach day, The Island Cafe at Norah Head captures the essence of calm and cool coastal life perfectly, with a popular Patisserie next door. Don't miss the great photo opportunity in front this cafe's interior wall mural (a must for The Gram).

_{Image: The Island Cafe}

Mid-Morning

The Rockpool

Boldly known as 'The Rockpool', this Norah Head icon is made for making memories (and sandcastles). Offering safe, calm waters in the southern corner of Cabbage Tree Harbour, you'll discover fascinating rock pools to explore with the whole family. It's free and it's hours of fun in the sun.

Brunch

The General Store

From The Rockpool beach, climb to the top of the stairs through a nature reserve and you will find The General Store cafe. This coffee spot serves up healthy, fresh lunch options to elevate your day spent exploring the great outdoors, with open air dining and tables thoughtfully placed in the leafy surrounds of the trees.

Afternoon

Norah Head Lighthouse

Walk the Headland Nature Trail to see the Norah Head Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse has 360 degree views and is a great place to explore the heritage of the area. Book a guided tour to delve into its history, or even stay the night like a real lighthouse keeper in the stylishly refurbished quarters of yesteryear! Finish with a refreshing Yum Fast Nutrition drink to replenish your body after climbing all those steps.

Late Afternoon

Rock sculptures

A secret little beach along the coastline between Norah Head and Budgewoi offers a free art show - its natural rock sculpture is the fascination of locals and a special subject for a photo. Visit Hargraves Beach to see the large sculpture by Mother Nature on your way back north to Budgewoi.

_{Image: @tizianalorena}

Dinner

Exotic Thai or authentic Italian

For quality dining local to Budgewoi, you can't go past the much-loved Thai eatery, Shorethyme, where you'll be served up modern Australian cuisine made with heaps of heart and tons of talent. If you're heading back to the Budgewoi area this eve, La Bocca Woodfired Pizzeria is a must for those craving an authentic Italian crust.

_{Image: Shorethyme Restaurant}

Evening

Cocktails with Johnny

Johny Tapas is the perfect place to end your day with some drinks, laughs, and maybe a few cheeky plates of tapas or dessert. With Mr Black and Moores Gin featured on the cocktail menu and Grant Molony art painted on the walls, this venue loves championing local talent.

Where we are

Directions

Budgewoi: Day 1 Budgewoi: Day 2

Find a place to stay

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