Early birds can head to this pretty as a picture seaside cafe on Ocean View Road, open early every day of the week. Serving all your coffee, cake or avo smash needs, there's plenty of tables inside and out in their garden terrace, with a menu boasting specialities such as lemon French toast and salty coast fries. Grab a sweet takeaway treat for your onward journey.

Head just down the street from your morning cafe, toward Booker Bay, to find Anderson's Boatshed, a local favourite for hiring watercrafts. Choose your adventure on Brisbane Water: explore on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or book a BBQ Boat and drop anchor in a local bay to enjoy the serenity of being surrounded by crystal clear water you can dive into.

Treat yourself to a wholesome lunch to make you feel good inside and out at Inner Glow Kiosk. Designed as a walk-in juice bar meets cafe, this charming little foodie stop is just the ticket for eating fresh fruit, juice, yoghurt or salad and will set a positively good tone for your afternoon ahead.

Choose an entry point into the Galleria Ettalong, a Mediterranean-inspired collection of shops, markets, bars and restaurants. There's even a quaint arthouse cinema tucked inside this fascinating complex. Wander through its eclectic shops and vintage bookstores, or venture to neighbouring home and fashion boutiques Salmon & Co. and Amour Loves Fashion.

For a Peninsula dinner to remember - dine at Safran, within the Galleria. Headed up by seasoned chef Sulo, who brings colourful culinary flavours from his home by the Black Sea, you will experience exceptional contemporary Turkish cuisine at one of the Central Coast's hatted restaurants. There are set menus available with wine pairings and the presentation is a photographer's delight.

Time to chill with a bar-side bite. The vibe at Bar Toto is lively and the cocktail menu is exciting. From an Oscar's Wild to a Cherry Poppins, the creative influence goes far beyond the glass! Choose your poison and pair it with one of their delicious antipasti, which includes cured meats, cheeses and some of the Coast's most popular arancini balls.

Stay in little Italy, also known as the Galleria at Ettalong Beach. Surrounded by Roman-esque courtyards, sculptures and dramatic oil paintings, you experience all the ambience of a Mediterranean village in a beautiful, boutique room just two minutes walk from the ocean, with Ettalong's most popular shops, cafes and restaurants on your doorstep.

Ettalong's kitschy markets house many hidden surprises - including a European-style Crêperie! The Palacinki Cafe menu is led by Chef Marek, who handmakes crepes with a variety of toppings and fillings. There's also plenty of breakfast options, cakes, scones and coffee to start your day. On holiday? Pancakes for breakfast!

Exploring the pristine Ettalong waterways is easy with the expert team at Bombora on hand for all your hiring needs. Whether you're a beginner or expert paddler, Bombora Ettalong Beach on The Esplanade will set you up to try SUP Pilates, SUP Yoga or the latest aqua craze – SUP Ball. If you visit on a Sunday book a spot on a popular SUP yoga session. 

Hatters Tea House is a quaint British-style tearoom, serving a variety of quality teas, coffees, sandwiches and cakes to customers on charmingly mismatched chairs. Take a tea break to pretend you're in 19th century England, sipping on some Darjeeling and smothering scones with jam and clotted cream. If it's sunny, their outdoor garden is a top spot for a high tea.

Some locals don't even know Ettalong has its own "mountain" to explore! Hop in the car (or on the bike for the fit ones), and head toward the south end of Umina Beach. Follow Patonga Road toward Pearl Beach and look for a sign to Mt Ettalong on your left. Take the easy 10-minute bushwalk to reach the lookout for breathtaking views across Broken Bay, Brisbane Water and the Bouddi Peninsula.

For dinner, sample some of the hearty flame to fork philosophy of local Italian restaurant, Osteria il Coccia. Located streetside as part of the Galleria precinct, this intimate fine dining venue showcases the best of the land and sea in their menu, cooked over wood in a purpose-built charcoal oven. Expect a thoughtful five-course set menu alongside a wine bar and the warmest hospitality.

Neighbouring village, Umina Beach, offers a convenient opportunity to stay on the Central Coast's popular oceanfront accommodation, NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. Furnished with all the modern essentials, a beachside plot is all you need for a relaxing weekend away with a front row seat of the Milky Way and the sound of waves to lull you to sleep.