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Gosford

Neighbourhoods and Towns
4-Day - short stay
Add to Wishlist

Gosford

Neighbourhoods and Towns
4-Day - short stay

Gosford is a future-focused city with a growing list of classy bars, modern eateries, world-class chefs, lively entertainment, green spaces, national park and reserves right on its doorstep. As a connected commuter hub, Gosford is just over an hour's drive north of Sydney and 1 hour 20 minutes south of Newcastle, easily connected to both my train.

Photo opportunity: Sunset on the waterfront at the cultural heart, the Leagues Club Park, or exploring picturesque Edogawa Japanese Gardens at Gosford Regional Art Gallery.

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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

Gossy good times

A gourmet food-fuelled day exploring the culinary heart of Gosford and West Gosford that will see you sampling some of the best produce Central Coast makers and creators have on offer. Cap it all off with a vibrant show at one of the region's performing arts theatres.

Morning

The local roastery

A growing number of coffee houses and casually cool cafes are popping up in Gosford, but for freshly roasted coffee enjoyed next to the brewers themselves, head to Legend Coffee & Culture at West Gosford. Coffee lovers are spoilt for choice with both filter and espresso blends available daily alongside jam-packed toasties, fresh pastries, and themed bags of quality beans roasted by the Legend crew.

 

Morning

The sweet spot

Taste-test your way through a behind the scenes tour of The Factory at West Gosford, or let the kids indulge in a Junior Chocolatier Workshop so they can become the next Willy Wonka! The Factory creates their own gourmet chocolate and nougat with a wide range of delectable treats and gifts available in their sweet shop. There's even an on-site cafe for a hot cuppa to ebb that feeling of sugary indulgence.

 

Lunch

Amalfi coast vibes

With its designer interior, brunch and long lunches are best enjoyed in the filtered sun of South End Social, or in a cosy booth. Try their carefully curated wine or local beers, hand-crafted cocktails and a menu inspired by the lifestyle and flavours of the Mediterranean.

  

Afternoon

Cultural heart

Learn about the Aboriginal heritage of Gosford's story with a stroll through the accessible Leagues Club Park on the edge of the beautiful Brisbane Water. The Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council played an integral part in the park's new design. Check out the innovative ‘tidal terrace’ - as the tide rises and falls sandstone animal 'islands' are revealed, each inspired by the nearby Bulgandry Aboriginal Rock Engraving Site.

 

Afternoon

The local brewery

Enjoy a craft beer at Bay Road Brewing, a microbrewery in the heart of Gosford making waves since its opening in late 2019. Housed in a light, bright and airy warehouse space, the philosophy is all about crafting delicious beer for the community to enjoy as it's proudly made by locals. Check out what's on tap and spot the giant wall mural octopus painted by beloved community artist, Grant Molony.

 

Dinner

Classic 1920s pub reimagined

Hotel Gosford is a classic 1920s pub on the corner of Gosford's high street. Its social bar and restaurant are stylishly reimagined with a nod to the past. Enjoy Earl's Kitchen cuisine crafted by Chef Mark Wisemen among the contemporary dining space and sleek, open air appeal.

 

Evening

Live performance

See a show at the region's popular performing arts venue, Laycock Street Community Theatre. Browse their annual season of hand-picked, international shows and touring productions, including everything from orchestras, bands, schools, concerts, comedies and the Gosford Musical Society, who have called Laycock home for 30 years. And yes, there's a fully licensed bar too.

 

Where we are

Experience Gosford's waterfront

Spend a day on the waterways enjoying the pristine scenery of Brisbane Water National Park, with Gosford perched on its edge along with some exceptional places to eat and drink enjoying that stunning million dollar view.

Breakfast

Tommy’s Café

Arise bright and early with a stroll along the waterfront soaking up the view with a seat at Tommy's Cafe. Located right across from the bay, this is an ideal place to fuel up with pancakes, mushrooms on toast, avo smash, fresh juices and more, served in the leafy surrounds of their outdoor terrace.

 

Morning

Swim in the waterfront pool

Dive into outdoor swimming for a refreshing start to your morning. This 50m Olympic sized pool is heated and open as early as 5am weekdays and 7-8am on weekends. If you're travelling as a group, there's plenty of room to chill and watch from the grandstands, cheering on the keen members your "team" as they try to perfect their breaststroke.

 

Lunch

Eat Street

Once you've showered off from your laps, venture just outside Gosford Swimming Pool to find Eat Street Cafe, a local staple for grabbing an easy lunch by Gosford waterfront. Whether you crave sweet or savoury, this spot will cater to it with hotdogs, pizza, pies, gourmet doughnuts, icecream and much more. Enjoy as an al fresco picnic by the waterside.

  

Afternoon

Twilight sailing and sips

With one of the best locations on the waterfront, the Gosford Sailing Club is the place to be to observe sailors taking an afternoon jaunt on the water each Wednesday. During daylight savings, catch this picturesque event from 5:30pm, which starts and finishes in front of the Club. During summertime, yacht racing is also held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in Dragon Force 65 boats. Find a spot on the sunny deck with a drink and enjoy!

 

Dinner & drinks

Safari trivia night

Drop by local watering hole styled with Safari vibes for South African inspired tapas, sliders and vegan delicacies, and you may catch their weekly Wednesday Trivia Night! Lyons Den Gosford is in a beautiful heritage building, designed as an escape from the urban jungle with its modern eatery and bar. If you miss the trivia, the atmosphere here is reason enough to stay.

 

Where we are

Learn a new craft in Gosford

A colourful day filled with fresh coffee, local heritage, teeing up on the green, crafty workshops, a chance to embrace your inner Masterchef, followed by dinner atop the water with panoramic views of the surrounding national park.

Breakfast

Craft coffee house

Breakfast in Gosford CBD is easy with a handful of specialty coffee houses in its centre on Mann Street. Start your day early with a hot cup of joe at The Good Bits Co, serving freshly baked croissants and more. Or head to Shop 3 Coffee to enjoy a great brew and fresh morning wrap as you watch the busy world go by.

Image: @thegoodbitsco

Morning

Viva-Gos-Vegas

In the heart of Gosford CBD, you can now have an unapologetically unconventional wedding ceremony. The newly opened City Hall Registry is a beautiful heritage listed Art Deco building complete with Romeo and Juliette balconettes and the ideal venue for the bride and groom who want a playful wedding embracing the scaled down alternative to a traditional wedding.  Book a tour and plan your Viva-Gos-Vegas style right here on the Central Coast!

  

  

Lunch

Baker Street

Eat drink and laugh over a wonderfully fresh lunch At Baker Street, a Gosford restaurant run by the passionate Chef Daniel. Located just around the corner from the brewery, waterfront, park and stadium, this is a modern spot for good food made with heart, such as locally sourced oysters and a range of popular canapes.

 

Afternoon

Heritage or hole in one?

Explore Gosford's local history at Henry Kendall Heritage Cottage, named after a poet and originally built by a convict around 1836. Set on 2.5 acres, the site is lovely for a picnic and wander through its museum for a glimpse into early settler life. Alternatively, escape to the green to enjoy a round of golf at Gosford Golf Club, located on Racecourse Road with 9 or 18 holes available.

 

Dinner

Drifter's Wharf dining

For tasty food with the ultimate view - dinner at Drifter's Wharf takes the trophy. This newly renovated waterside venue is perched atop the water with floor to ceiling glass windows looking out across The Broadwater. Serving fresh seafood, unique cocktails and 50 taps of beer, arrive in style by boat, jetski, seaplane, train, shuttle bus, car, bike, or the old fashioned on foot! 

 

Where we are

Gosford's makers and creators

From grab and go pastries, to browsing local providore wares, today is all about creative, passionate people of the Central Coast. You'll meet hinterland farmers, soap craftsmen, bakers, cake makers, artists and athletes, as this route takes you from racecourse to stadium.

Breakfast

Fluffy goodness

Tempt the sweet tooth with a box of ‘grab and go’ homemade pastries and savoury baked goods at Bouffant in Gosford. Offering 'fluffy goodness' for everyone who enters its fancy pink decor, this bakery is worth visiting for the Gram at the very least, don't miss the coffee + croissant combo! Watt Street Gosford also offers exceptionally crafted cupcakes at Cakes by Kyla, an award-winning baker (often selling out by lunchtime!).

 

Mid-morning

Farmers markets

Grab some fresh food and locally grown produce at the weekly Gosford Farmers Markets held in the open air at The Entertainment Grounds (Gosford's racecourse). With produce harvested from hinterland areas of the Central Coast, including Peats Ridge, Dooralong, Jilliby, Kulnura and Yarramalong, this is a taste of the regions amazing fresh food scene. 

 

Lunch

Laneway and Co

Travel a few minutes to neighbouring East Gosford for lunch at Laneway & Co. This funky, vibrant space is where creativity and caffeine collide. With sleek industrial decor, graffiti-inspired mural, and the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee and South American inspired mouth watering menu options you'll definitely not want to miss a visit to eatery.

Afternoon

Taste of culture

Feed the koi and catch an exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery. Capture a moment of zen in the Japanese-themed Edogawa Commemorative Garden. Join an immersive gallery tour in the adjoining gallery throughout the year. There are seasonal curated exhibition of both local and national artists, including big names like the Archibald Prize and important exhibitions highlighting Aboriginal artists of the region.

 

Dinner

Pizza at Pinocchios

Enjoy an authentic Italian pizza or pasta dish at Pinnochio's, Gosford's wine and pizza bar, with a menu that offers flavours from across the key Italian foodie regions. This is the perfect place to grab a tasty bite to eat before heading to your next action-packed stop at the stadium.

 

Evening

Catch a match

Cheer-on a game at Central Coast Stadium. Hosting a number of national sporting matches across codes, concerts and events throughout the year. Be sure to catch a home game for the mighty Central Coast Mariners.

 

Where we are