Not So Mumsy road trip to the Coast with Marcia Leone

Makers and Creators

Family

3-Day - long weekend

Not So Mumsy road trip to the Coast with Marcia Leone

Makers and Creators

Family

3-Day - long weekend

Take an inspirational 3-day road trip to explore the Central Coast with lifestyle Author and modern mama clothing label founder Marcia Leone. Explore the region's casually cool eateries, chic accommodations, and fun family activities all packaged up to include our favourite little people in Marcia's fashionable signature 'Not So Mumsy' style. Discover the Coast's innovative makers and creators.

Photo opportunity: Luxury family picnic overlooking Bouddi National Park.

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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

Day 1: Marcia Leone Day 2: Marcia Leone Day 3: Marcia Leone

Connecting on the Coast

Marcia and her family started their roadie heading straight for the fresh country air of the hinterland. Marcia lead Poppy around on a pony ride while the older girls went on a trail ride with their horses through unspoiled wilderness. On their way to stay on the calm waters of Ettalong, they stopped off at the lush fragrant gardens of Botanica Distillery where Marcia had the best G&T's she's ever tasted (!) and the kids snacked on award-winnning Mr Goaty Gelato - today is all about connecting with each other and the Coast.

Your itinerary guide

Marcia Leone

This itinerary is inspired by local creators and makers Marcia Leone met on a road trip to the Coast with her family. Her business, Not So Mumsy, is a platform that connects, celebrates, and inspires a community of modern mamas around the world, and donates a percentage of every sale to charities. As a proud adventuress, this is just a small edit of the many beautiful experiences Marcia and her family discovered on the NSW Central Coast.

_{Photography: by Dawn & Folk}

First stop

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures

First stop the beautiful Glenworth Valley. The older girls went on a 2 hour trail ride through parts of the 3000 acre unspoiled wilderness, while Marcia led her daughter Poppy on a pony ride. In addition to horse riding there is quad biking, stand up paddle, kayaking, abseiling,and much more. A highlight is the ‘Man From Snowy River’ running of the horses, from 4 pm daily.

Second stop

Bar Botania

After working up an appetite the family headed to Bar Botanica in Erina. This cute garden café gelato bar is operated by the Mr Goaty Gelato team - founded by Dan Hughes, formerly of Three Blue Ducks and now living and working from the Central Coast where he creates his award-winning gelato. The kids gave the gelato 10/10 … And Marcia can personally vouch they have 'the best G&T you'll ever have' thanks to the onsite distillery!

Stay

The Boathouse Hotel Patonga

The family checked into The Cottage at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga for the evening. With one road in and out, the Hawkesbury and Brisbane Waters surround this idyllic little coastal town. The Cottage is a four bedroom house that can accommodate up to 10 guests with a kitchen, open plan living, outdoor deck + garden, fire pit + a swimming pool. Casual but chic, and well set up for children.The Hotel next door offers waterside eating and drinking, and takeaway fish + chips.

Where we are

Directions

Slow down for Coastal delights

Wake up to the relaxing sound of tiny waves lapping the waters edge at Patonga. Enjoy the glow of morning sunshine with kiddie cuddles on the front porch of the Cottage. Slowly make your way into Ettalong for brunch, then eyeball vintage treasures at Tiki La La before adventuring to Bouddi National Park for a luxury clifftop picnic with breathtaking coastal views.

Morning delights

Wake up on the water

First off feel how amazing is it to wake up on the water! Truly no better way to start to the day believes Marcia. After a cuppa on the front porch, head to Ettalong for brunch at COAST175. This buzzy little casual eatery is walking distance to the water where there is a regular ferry service that connects Ettalong, Wagstaffe and Palm Beach – a commuter ferry, and beautifully scenic day trip! Another must visit while in Ettalong is Tiki La La a shop all about vintage fashion and home wares.

Afternoon delights

Bouddi lux clifftop picnic degustation

In the afternoon, Marcia took the family out to Bouddi National Park for an incredible picnic set up by Elixir Journeys. A bush walk will take you to this unforgettable clifftop location with a coastal view that will take your breath away. Food and champers will hit the spot too.

Stay

The Iconic 'Beachie'

Next destination on Marcia's roadie is Toukley, to the recently renovated Beachcomber Hotel & Resort, or as the locals call it ‘The Beachie’, an iconic waterfront destination located in the heart of the Central Coast. With sweeping waterfront views, Hamptons-inspired ambiance, boutique-style accommodation, exclusive pool-club, multiple eateries and bars, it’s the perfect place to gear into holiday mode, even if it’s just for an afternoon.

Where we are

Directions

Animal experiences up close and personal

Today is all about new animal experiences of the fluffy and slippery variety, all up close and personal. The children will go home exhausted after an incredible 3 days, with the adults already planning the next trip back. Yes, there are 42 incredible beaches to explore, but there is so much more to the Central Coast - food, shopping, animal encounters…

Feeding time at the farm

Adorable Alpacas

After having lunch at The Beachie and checking out, head to the Central Coast hinterland to Iris Lodge Alpacas for a farm experience. The kids and Marcia absolutely loved it. They got up close and personal with the Alpacas, Wiltipoll sheep, horses and cows, and their Maremma Lola. Adorable!

VIP Behind the Scenes

Australian Reptile Park

On the way home visit the iconic Australian Reptile Park for a ‘VIP Behind the Scenes’ experience.You'll enjoy up meeting a python, Koalas, kangaroos, and the biggest tortoise you'll ever see up close and personal.

On the way home

Saddle up for lunch

A recommended lunch stop on the way home is Saddles at Mt White- a Bakehouse eatery with a quintessential Australian bush backdrop at Mt White. Run by Hayley and Cameron Cansdell, local Central Coast based restaurateurs.