The Central Coast's history and heritage

Eat and Drink

Things to do

Neighbourhoods and Towns

2 Day - weekend

The Central Coast's history and heritage

Eat and Drink

Things to do

Neighbourhoods and Towns

2 Day - weekend

The Central Coast with its picturesque coastline, dense bushland and beautiful beaches also has a rich history dating back thousands of years. From ancient rock carvings to heritage buildings, there is so much to discover in this part of the region. We've suggested two days but with so much to see, another trip to the Central Coast is a must.

Photo opportunity: In front of the iconic ‘historic lighthouse’ or capturing the 'rock engravings' at Girrakool.

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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

History Trail: Day 1 History Trail: Day 2

Historic hidden gems

Start the weekend with an insightful guided tour through a local National Park. Listen to the incredible Stories from the past from a local Aboriginal guide and enjoy the wind in your hair as the coastal breeze relaxes you into the weekend. Indulge in some historical homesteads taking you back in time to what life was like in the 1900s. Head to 'the Wyong bank' for dinner and dine in the old bank vault before laying your head to rest in some truly unique coastal accommodation.

Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences

See the past, hear its Stories

Start your day connecting to this beautiful Country on a guided walking tour. Bouddi National Park offers stunning landscapes and ocean views. See ancient Aboriginal sites, rock carvings, learn about bush food, medicines, spirituality, totems and fire stick farming. Hear ancient Stories that will provide valuable insight into the oldest living culture on earth.

Henry Kendall Cottage and Museum

Convict-built

Between 1836-1840, convicts built this stone cottage and the famous Australian author and bush poet, Henry Kendall lived here from 1873 to 1874. Set on two and half acres, the grounds have outhouses containing ancient farming machinery and when you venture inside the cottage, you will find a museum full of memorabilia. Stroll the property discovering many little factlets.

Alison Homestead

Step back to 1825

Alison Homestead is set on two stunning hectares of rural land and was Wyong's first land grant dating back to 1825. See displays of memorabilia, furniture, toys, household items, photos, equipment, machinery and tools relating to the early settlers of Wyong and surrounds. A fantastic look back at days gone by.

The Old Bank of Wyong

Banking on a great place for dinner

On the corner of Pacific Highway and Barker’s Lane is The Old Bank of Wyong. Originally constructed in 1939, it is now home to restaurant called Motel Mezza. Infact the original 1930's CHUBB bank vault is still at the old bank and has been transformed into a private dining wine room which hosts up to ten guests! Enjoy the old charm of this iconic town centre building while having a delicious evening meal.

Norah Head Lighthouse

Stay the night in an iconic landmark

End the day with a night at the historic Norah Head Lighthouse in the Lighthouse Keepers Cottage! If you've ever wondered what life was like a as a lighthouse keeper, here is your chance to find out. Step back in time and enjoy this beautifully furnished and fully self-contained character building.

Where we are

Directions

Cultural heritage

Enjoy a lighter day of discovery and shopping in beautifully renovated heritage buildings. Find glimpses of an era gone-by among modern vendors when you step inside the local shops and cafes. Visit the Coast's post World War 2 cinema beautifully renovated into a cocktail bar, then end your day with a gentle bushwalk to a picturesque waterfall and view sacred Aboriginal rock engravings.

Wyong Milk Factory

A buttery co-op

Spend the morning strolling around the quirky Milk Factory buildings. Originally built as the Wyong Butter Factory in 1907 by a co-operative of 56 farmers who put their money together to construct a factory for making butter, selling it to Sydney and sharing the profits. The Wyong Milk Factory as it is known today, has been transformed into a bustling hub of small business although the heritage of this unique factory is still very much present.

Pioneer Dairy

Wyong's oldest homestead

Follow the long winding road past the wetlands to the Pioneer Dairy and farm buildings which were established in 1897. The old Dairy Cottage is one of the oldest homesteads in Wyong. Constructed of vertical boards and batten slabs, the cottage was beautifully renovated in 2009. The grounds of the dairy are a fascinating place to explore and if you're lucky you may even spot the resident black-neck stork in the dairy swamp.

The Chapman Building

Coffee and culture

Enjoy a coffee and browse the local vendor stores while taking a moment to admire this building. Built in 1901 in the heart of Wyong, the Chapman Building was operated by John Chapman, a leading pioneer in the local dairy industry but was also a prominent merchant. In its day The Chapman's Store was the largest retail business between Sydney and Newcastle trading in food, hardware and clothing. Today it houses boutique shops, cafes and markets.

The Savoy

1950's picture house

The Savoy was built in 1956 and was the Central Coast's biggest movie theatre, having the first and only CinemaScope Screen. The post World War 2 entertainment complex, closed as a cinema in 1976, with the mezzanine and projection room laying unused for decades. Now it has been reopened as a diner and cocktail lounge with its heritage decor still proudly in place. Sip on a cocktail and imagine watching your fav old skool classic movie here.

Girrakool Loop Track

Bushwalk on ancient grounds

Finish your day with a gentle 2km walk through the bush in Brisbane Water National Park. Jump over stepping stones, go past creeks and encounter scenic waterfalls. Look at the colourful fauna and keep an eye out for rock wallabies as you make your way to look at ancient Aboriginal rock carvings. Take only memories, leave only footprints.

Where we are

Directions

History Trail: Day 1 History Trail: Day 2

This article was originally authored by Gemma Giuliano, as part of a Love Central Coast grant project brought to you by Destination Central Coast, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. To maintain accuracy, some editorial changes may have been made since publication.

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