The Entrance

Neighbourhoods and Towns

2 Day - weekend

The Entrance

Neighbourhoods and Towns

2 Day - weekend

As one of the Central Coast’s most popular tourist hubs, The Entrance has enjoyed a long-standing stellar reputation as a seaside resort town that offers it all. Perched on the channel to Tuggerah Lake, easily experience ocean baths, beaches, water sports, fishing, fresh seafood, lakeside eateries, outdoor entertainment, festivals, fireworks… and of course pelicans.

Photo opportunity: The Grant McBride Baths in the sunshine. Or capture the coastline atop The Entrance 'Eye'; a nostalgic ferris wheel operating on summer weekends with great birds-eye views.

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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

The Entrance: Day 1 The Entrance: Day 2

Classic day at The Entrance

A long-term favourite seaside destination for holidaymakers, it's essential to experience the best known and heritage icons of The Entrance. From lake to park, and ice-cream parlour to ocean bath, embrace a classic day out on the Central Coast.

Breakfast

Waterfront cafe

Kick start today with breakfast and a tasty brew by the lake at Albie's Coffee Bar with top views from Picnic Point. Opt for a spot by the ocean channel with an all-day brekky platter from The Coast Cafe. Or try relaxed Usui Cafe & Gallery, serving legendary local sourdough from La Tartine bakery with their walls adorned by the purchasable work of Central Coast artists.

Morning

Picture perfect Picnic Point

Right on the lake edge sits a lovely green space known as Picnic Point Reserve, featuring a skate park, boat ramp, fishing spot and playground, linked by a shared walking and cycle friendly pathway - The Coast to Lake Walk - touring you along the foreshore. It's the perfect starting point to stroll off breakfast and soak up the Tuggerah Lakes scenery.

Lunch

The Heritage lakehouse

Have lunch by the lake in the stylishly restored, Heritage-listed guesthouse-turned-restaurant, The Lakehouse, offering some of the finest, open air waterfront views. Find fresh seafood on the menu, check out the daily specials board, and see if your visit is perfectly timed for their regular weekend events including oyster shucking, comedy, beer and wine festivals.

Early Afternoon

Historic carousel ride

The Entrance Historic Carousel has proudly sat on the water’s edge of The Entrance since the 1930s, originating from Germany in the 1800s. It's now recognised by the National Trust as one of the oldest carousels in Australia - and yes, you may totally have a go on it.

Afternoon

Ocean baths

Clear your mind with a cleansing swim in the outdoor ocean pools. Follow the Coast to Lake Walk to The Grant McBride Baths, featuring a 50-metre lap pool, 20 metre smaller pool, and a wading pool located by the Heritage listed Surf Life Saving Club at the southern end of The Entrance beach. There's free entry all year round and brilliant coastal views while you paddle.

Late Afternoon

Sweet treats

Grabbing an ice cream is a rite of passage when visiting The Entrance, and you're spoilt for choice! There's The Great Australian Icecreamery with its nice sense of nostalgia, or proper gelato fans can venture to Ciao Bella Gelato on Coral Street or Licks Icecream at the Waterfront Plaza. Sweet tooth? Don't miss browsing the Coast's biggest lolly shop since 1990 at The Lolly Barn!

Dinner

Blue Bay's seafood gem

Enjoy an exceptionally fresh seafood dinner at the Ocean Restaurant, located in neighbouring Blue Bay and offering expansive coastal views with the chance to spot dolphins at dusk while sipping boutique wine. This fine dining experience is the perfect way to round out your day by the seaside, and it's just a short walk along the Coast to Lake path back to the town centre.

Evening

Rooftop night cap

Serving night caps since the 1940s, The Lakes Hotel is an essential local pub stop that offers a lively atmosphere, especially when there's live music on the weekends. Find a nook in one of their two bar-lounges, or head to the rooftop terrace for a cocktail or cold schooner on the top of the town.

Where we are

Directions

Venture to The Entrance North

Travel over the scenic bridge by bike, car or foot, to explore the wilder side of The Entrance channel - it's The Entrance North. Here you will find more relaxed seaside vibes, a cafe, a dog-friendly beach, popular fishing spots, a scenic foreshore path leading to Wyrrabalong National Park, plus a brilliant view of the lively town centre across the water.

Breakfast

Cue and Crew

Start your day at the crack of dawn with a beach sunrise followed by an incredible breakfast at Cue & Crew in The Entrance North, serving from 6am. Located on a suburban street corner just minutes from the beach, this is the Coast's answer to slow-smoked American BBQ meats and their morning menu won't disappoint! Mental note: trek back for their weekend evening meat feasts.

Morning

Northern beachness

Nearby your morning cafe you'll find a beach path - follow it to take a long, scenic walk along The Entrance North Beach. This lovely golden stretch hooks around where the ocean meets the channel feeding into Tuggerah Lakes, with brilliant views across to The Entrance townscape. Plus it's a dog friendly beach so you'll see plenty of happy pups playing in the waves.

Mid-morning

Browse Rowsie Lane

Explore the perfect combo of art, colour, flowers and pretty pieces, plus the General Admission Print store by Central Coast artist Grant Molony, the talent behind many wildlife, marine and portrait wall murals across the region. Two partners in life and art launched this new floral fun house meets limited edition art prints to bring their glowing creativity to The Entrance scene.

Lunch

Seaside takeaway

Grab one of the local takeaway staples for lunch and enjoy it in Memorial Park with accessible and shaded picnic tables available. Order fresh fish & chips from Jimbo's Quality Seafoods, or a gourmet pie from Ken’s Humble Pie Shop. For authentic Banh Mi Asian-style BBQ pork rolls, Chi Cong Bakery is the real deal.

Afternoon

Gone fishing

Hire a boat or fishing rod from The Entrance Boatshed located right by The Entrance Bridge. Hiring all kinds of watercraft out to locals and visitors since the 1920s, this is the best place to embrace the beautiful surrounds of Tuggerah Lake and fish, prawn, or simply have fun in the sun. Choose from motorboats, stand-up paddle-boards, canoes and kayaks.

Dinner

On the boardwalk

Treat yourself to dinner by the scenic boardwalk at the local eateries, such as Mi Cantina, the lively Arabian Lounge, or Tango Restaurant all with a view of that east coast sunset. Alternatively head to The Entrance Social Club, a long-standing local watering hole serving locals since 1927, but now in its prime following a stylish modern decor and menu refresh.

Evening

Taffy's Sports Bar

If you love sport, Taffy’s Sports-bar is your new home ground. And if you don't love sport? Taffy's is still a vibing new venue for an evening session with atmosphere, as part of The Entrance Social Club, also serving a colourful cocktail menu.