Nature experiences

With more than half the Central Coast green space, this is your place to feel whole again.

As a destination, more than half of the Central Coast is national park, state forest, bushland, open space, nature reserves, beaches and waterways. This includes some of New South Wales’ most popular immersive nature experiences like the 8km Bouddi Coastal Walk, the MTB haven at Ourimbah State Forest, Girrakool Falls in Somersby, and the World Heritage Listed Old Great North Road in Dharug National Park.

The fact you've landed here means you can now easily plan your own eco-adventure across the Central Coast, one of Australia's first ECO Destinations! Choose from a raft of nature-based, eco-conscious activities, sustainable businesses, excitedly add local bushwalks, outdoor pools, lookouts and hidden beaches to your bucket list, or take tips from our local eco-champions on where to explore. 

Photo credit: James Vodicka + The Overlander

Walk on the wild side with Tim Faulkner

With national parks on our doorstep, and precious wildlife calling the Central Coast home, Tim, a director at the Australian Reptile Park for the past 15 years, believes education and conservation is more critical than ever in preserving the extraordinary native world around us. A day in the life of Tim Faulkner can include anything from feeding a saltwater crocodile, cosying up to a koala, to milking a funnel web spider, but here's your chance to see what this remarkable local animal conservationist loves most about living on the Central Coast...

Tim Faulkner, Australian Reptile Park, Somersby.
Video produced by local talent Blake Wilton.
aerial of pristine beach with wooden path leading onto sand
Credit: Isaac Tseng x Destination Central Coast

What's an ECO Destination?

There's a growing need in Australia for more sustainable tourism experiences that focus on responsible practices, respecting both the natural environment and local culture. So what exactly are local Central Coast operators and destination managers doing to lead the charge for New South Wales?

The answer may surprise you...

three travellers marvel at reed sculpture of woman
Credit: James Horan x Destination Central Coast

A Sustainable sculpture trail

Central Coast local Pete Rush’s giant sculptures appear when you least expect it: and are a Central Coast sensation! From roadside creations to driftwood sculptures consumed by the tide, Rush's works are created using natural materials from the surrounding area where constructed. The joy of hunting for his work is that you’ll never know where one might pop up next... but here's a handy Sustainable Sculpture Itinerary of where to find a few longstanding ones!

Good turn: share our shores when visiting the Coast

Turns out humans are not the only ones holidaying on the coast in the summer months, with these rare Little Tern chicks ready for summer on their favourite Central Coast beach - The Entrance North! No bigger than a scoop of ice cream, Little Terns can be seen flying gracefully along the coastline and over Tuggerah Lakes, frequently diving into the water to catch fish. Both locals and visitors can help protect these Endangered native Australian seabirds in summer by supporting a few simple yet hugely impactful ways to share our shores - and see their annual spectacle respectfully!

three little tern chicks in sand
Credit: Jodie Dunn / DPE
Frazer beach Campground at night
Frazer Beach Campsite; Credit: @camplogger

6 Ways to see nature after dark

When the sun goes down and the stars come out there’s a whole different side of nature to see! Explore five of the best things to see and do on the Central Coast after dark, from toothy critters, to glow worms, to fireflies and boardwalks above the waves...

Slow travel guide: Re-awaken to the NSW Central Coast
Let nature, and the people living and breathing it, set the tempo for your travel experience. Ease into this slow travel guide seeking out gentle, sustainable ways for you to travel purposefully.
This project has been funded under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments.gov logo gov logo