Budgewoi features two commercial centres perched on either side of the bridge crossing Budgewoi Creek. On the western end you’ll find a supermarket, pharmacies, newsagent, gym, takeaway shops and a range of beauty, medical, legal, accounting and real estate services. The eastern end has a boutique village feel with cafés, restaurants, yoga studio, hair and beauty salons, water sports and a bait shop. It even offers a great local pub with an outdoor beer garden.

Boat ramps can be found on both the east and west side of Budgewoi Bridge. This lakeside community is an ideal base for boating, fishing, surfing, swimming, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and outdoor picnics with your family and friends.

1. Brunch at The Anchor Coffee House

The Anchor Coffee House is the local favourite for a morning kickstart. Seek it out at the end of Ocean Street to enjoy delicious Byron Bay Coffee and is a popular spot for locals to go brunching. You can’t go past their eggs benedict.

2. Surf uncrowded breaks at Budgewoi Beach

The surf breaks along Budgewoi Beach are plentiful yet uncrowded compared to some of the Coast’s most popular spots. Autumn and winter provide the most favourable swell conditions for surfing. Budgewoi Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, but Lakes Beach (approximately 1km south), is patrolled October to April. Budgewoi Beach also has a dog off-leash area that runs from the Ocean Street beach access to Budgewoi Beach southern car park – so bring your four legged buddy along for a swim!

3. Family picnic at Mackenzie Reserve

Mackenzie Reserve has long been a favourite picnic spot among locals and visitors. Located on the foreshore of Budgewoi Creek and Lake Munmorah, the reserve’s facilities include a toilet block, BBQs, undercover seating, kid’s playground and a liberty swing. Late afternoon is an ideal time to visit Mackenzie Reserve; simply kick back and admire the magical Central Coast sunset.

4. Leisurely stroll over the Footbridge

After enjoying a picnic at Mackenzie Reserve, walk off lunch with a wander over the iconic Footbridge to Dunkey Island. You can easily do a lap around to explore the island’s peaceful nature reserve in under 20 minutes.

5. Fish and chips at Riverside Seafood

Perched on the edge of Budgewoi Creek in a spot affectionately named by locals as ‘Budgie Circle’, Riverside Seafood is the place to go for fish and chips!

6. Explore the Budgewoi Beach Dunecare Circuit Walk

The Budgewoi Beach Dunecare Circuit Walk was developed by the passionate members of the Budgewoi Beach Dunecare volunteer community. The volunteers have completed extensive works to rehabilitate the area from a degraded, weed-infested wasteland into a thriving dune ecosystem, filled with diverse vegetation and native wildlife – a great educational experience. The 1km walk begins at the Budgewoi Beach Preschool carpark and follows a timber boardwalk through to Weemala Street. Turn right and join another boardwalk briefly through wetland before making your way to the beach, turn right and walk across the sand to the next beach access path that will lead you back to the start.

7. Sunset cycling along Budgewoi Lake

A top spot to experience a breathtaking Central Coast sunset is from the shared pathway that lines the shores of Budgewoi Lake. Whether you’re keen to embark on a leisurely stroll, run, or jump on your bike, you’ll surely appreciate breathing in the beauty mother nature puts on show here. Budgewoi Boat Ramp is a great place to start your adventure.

8. Dinner at the olive tree

A short drive from Budgewoi at Summerland Point, you'll find the 2019 Central Coast Local Business Awards ‘Best Restaurant’. Anyone who has dined at the The Olive Tree Brasserie will understand why they won this award. The modern Mediterranean style menu offers tapas, wood-fired pizza, pasta and items from the grill. It’s also backed up by an impressive wine and cocktail list. 

9. Chill in the Coast Hotel beer garden

Overlooking ‘Budgie Circle’ is the beer garden of The Coast Hotel Budgewoi. It’s ideally located under the hotel’s large fig tree, providing a nice, shady spot to enjoy your drop of choice. Check out the hotel’s Facebook page to keep up to date on their live gig schedule.

10. Book an escape to Budgewoi Holiday Park

Budgewoi Holiday Park is ideally situated along the serene shores of Lake Munmorah. For accommodation, it provides all you need for a great family getaway. Featuring a range of holiday cabins plus powered and non-powered camping sites, there’s an option to suit your family’s size and budget. The kids will love the new resort pool, jumping pillow and playground.

Entry to the Munmorah State Conservation Area is just a five-minute drive from Budgewoi town centre. This National Park so much to offer with glorious, undeveloped beaches, conveniently located campgrounds, stunning headland views and a number of tranquil picnic spots. Highlights include Birdie, Frazer and Bongon Beaches, Palms Picnic Area, Wybung Head Lookout and Frazer Campground. For the adventurous types, book a personalised yacht sailing tour from Summerland Point, or explore a real hidden gem of the Coast - the fascinating Ghosties Caves accessible only at low tide.