Gosford links to the wider region via the Central Coast Highway, plus its major bus depot, and a trainline running directly from Sydney CBD through Gosford, and onto Newcastle. This gives residents and visitors easy access to travel between other major regional stations, Woy Woy and Wyong, plus several smaller towns in between.

While in Gosford, you can spend one moment grabbing coffee and brunch with a business partner in one of its busy central cafes, and the next moment you’re with the family watching the sun set over Brisbane Water while sharing a pizza. That’s Gosford’s greatest attraction: the elements of a connected CBD fuse with that desirable, relaxed coastal lifestyle.

1. Picnic at a Convict-built cottage

Start where it all began at Henry Kendall Cottage, a historical experience that shares the story of one of the region’s early settlers, the pioneering poet Henry Kendall. Exploring the heritage cottage, museum and grounds is a rite of passage for Australian history buffs, with the building itself standing since the 1830s.

2. Award-winning steak out or classic 1920s pub lunch

Take your pick from the family friendly Bonfire, Bon Bon Espresso Bar, Bon Vin Private Dining and the fun Bon Bar – but surely the most fun can be had with Champagne for breakfast? The Railway Hotel Gosford is a classy steakhouse and bar transforming Mann Street to be shaped around quality food mastery in the kitchen and good times, serving multi-award winning Jack’s Creek steaks 7 days a week. Alternatively, head to Hotel Gosford, a 1920s classic reimagined with an incredible open air decor and an enviable pub menu at Earl's Kitchen. 

3. Stay fluffy with a sweet treat at Bouffant

Based in one of Gosford city’s heritage listed buildings, this Insta-worthy pink café displays a huge daily array of delicately handmade cakes, croissants, snails, muffins, cruffins, pastel de natas and doughnuts alongside quality coffee. Promising fluffy goodness to everyone who wanders i!

4. Go behind-the-scenes at the Coast’s Chocolate Factory

Taste-test your way through a tour of the Chocolate & Nougat Factory, or let the kids indulge in a junior Chocolate Workshop. There’s also a café for hot food and drinks, plus a gift shop… every trip deserves a few sweet souvenirs, right?

5. Feed koi and catch an exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery

Visit the region’s leading art gallery with exciting seasonal exhibitions, including the Archibald Prize. Wander peacefully through the Japanese-styled Edogawa Commemorative Gardens, with energetic koi fish you can feed, before having your own bite to eat at the gallery’s Top Point Café.

6. Café crawl Gosford’s coffee culture

The Good Bits Co beside Kibble Park couldn’t get more central. With South End Social serving batch brew and Legend Coffee & Culture roasting its ‘Gossy’ espresso blend, you’re spoilt for choice when meeting a mate, making your way to the train station, or seeking a quality pick-me-up on your lunch break. Tucked away in the laneways of East Gosford, is Laneway and Co and with its arty interior it's a place where creativity and coffee collide. Stop in or grab a take away but one things for sure, you'll leave with a spring in your step!

7. Dine on Gosford Waterfront at sunset

Watch the soft hues of a Central Coast sunset fall over Brisbane Water National Park as you enjoy classy classics and cocktails on the outdoor deck at Drifter's Wharf, the iconic venue almost floating atop the edge of Brisbane Water bay. Alternatively take the simple route and grab hot takeaway food from Eat Street Café and enjoy with the family (and dog), on the grassy picnic area of Gosford Waterfront.

8. Catch a game at Industree Group Stadium and a beer at a brewery

When footy season is on, you can’t miss watching your favourite team play live in a stadium set on the edge of the beautiful Brisbane Waters. Whether or not you score a goal between the giant, iconic condiment bottles, celebrate a winning day out at one of the Coast’s breweries, Bay Road Brewing, just one minute from the pitch.

9. Hike to the peak of Rumbalara Reserve

If you’re feeling energetic, there is a 11km Railway to Rainforest Walk from Gosford to Holgate. We’d recommend starting with a lighter 1.5 hour return hike up to Yaruga Lookout and its picnic area in Rumbalara Reserve, with rewarding panoramic views across the water. The Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, at the end of Donnison St is a good place to start your adventure.

10. Join the local sailing community on deck

The Gosford Sailing Club can help you learn to sail through its academy, or you can enjoy the lively atmosphere available here every week on the expansive outdoor deck. With live music, trivia, bingo at The Boatshed, you’re sure to pluck up the courage to start a new hobbie on the water, with day and twilight sailing lessons available.

Gosford is the central city in the southern part of the Central Coast, surrounded by Brisbane Waters, national park and residential suburbs. These include West Gosford, East Gosford and North Gosford, also Point Frederick, Point Clare, Wyoming, Narara and Springfield.

Each neighbour has their own unique centres, some featuring modern cafes such as Sweet Caroline and Three Trees Café, plus performing arts and event spaces Laycock Street Theatre, Entertainment Grounds and the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music. For outdoor adventure, Somersby Falls is a short 10-15 minute drive, or meet the local wildlife with a visit to the Australian Reptile Park around the corner.