4 Fresh Finds: New things to try on the Coast

With the Central Coast's celebrated status as a certified ECO Destination, winning the 2023 NSW Tourism Award,  finalists in the National Banksia Sustainability Awards, 3rd year in a row in the International Green Destinations Top 100 List, and recognition as an Outstanding Region in Australia's most prestigious food award...

...There's many exciting natural, culinary, creative and cultural experiences emerging across the region in 2023!

With more than 40 beaches to wade into, a network of wildlife-rich lakes, lagoons and waterways for the aqua-enthusiast, five national parks and five state forests with walking and cycle trails, seaside villages dotted with casually-cool dining and al fresco bars, a produce-rich hinterland and variety of accommodation styles from holiday properties, hotel resorts, tiny homes and boutique stays. There is just SO MUCH to choose from when exploring the Central Coast right now.

We've simplified your research and each month your planning can start with 4 fresh experiences. Take your pick of what’s new below to dot your Summer calendar with the best places to enjoy something different on the Central Coast.

Experience an educational encounter with wild-born hand-raised dingoes. Hello Dingo is a new educational experience to raise awareness about dingoes and help people better understand conservation efforts required to protect these beautiful creatures. During the encounter, owner, Rob Eldridge, a proud Wiradjuri man, talks about the significance of dingoes in Aboriginal culture and the vital role they play in Australia’s ecosystem.

Join Rob and his trained dingoes Flynn and Bindi, on a walk and talk tour and observe the dingoes up close learning about their habitat, diet, physical features and social dynamics. Or foster a love for wildlife at your school with specially curated incursion programs.

Explore more things to do on the Central Coast here

When we think of summer, scenes of beaches, dining at a waterfront venue and chilled beats playing in the background all spring to mind. Luckily on the Central Coast this is a reality and with a brand new bar and restaurant now open, you’ll be able to make that dream into a reality.

At the Haven, in Terrigal, the newly launched Pav Pop-Up will provide the coast with a new local seaside venue and give visitors a taste of what's to come in 2024 when the Terrigal Pavilion is due to open later in the year. Decked in coastal white and playful soothing murals adorning the walls, and wooden table and chairs lining both balconies, the PAV Pop-Up is open 7 days a week, offering breakfast from 7am with lunch and dinner available on the lower and upper level. Find a table outside, relax and enjoy the food and cocktails plus the breathtaking ocean views.

If coffee and freshly baked pastries are what you're craving, pop around the corner to The Kiosk with its summertime yellow feels and not to mention a great Insta capture, and order a take away coffee before taking a stroll along the Terrigal boardwalk around to Terrigal Beach.

Explore more places to eat & drink across the Central Coast here

Amidst the surf, sand, lagoon, beachside markets and buzzing cafés of Avoca Beach, is a jewellery designer who has sustainability in the core of her work ethic. Making intricate Swarovski crystal and pearl heads pieces, earrings and necklaces, artist local Virginia Riley also makes a unique and awe-inspiring range of sustainable fashion accessories.

Using her skills to create statement earrings from preserved flowers, discarded clothing, second hand jewellery, unwanted yarn and repurposed items such as electrical wire, the jewellery is a more than just beautiful, it’s slow fashion. It’s a wonderful example of a local artists, sewing an eco-message into their products. Beads feature heavily in her designs, of which she is has been collecting for over 30 years. Her work is not only lightweight on the ears but also the planet.  

Give a set of Virginia Riley’s earrings to someone special this Christmas. You won’t find another set like them!

Explore more makers & creators on the Central Coast here

Tucked away in a quiet location of Bateau Bay’s Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, is a newly built tiny home set on the beachfront with beautiful ocean views, the perfect option for a romantic couple's getaway.

Handcrafted by local builders Arc Tiny Homes from Mardi, the newly finished tiny holiday rental has been custom build with a contemporary luxe style and décor. Featuring a master bedroom with queen bed and Velux skylight above to watch the nighttime stars, a separate bathroom and kitchen, it has everything you need for an unforgettable stay.  You can't go past the huge cathedral window positioned overlooking the ocean. It really is the standout feature and we're sure you'll find it hard to drag yourself away.  

The tiny home will sleep 2-3 people with the option of using the custom build day bed in the lounge room. Enjoy the early morning sunrises or the latenight sunsets on the private balcony and outdoor BBQ area. Take a break from the busy-ness and relax in the setting where the sound of waves drifting back and forth on the beach will wash away your worries this summer.

Taking bookings from this December. 

Explore more places to stay on the Central Coast here