4 Fresh Finds: New things to try on the Coast

With the Central Coast's celebrated status as a certified ECO Destination, finalists in the National Banksia Sustainability Awards, 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 Spring calendar with the best places to enjoy something different on the Central Coast.

The much loved tourist destination of The Entrance, in the north of Central Coast has a new eco-friendly experience which educates locals and visitors alike on an extraordinary bird. Usually seen perched high on a lamp post, with its huge bill, large feet and enormous wingspan, the pelican is very much part of the scenery around The Entrance Channel and has become a well known icon in the region. As one of Australia's Eco certified destinations, it's important that people know how to respect these wild birds and Pelican Time does just that by playing homage to these large water birds in a respectful and safe way.

Each Saturday, Sunday and every public holiday at 3:30pm, and daily in the school holidays, volunteers from Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast provide a free talk unveiling interesting facts on the birds, how they care for injured ones and how we can help protect them by being waste wise. These talks are family friendly and offer a wonderful insight the pelican and their habitat. 

This is a great chance to get up and close to the wild birds and while you can't touch them or feed them, you do get to encounter a truly iconic Central Coast bird.

Explore more things to do on the Central Coast here

Nestled away in the sleepy suburb of Davistown, the original Davistown General Store built in the 1940's is now home to a new waterfront café, charming the local community with a tasteful contemporary coastal interior while still preserving the building's history. Pip and Frankie's Cafe, named after the owner’s two dogs, is the newest restaurant to open in the ‘3 villages’ as it is referred to by the local residents. With views of the sparkling Brisbane Waters and the Central Wharf ferry stop a hop, skip and jump away, Pip and Frankies is a hidden gem offering a beautiful place for breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Choose to dine inside with the fresh modern décor or take a seat on the front deck, yes dogs are welcome too, and watch the world stroll past on their daily walk or paddle by on their kayaks. For those wanting to be even closer to the water, borrow one of their picnic blankets, displayed in a hamper as you walk into the café, and sit on the reserve with a takeaway coffee and freshly baked quiche, pastry or tart. 

Open from 7am-2pm Wednesday to Sunday, Pip and Frankie's cafe is a licensed venue and has weekly specials too. Come and support this new venue and we know the café staff will treat you like a long lost friend when you pop in!

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

Our local maker and creator scene keeps on getting better and better, we are blessed to have a region of so many talented artists. This month we bring you Glampton Shells, a local artist who repurposes oyster and scallop shells from local hospitably venues and individually transforms each one into unique pieces of art and home décor items.  From her studio in Ettalong Beach, artist Louise Goldrick hand paints the recycled shells and adorns them with beautiful decoupage designs finished with gold and silver leaf gilded edges.

A regular at the local markets, and markets further afield, her shells are not only popular because of their design but because she is turning restaurant waste into art. Louise goes one step further on her sustainability mission with her 'Shuck it Forward' program donating $1 from every shell sale towards a marine conservation/rescue charity, this month she is donating to the Sea Turtle Foundation.

Her limited edition blue hydrangea shells were launched this month featuring the beautiful flower available with a silver or gold edge. The Central Coast Visitor Centre at The Entrance stocks a range of Glampton Shells designs, so we encourage you to pop in and see Louise's creations plus other local artists items. 

 Explore more makers & creators on the Central Coast here

Just 1.5 hours from the hustle and bustle of Sydney is the newly renovated 1980's beach house, 'The Lodge', situated in the quaint coastal hamlet of Copacabana Beach. Showcasing breathtaking beach views and high spec finishes, this vacation rental will have you feeling in holiday mode as soon as you step through the front door. No expense has been spared and the holiday let is finished in a luxe coastal style with white panelled walls and neutral and earthy tones throughout embracing the beach lifestyle that Copacabana is known for.  Boasting 5 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms, it makes a great place for large families to stay with ample space for entertaining on the multiple outdoor decks.  Did we mention the 180 degree view? Wake up and watch the sun rise over the ocean from the comfort of the cosy lounge and then sit by the heated circular infinity pool in the evening watching the sunset over Cochrane Lagoon. 

Located within a 5 minute walk to beach, take a stroll along the 1.4km beach to MacMasters Beach stopping at Macs Beach Cafe for an all-day brekky where they have monthly Sunday Sessions featuring local Central Coast musicians and weekly live jazz every Thursday. Springtime is a great time to see the whales returning on their southern migration and Bouddi National Park offers wonderful viewing opportunities along the coastal walking trail. Likewise, Caption Cook Lookout in Copacabana is another specular vantage point. Take an afternoon paddle on the lagoon or a wander around Killcare village though the galleries and cafes.

No matter how you choose to enjoy your stay, The Lodge allows you to truly relax and prime location allows you to experience the real beauty of the Central Coast.