4 Fresh Finds: New things to try on the Coast

With the Central Coast's newly celebrated status as a certified ECO Destination with Ecotourism Australia, plus a second year running in the global Green Destinations Top 100 List, and recognition as an Outstanding Region in Australia's most prestigious food award... there's so many exciting culinary, creative and cultural experiences emerging across the region!

There is just SO MUCH to do when exploring the Central Coast right now. 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 trails and cycle tracks, 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 and boutique stays.

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

New to the coastal guided experience scene are two exciting, new tour operators we're pleased to share with you this month. Your hosts will take all the planning off your plate and allow you to instead fill your plate with delicious locally made produce! Simply turn up and be chauffeured around the Central Coast tasting gourmet food, wine, gin, beer and sweet treats...

Coastal Hops Brewery Tours celebrate local culture, history and food and with a focus on supporting local. When its founders first settled into life on the Central Coast, they swiftly discovered the local craft beer scene was thriving - enter their winning idea 'Coastal Hops'! Tour our local breweries combined with great beer, great food, and laughs. This is also a chance to meet the legends behind the scenes to learn more about their stories and how they produce award-winning beers! Tour availability is now up on their website ready to be booked for the sunny season, including Friday Frothy's Tours, The Coastal Hop on alternate Saturdays, and Hazy Sundays on alternate weekends.

Central Coast Grazing Tours invite you to experience our amazing foodie destination with the expert local knowledge of hosts Ryan & Stacy, both Central Coast locals who love their home and want to share a love for its people and natural beauty. The duo showcase artisan food and drink producers across the region via their thoughtful guided tours, which currently visit a range of Central Coast locations including a bakery, cafe, chocolate and cheese factories, coastal cocktail bar, botanical distillery and winery.

Explore more things to do on the Central Coast here

Indulge the senses, exploring the expansive Central Coast ‘Makers Trail’ - a culinary self-drive journey sampling local oysters, award-winning cheeses, botanical wines, chocolates, nougat and more. The Makers Trail is a newly-formed self-drive route with a smorgasbord of food-inspired experiences – from oysters, award-winning cheeses, locally-crafted botanical wines and chocolate, discover a journey that takes in the boutique artisans and fine producers who call the Central Coast home.

Travelling from Sydney, the Central Coast Makers Trail journey starts in Mooney Mooney at the Broken Bay Pearl Farm and Sydney Oyster Farm Tours, traversing the region to Little Creek Cheese at Wyong. In between, you can discover The Chocolate & Nougat Factory in Gosford and Firescreek Botanical Wines in Holgate, plus award-winning breweries and distilleries dotted between who have recently joined the trail route. From family-friendly foraging to bespoke couple and group experiences, set your own pace to enjoy gourmet tastings, take part in workshops and embrace the Makers Trail's variety of epicurean experiences.

For more information, including a handy map of the Central Coast Makers Trail, head to their dedicated page.

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

Seeking some quirky cards for the holiday season that also help to reduce plastic waste? Have an enjoyable browse of the sustainable stationary collection created on the Coast by Wednesday's Wombat. Founded by local creative illustrator Claire, this is a planet-friendly business that prides itself on creating hand-drawn, memorable cards using nothing but 100% recycled paper, plant-based inks and zero plastic packaging. Most importantly, for every 10 cards sold a tree will be planted. Wednesdays Wombat are firm supporters of reducing deforestation and single-use plastic packaging, so we are thrilled to have them as a creative entrepreneur in our ECO Destination! 

Explore more makers & creators on the Central Coast here

Plan your sunny escape to the Central Coast with accommodation at one of our many seaside properties, such as these two new listings that popped up on our radar this month. Both properties are rare finds, only available during December and January, located at popular town centre Long Jetty and chilled coastal suburb Forresters Beach.

Look to Serenity in Long Jetty for a spacious and stylish holiday home just minutes from the main shopping strip, lakeside strolls, bike hire, boat hire and popular Central Coast beaches including Blue Bay, Toowoon Bay, Bateau Bay and Shelly Beach. The property also features a luxury heated pool, fireplace and reverse cycle air con for those balmy summer days we crave. 

Look to Waters Edge in Forresters Beach for the ultimate seafront location, featuring panoramic views of the coastline at one of the region's much loved local beaches. Open the blinds and let the fresh coastal breeze waft in, and spread your guests out in 4 modern bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. If you want to go all in on an iconic beachside Australian holiday home, here's the ticket.

Explore more places to stay on the Central Coast here