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, second year finalist in the global Top 100 Sustainability Stories 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 to try.

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 several 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 – there is just SO MUCH to do when exploring the Central Coast!

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

Every Sunday, a cute little hinterland flower stall runs at the Gosford Farmers Market, selling fresh picks from a lush farmland in Peats Ridge, known as The Bloom Barn. If you fancy picking your own flowers - for your home or to share the beautiful images with your online fans - you're invited to make a blooming day of it! In addition to selling flowers weekly in Gosford, special 'Pick Your Own' fresh blooms events are coming up in late October to early November. These sunflower field sessions are always a fast sell out, so you will need to keep a close eye on their latest announcements to secure your place. Why not couple the adventure to Peats Ridge with a scenic trip along Tourist Drive 33, pit stopping at some of the Central Coast's hidden foodie gems? And if you're planning a destination ceremony - good news - The Bloom Barn has recently expanded the business to cater to weddings and events too. 

Explore more things to do on the Central Coast here

Gosford has a new steakhouse in town, and it's in the familiar location of the Bon Pavilion. After undergoing a considerable revamp, we're excited to see the doors of Railway Hotel Gosford open recently, ushering in a classy new venue for the Central Coast's meat-loving socialites. Expect the highest quality of meat cuts, as their menu proudly serves premium beef from Tamworth-based Jack’s Creek. There is a long list of beers on tap, plus a colourful cocktail menu and indulgent wine list. As a self proclaimed place where the old meets the new, this is one for your to do list when you need to meet up with someone to impress. And yes, they do a damn good weekly meat raffle.

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

A small local microbrewery project has officially been released in the wild! We're excited to see where this new creative craft beer debut goes with the Coast's latest drinks producer. Created by Toowoon Bay entrepreneurs with some stylish label art for the launch of the first can, Goons Brewing is now also celebrating their first tap at the newly renovated The Entrance Social Club for the month of October! You can also drop into Ettalong or Long Jetty boutique bottle merchants, Upstairs Wines, where The Goons of Toowoon have stocked with their goods too. 

Explore more makers & creators on the Central Coast here

Located near the stunning hidden gem - Pearl Beach Arboretum backing onto Brisbane Water National Park - the newly renovated Pavilions at Pearl is a stunning accommodation option for those seeking a luxury space to base their Central Coast stay. The Pavilions is a luxurious two level modern house covering three 'pavilions'. It can accommodate up to 8 adult guests and six kids, with plenty of surrounding bush trails and just steps away from the beach, which just so happens to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the region! This stay is perfect for a coastal escape where you want to reinstate a sense of calm, connection to nature, and enjoy simple, local gourmet dining at Pearls on the Beach restaurant or the modern pub nearby, Boathouse Hotel Patonga.

Explore more places to stay on the Central Coast here