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, 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 right now.

With more than 40 beaches to choose from, 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!

Simply take your pick of what’s new below to dot your Springtime calendar with the best places to try something different on the Coast...

Tucked away just off the M1 in Somersby on the Central Coast is a beautiful pecan orchard, fondly known as Artisan Estate. And it is here in their dedicated Maker's Shed that you can take a step back in time and become a Blacksmith for a day, forging with fire to create something truly unique to take home.

With a rising interest in old world techniques that better connect us to the earth and natural elements, this is a wonderful hand-on experience (with gloves, of course!) to get you crafting in amongst the great outdoors, on a property surrounded by stunning views of the local flora and fauna. With guided blacksmithing classes for beginners available, there's no worries if this is your first time forging metal either, and classes are designed to be friendly and fun! Two types of blacksmithing courses are available, taking place on Saturdays and ranging from 2 hours to 5 hours, with a BBQ lunch included on Artisan Estate. Bookings are essential, so round up your crew of Smithies and get in touch with owner Madeline to arrange your experience.

Explore more things to do on the Central Coast here

There's a fresh restaurant venue open at The Entrance town centre, and it brings a fancy Tequila lounge with it! Right on the main stretch opposite Memorial Park you will now find Lime Mexican. With its clean, fresh decor, high ceilings and Sombrero lined wall decorations, this is the latest location to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal on the northern end of the Central Coast. Think Mexican street food meets a casual, modern cantina. At Lime Mexican, you can pop in for a simple beverage and bar snack, grab some takeaway, or settle in with a menu designed for sharing with amigas. Celebrating a special occasion? The team can personalise a set menu for your party, adding whatever extras you'd like. Now taking bookings Wednesday through to Sunday, with seatings 12pm-2.30pm for lunch and 4pm-8.30pm for dinner.

Don't miss their half price deal days, with Nachos Sundays, burrito bowls on Hola Hump Day Wednesdays, and Quazy Quasadilla Thursdays!

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We're excited to see a growing number of sustainable businesses bringing their green ideas to the Central Coast, with a respect for the natural environment through minimal impact woven into their daily operations. One of the latest examples we're loving is Saratoga's SecondLife Recrafted. This husband and wife team handmake sustainable reclaimed timber wares from salvaged local wooden material. This includes cutting boards, grazing boards, serving platters and home decor, with each item having a special backstory to share with you. What triggered this idea in 2022? Owner Mark is a carpenter by trade and self-confessed 'timber nerd', while owner Katie is a school teacher and Psychology student who loves to research and write the story for each unique timber piece. Mark's frustration for the amount of timber waste he sees on construction sites has launched SecondLife to ensure that timbers with plenty of life left in them don’t end up in landfill.

Using recycled and salvaged materials from Central Coast suburbs and surrounds, by shopping with SecondLife Recrafted, you're supporting their sustainable practices and eco-conscious small business. Beautiful gift boxes are also available, delivered free around the Central Coast.

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Looking for new places to stay on the Central Coast? We hope this one truly tickles your fancy, as it couldn't be better at representing the quintessential, feel-good coastal stay. With its soft, welcoming decor and thoughtully placed still lifes throughout, The Collectors Studio located in the seaside suburb of Bateau Bay is a dream for a mid-week stay on the Central Coast. Just a short stroll to nearby beaches, including Bateau Bay beach and Shelly Beach, and the walking trail of Wyrrabalong National Park, you will have this cosy self-contained accommodation to return to each day, dotted with eclectic treasures collected by the owner.

The Collectors Studio includes a wood burner fireplace, clawfoot bathtub, king size bed, kitchenette with Nespresso machine and covered outdoor BBQ area. Perfect for couples or solo travellers, this may just be the staycation you've been waiting for. Due its proximity to surrounding suburbs with excellent food and drink options, we encourage you to leave your car parked at the studio and walk everywhere!

Explore more places to stay on the Central Coast here