Where to find your next favourite spot on the Central Coast

If you’re a Coastie, we know that you’ve got your favourite spots, and why wouldn’t you? Whether it’s your go-to café down the road that makes your coffee just right and knows your order off by heart, your Friday night hangout spot with friends or simply just the best beach for a lazy Sunday swim, you know that these spots always serve up the goods. But what if we told you that there’s a spot just outside of your neighbourhood that has the same vibe, with a fresh feel?

If you’re looking to shake things up from your tried-and-true places, here’s some new spots that could very well become your new favourite.

Chica Chica Ettalong Beach

Spice up your night in Ettalong with a restaurant bringing South American flavours to their dishes and cocktails.

Bar Toto

Located within Ettalong’s beloved Galleria precinct, Bar ToTo is a classic Italian lounge serving up signature pizzas and traditional Antipasto compliments that can be paired with their delicious craft cocktails.

Madame Spice

Also located within the grounds of the Galleria precinct is Madame Spice, a modern Asian restaurant, bringing a share-plate menu of Pan-Asian flavours, designed to be shared with friends and family.

The BOX on the Water

If you’re looking for that restaurant offering panoramic beach views just like Terrigal, The BOX on the Water is the place to be. Sit back and take in the views from Broken Bay to Box Head and enjoy their classic modern Australian menu.

Beef and Barramundi

Trying to find a steakhouse serving up juicy, yet perfectly cooked grilled meats? You’ll want to head to Beef and Barramundi. Inspired by Australian and French flavours, this bar and grill brings together locally sourced seafood and delicious cuts of meat to choose from.

Tribe Living

Located on the main strip of Umina is Tribe Living, a clothing boutique serving up clothing that brings a tribal and bohemian feel.

Daisy’s Closet

Daisy’s Closet is a fashion powerhouse brought to life right in the heart of Umina. It’s an Australian women’s fashion boutique, with size inclusivity and comfort at the forefront with clothing ranging from sizes 6-26.

Shop 55 Vintage Clothing Boutique

Just like the vintage stores at Long Jetty, Umina has their very own. Shop 55 Vintage Clothing Boutique is a must-visit for vintage lovers looking to find clothes for a bargain.

Centred Ceramics

This spot truly is a craft-lovers gem. Bring home a touch of creativity to your home by purchasing handmade pottery, crafted in their studio. If you’re wanting to get a bit creative yourself, book one of their pottery making workshops and bring home your own piece-de-resistance!

Gnostic Corner

Head a bit further north into the town of Woy Woy and visit Gnostic Corner. This little spot in Woy Woy is a collective of 9 unique stores, from a cafe to florist and crystal shop.

Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park is a great option for a family-day out with the chance to listen to their daily keeper talks and learn about the resident animals such as koalas, crocodile and Tasmanian devils, as well as get up close to their free roaming kangaroos!

Chocolate & Nougat Factory Gosford

Explore Gosford’s very own chocolate factory and pick up some handmade chocolate goodies. Before your visit, don’t forget to book the kids in for one of their ‘Create-A-Bar’ or junior chocolatier workshops so your little ones can become the creators.

Gosford Waterfront walk

Walk along the beautiful waterfront walking path that hugs Brisbane Waters. It’s a great walk that’s easy for prams and little legs. During your walk you’ll pass Drifter’s Wharf and Leagues Club Park, both making for a great pitstop along the way.

Leagues Club Park Gosford

Head to Gosford waterfront and let the kids will run wild on this nature and Aboriginal culture inspired play space. The three ‘play pods’ are designed for kids to explore, climb and play, so they’ll be sure to have fun on this playground.

Clip ‘n’ Climb Gosford

Let the kids reach new heights at this indoor climbing spot. It’s a great option for an indoor activity on a rainy day and with each climbing wall offering different themes and different levels of difficulty, your little adventurers will be sure to have a ball!

Mr Sha Sha’s

Sitting in the intersection of Long Jetty is Mr Sha Sha’s, a bustling café that brings laid-back vibes and expertly brewed coffee. Sit down for a coffee and don’t forget to grab their infamous breakfast roll.

Green Tangerine

Green Tangerine is another great spot within the intersection of Long Jetty. This vibrant café, known for the ‘Welcome to Long Jetty’ mural on its outer wall, serves up classic coffees, as well as delicious crowd favourites including Biscoff lattes and strawberry iced matchas.

Café 2261

If you’re an early morning riser, heading to Café 2261 in Long Jetty will be your first stop. This coffee hub is serving up delicious cups of Veneziano coffee from 4am weekdays and 4:45am every weekend.   

The Morning Coffee Society

This coffee spot sitting along Elseimer Street was built by a society of people who require coffee to function, so you know you’ll be getting an awesome cup of coffee from baristas who truly value this liquid gold.

Komuniti

Komuniti is serving up coffee 7 days a week with a bit of a twist. This garden café also houses a yoga studio, so after your morning yoga session, don’t forget to grab a cup of joe on the way out, or sit and relax in their hidden garden café.

Toowoon Bay Beach

Want a quieter alternative for swimming and sunbathing? Toowoon Bay Beach has you covered. Not only is it a patrolled beach, but it’s calmer waters makes it a great spot for kids to swim and play.

Flour and Co

If you’re used to picking up some baked goods right around the corner at Avoca, you’ll want to head to Flour and Co at Toowoon Bay. This local favourite serves up freshly baked bread, pastries and baked goods, along with fresh coffee. They’re also the makers of Goons of Twoon, so they also make great beer!

Saltwater Takeaway

We know that a classic fish and chips from your local chippie can’t be beat, but we think that Saltwater Takeaway may just give your favourite a run for its money. Not only do they serve up fresh fish and chips, but they’re bringing burgers, sandwiches and wraps to their menu.

Palm Bay Lifestyle

Just like Avoca, Toowoon has their own clothing boutique; Palm Bay Lifestyle. Whether it’s a new dress, handbag, candle or jewellery you’re looking for, Palm Bay Lifestyle should have what you’re after.

Cecilia’s Restaurant

Another local favourite, Cecilia’s is a fine dining favourite in the heart of Toowoon, offering a modern and fresh Australian menu for either breakfast, lunch or dinner. Experience fresh seafood and culinary dishes during your visit.
 

The Central Coast is full of exciting places to explore, and sometimes, it’s just a matter of stepping outside your usual spots. So next time you have friends and family visiting, why not shake things up? New favourites are waiting to be found, so go discover them!