Head south towards Spencer, stopping for breakfast at the Hub of Mangrove Mountain for coffee and breakfast. The small store offers cheesecake, cafe fare and gelato as well as stocking fresh produce from local farms in and around the Central Coast Hinterland.

The tiny community of Spencer proudly calls itself the hub of the universe, boasting its own “invisible” hotel, river tours, dingy hire, and cafe food. You’ll find one of Rush’s most evocative works: Serenity. While he normally creates figures with animals, Serenity is of a female figure reclining on the riverbank by the wharf created using locally sourced gymea lilies. The sculpture was damaged slightly during the 2021 floods on the Hawkesbury but it still remains in tact with the figure dangling her feet in the river.

Dine in with a view of the water at The Anchor, the newly refurbished, family-friendly cafe at the heart of town. Along with bait, ice and takeaway, the cafe offers live music Sunday sessions on the wharf in summer and fireside dining in the winter months.

Sign up for a tour with Heritage Ventures, who run quirky, ever-changing micro-history tours of the area featuring everything from a tour of Dangar Island to a Women up the Creeks tour (complete with fiddler) and watercolour fish painting.

Drive up and stop at Jerry’s One stop Cafe, a favourite with bikies for their burgers and bacon and egg roll, One Stop Jerry’s Cafe in Kulnura is a must visit for a sneaky bite and a chance to pursue the latest in two-wheeled automotive perfection. Two of Pete Rush’s sculptures are located nearby: Giraffe and a Young Child, and the Smiling Owl.

Feeling inspired by Rush’s work? In the quiet hinterland village of Somersby you can sign up for a Sunday-morning blacksmithing course at Artisan Estate, a 400-tree pecan farm that also offers Farm Stays.

Order a coffee and lunch at Sussurri Restuarant and Manor House, down the bottom of the winding Bumble Hill Road in the rural village of Yarramalong. Sit down in the garden for coffee and a meal, or grab some cheese and produce for a picnic from their deli and giftshop for later on.

If you’ve got kids, make time to detour down George Springs Drive to Grace Springs Farm in Kulnura, which opens to the public on special open days and by appointment, allowing visitors to tag along for the daily chores where visitors can collect eggs, cuddle chooks, pat a calf, and see a cow milked.

Spend the night in a luxury eco tent at Waterfall Springs Retreat and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kulnura. Book a self-catering BBQ, pizza or picnic hamper for dinner, and take a one-hour tour of the Sanctuary, which is focused on saving the brush-tailed rock wallaby and yellow-footed rock wallaby, and rehabilitating eastern grey & red kangaroos, as well as swamp and red-necked wallabies. 

Jad is known and loved for his couch antics and is now paving his way as a proud restauranteur. Jad grew up exploring the Central Coast with his family and is now taking his fantastic memories on the road with him as he explores our region.

The Central Coast is the perfect escape from Sydney; whether you want to explore the foodie scene, take time to relax or get the heart pumping – there’s something for everyone.

No road trip is complete without an epic breakfast to fuel the day, pull up to Saddles Mount White, a hidden gem that transcends you into a whole new world. It's the perfect winter restaurant with beautiful furnishings, saddle seats, and a cosy fire.

Grace Springs Farm is a small family-run farm where you can take a farm tour. While there you’ll not only get to meet an array of animals but also get first-hand experience about their regenerative farming. Or, if you don’t make it to the farm, keep your eye out for Grace Spring Farms at the local farmer's markets!

Check in to an Eco Cabin at Glenworth Valley for spacious rooms and breathtaking scenery. Nothing is quite like a winter evening spent around a fire, cooking and chatting until it’s time to get into bed. 

There are endless adventures to be had at Glenworth Valley, whether you’re staying overnight or just popping in to visit. Quad biking is the perfect activity for thrill-seekers. Or slow things down and take a horseback ride through the beautiful valley.

Grab some lunch to take away at one of the local haunts and make your way to Mooney Mooney Bridge & Staples lookout, where you can sit by the water and soak up the sunshine and nature.  The perfect way to remind you that you’re away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney.

Whether you’re travelling with kids or a kid at heart, the Australian Reptile Park is the perfect spot to go on your way back from Sydney. Spend some time wandering around the park, checking out all the animals. If you want to get close and personal, cuddle up close to a koala and feed some Kangaroos before you’re on your merry way back to Sydney after an epic weekend.

Good food and good vibes await at Like Minds where an old general store at Avoca Beach has been transformed into a sustainable community café with a zero waste attitude.

Founded by ex World Tour Surfer Amee Donohue the Central Coast Surf Academy has lessons for absolute beginners up to elite surfers who can make the most of Avoca Beach’s consistent break.

Head to the Pomegranate by Fresko Café in Kincumber to try Australia’s award winning, number one pie for 2022 created by smoked meat lovers Shhmoakesys before craft beer tasting time at Block n Tackle brewery.

Feel the grass between your toes and the sun on your skin as you play a few rounds of barefoot bowls at the Davistown RSL. Then relax on The Davo’s large outdoor deck with Brisbane Water views.

Embrace those vintage Hawaii feels at Shady Palms Kincumber where the menu includes poke and pizza and the drinks range from classic Aussie beers to magnums of French champagne.

Giddy up for the weekend! At Saddles at Mount White you can grab one of the bespoke saddle seats at the bar or opt for water views on the veranda as you fuel up on local ingredients in delicious dishes.

Forget darts. Find out who has the best axe throwing form at Glenworth Valley. When the champion has been crowned you can also go quad bike or horse riding, abseiling and a whole lot more.

Head to the Brisbane Water foreshore where you can tuck into locally sourced fresh seafood and pub classics at the Gosford Sailing Club’s Bistro.

Play the oldest golf course on the Central Coast at the heritage Gosford Golf Club where you can play 9 or 18 holes with mountain views. Golf lovers can also find two of Australia’s top 100 courses in the area.

The Hotel Gosford has a new look, 78 taps of beer in the bar and tasty twists on pub fare in the Earl’s Kitchen restaurant. When you’re ready to move on it’s an easy stroll down to a live gig at the Drifters Wharf.

Ettalong’s Coast 175 serves Mediterranean flashbacks with its white washed walls and old ship’s wheel, along with lots of vegan and gluten free options among the fresh daily specials.

Imagine a mix of netball, water polo, hockey, soccer and stand up paddle boarding and you’ve got SUP Ball. Join the crew at Bombora Ettalong Beach SUP for SUP ball fun or opt for a SUP yoga class or SUP tour.

Soak up the panoramic beachfront views through floor to ceiling windows at Box on the Water. Dine on modern Australian dishes and discover their Australian craft gin G&T menu along with a fun selection of spritzers.

Indulge in an afternoon of luxurious pampering at Bells Day Spa. This boutique spa at Bells of Killcare offers heavenly rituals to relax and restore using Australian owned iKOU spa products.

Back on Ettalong Beach, Bar Toto is all about old-world charm, quality cocktails and delectable bites. Here the cocktail list is long with four types of espresso martinis alone, and you can share antipasti and cicchetti dishes as you sip. 

Raise the first glass of the weekend over a bottomless Pink Gin Fizz brunch, or opt for fresh juices and healthy start bowls at Maccoa. Light and bright inside this restaurant also comes with 180-degree views over Terrigal Lagoon.

Embrace the modern bohemian vibes at Bohemian Traders. This Erina Heights label mixes classic and fashion forward pieces and works with suppliers to provide ethical conditions for workers too.

Book ahead for High Tea in the conservancy at Kew Dining, where the English born chef and owners have named their Erina Heights space after Kew Gardens in London. Expect fluffy scones, savouries, sweet treats and sparkling wine.

See who has the best eye for detail at a male life drawing class as a 'Fireman' greets the bride to be before taking a pose!  At Men on Fire in Avoca the hen’s party option will bring lots of laughs and some very creative sketches.

Sip Cherry Bomb Mai Tais, Lemon Myrtle Mules and other delicious cocktails as you watch the sun go down at Avoca Beach House. Then when it’s time to dine share seafood platters and tapas bites just a few sandy steps from the beach.

Spend the morning strolling around the quirky Milk Factory buildings. Originally built as the Wyong Butter Factory in 1907 by a co-operative of 56 farmers who put their money together to construct a factory for making butter, selling it to Sydney and sharing the profits. The Wyong Milk Factory as it is known today, has been transformed into a bustling hub of small business although the heritage of this unique factory is still very much present. 

Follow the long winding road past the wetlands to the Pioneer Dairy and farm buildings which were established in 1897.  The old Dairy Cottage is one of the oldest homesteads in Wyong. Constructed of vertical boards and batten slabs, the cottage was beautifully renovated in 2009. The grounds of the dairy are a fascinating place to explore and if you're lucky you may even spot the resident black-neck stork in the dairy swamp.

Enjoy a coffee and browse the local vendor stores while taking a moment to admire this building. Built in 1901 in the heart of Wyong, the Chapman Building was operated by John Chapman, a leading pioneer in the local dairy industry but was also a prominent merchant. In its day The Chapman's Store was the largest retail business between Sydney and Newcastle trading in food, hardware and clothing. Today it houses boutique shops, cafes and markets. 

The Savoy was built in 1956 and was the Central Coast's biggest movie theatre, having the first and only CinemaScope Screen. The post World War 2 entertainment complex, closed as a cinema in 1976, with the mezzanine and projection room laying unused for decades. Now it has been reopened as a diner and cocktail lounge with its heritage decor still proudly in place. Sip on a cocktail and imagine watching your fav old skool classic movie here.

Finish your day with a gentle 2km walk through the bush in Brisbane Water National Park. Jump over stepping stones, go past creeks and encounter scenic waterfalls. Look at the colourful fauna and keep an eye out for rock wallabies as you make your way to look at ancient Aboriginal rock carvings. Take only memories, leave only footprints.