Start this journey at NSW's only pearl farm! The Shellar Door of Broken Bay Pearl Farm grow two varieties of oysters on the waterways of Broken Bay and Brisbane Water. Taste their world-famous Sydney Rock Oysters, plus the locally and sustainably grown Akoya, which is not only tasty but produces among the finest quality pearls grown anywhere in the world.

Now for an epic waterfall ride through the Central Coast's stunning natural cascades! There's the popular Somersby Falls, named one of the 7 best waterfalls in New South Wales, ideal for a swim in the heat of summer at its lower pool, with the water forming a stunning liquid curtain to shower beneath. Or just around the corner seek out Girrakool Falls on the Piles Creek Loop Track, a great lesser-known option with a diverse 4km bushwalk for the adventurous.

An ecotourism gem of the Central Coast, Strickland State Forest is 100% free, family and dog-friendly, and filled with many amazing ways to enjoy nature - with its own waterfall too. Park at the Banksia Picnic Area, find the signs that lead to 'Strickland Falls' or the Arboretum Loop. There are several loop tracks in this forest, ranging from challenging hikes along rainforest ridges to simple tracks through the tree museum, one of the oldest arboretum's in Australia.

Hop on the Central Coast's harvest trail growing citrus, avocado, cucumbers, flowers, and more with a list of eco-conscious farm-gate experiences, markets, and honesty boxes. Follow scenic Peats Ridge Road that loops around Glenworth Valley to find your choice of quality produce. Check ahead to stock up at seasonal farms like S & S Peruch Avocado, Wavertree, Sparacino, Meliora Farm and Mangrove Mountain Country Markets on weekends.

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures offer a unique camping experience to take in the Coast’s hinterland scenery spanning 3,000 acres of wilderness. Arrive here in time for the ‘Man from Snowy River’ running of the horses around 4pm (dusk) daily. Settle in at your campsite beside Popran Creek under the stars with an open fire and the faint sound of 200 horses in the background.

After having lunch at The Beachie and checking out, head to the Central Coast hinterland to Iris Lodge Alpacas for a farm experience. The kids and Marcia absolutely loved it. They got up close and personal with the Alpacas, Wiltipoll sheep, horses and cows, and their Maremma Lola. Adorable! 

On the way home visit the iconic Australian Reptile Park for a ‘VIP Behind the Scenes’ experience.You'll enjoy up meeting a python, Koalas, kangaroos, and the biggest tortoise you'll ever see up close and personal.

A recommended lunch stop on the way home is Saddles at Mt White- a Bakehouse eatery with a quintessential Australian bush backdrop at Mt White. Run by Hayley and Cameron Cansdell, local Central Coast based restaurateurs. 

First off feel how amazing is it to wake up on the water! Truly no better way to start to the day believes Marcia. After a cuppa on the front porch, head to Ettalong for brunch at COAST175. This buzzy little casual eatery is walking distance to the water where there is a regular ferry service that connects Ettalong, Wagstaffe and Palm Beach – a commuter ferry, and beautifully scenic day trip! Another must visit while in Ettalong is Tiki La La a shop all about vintage fashion and home wares. 

In the afternoon, Marcia took the family out to Bouddi National Park for an incredible picnic set up by Elixir Journeys. A bush walk will take you to this unforgettable clifftop location with a coastal view that will take your breath away. Food and champers will hit the spot too.

Next destination on Marcia's roadie is Toukley, to the recently renovated Beachcomber Hotel & Resort, or as the locals call it ‘The Beachie’, an iconic waterfront destination located in the heart of the Central Coast. With sweeping waterfront views, Hamptons-inspired ambiance, boutique-style accommodation, exclusive pool-club, multiple eateries and bars, it’s the perfect place to gear into holiday mode, even if it’s just for an afternoon.

This itinerary is inspired by local creators and makers Marcia Leone met on a road trip to the Coast with her family. Her business, Not So Mumsy, is a platform that connects, celebrates, and inspires a community of modern mamas around the world, and donates a percentage of every sale to charities. As a proud adventuress, this is just a small edit of the many beautiful experiences Marcia and her family discovered on the NSW Central Coast.

_{Photography: by Dawn & Folk}

First stop the beautiful Glenworth Valley. The older girls went on a 2 hour trail ride through parts of the 3000 acre unspoiled wilderness, while Marcia led her daughter Poppy on a pony ride. In addition to horse riding there is quad biking, stand up paddle, kayaking, abseiling,and much more. A highlight is the ‘Man From Snowy River’ running of the horses, from 4 pm daily.

After working up an appetite the family headed to Bar Botanica in Erina. This cute garden café gelato bar is operated by the Mr Goaty Gelato team - founded by Dan Hughes, formerly of Three Blue Ducks and now living and working from the Central Coast where he creates his award-winning gelato. The kids gave the gelato 10/10 … And Marcia can personally vouch they have 'the best G&T you'll ever have' thanks to the onsite distillery!

The family checked into The Cottage at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga for the evening. With one road in and out, the Hawkesbury and Brisbane Waters surround this idyllic little coastal town. The Cottage is a four bedroom house that can accommodate up to 10 guests with a kitchen, open plan living, outdoor deck + garden, fire pit + a swimming pool. Casual but chic, and well set up for children.The Hotel next door offers waterside eating and drinking, and takeaway fish + chips.