Taste the deliciousness of handcrafted European inspired gingerbread. Using the finest quality ingredients with 98% of them being locally produced, you can't go past the sweetness and joy each skilfully created cookie will bring you. Book your own bakery tour and get to experience a look behind the scenes of this successful locally run business and learn how the gingerbread is made and decorated.

With over 11 flavours of cheddar and 200 industry awards, the gourmet artisan handmade cheeses are made in Wyong and unlike anything you find in the supermarket. Go behind the scenes of this family run business to make and taste award winning cheese and discover the passion behind the business while making your own ricotta and paneer to take home.

Spice up your life with a visit to Charmhaven to Herbie's Spices, the largest array of spices, herbs and blends in the Southern Hemisphere. From scouring the globe for the finest herbs and spices to making unique blends locally, take a tour of the Spicery, hearing about the history of the spice trade and understanding how to use spices in your everyday cooking. Shop products in the store, trying tasters and asking questions so you feel confident using spices and herbs for BBQs, curries, roasts and salads.

A fine whiskey distillery nestled in the stunning Central Coast hinterland will have you in awe.  Amber Lane is a national and international award-winning distillery producing refined and complex blends of delicious whiskey derived from ageing their spirit in mainly 30-60 year old sherry barrels from Spain and Bourbon casks from Kentucky. The tour will take you behind the scenes showing casing techniques and of course includes whiskey tasting! 

Eastcoast Beverages in Kulnura, have perfected the art of crafting juice since 1965. Through four generations, the family owned business has been growing, squeezing, picking and bottling fresh fruit juice straight from their citrus orchards. The tour will give you a glance at the production and their sustainable initiatives to reducing waste and caring for the environment. Before leaving, stop by Bambinos to purchase some freshly squeezed juice.

The award-winning winery in Holgate is truly unique. The organic, vegan friendly wines are made with seasonal fruits, flowers and botanicals that result from full circle farming techniques that embrace permaculture and regenerative farming. Offering sweet and dry wines, there are many immersive experiences to engage your senses and help you understand the process of wine making through taste, touch, foraging and mixing.

Block 'N Tackle is a working craft brewery and cellar door in Kincumber, within the neighbourhood's cool industrial yard and right near a self-guided historic shipping trail of Brisbane Water. Order your favourite brew from the chalk board or a tasting paddle to sample the core range and limited small batch range. Be sure to grab a Kinny lager to go as a token of your visit to the Central Coast.

A visit to this family-owned and operated oyster farm is a must. Offering immersive culinary oyster farm tours where you can take a boat ride on the Hawkesbury River out to the oyster leases, learn about the evolution of sustainable farming, and see the current cultivation methods used to bring you the beautiful Sydney Rock and Pacific Oysters loved along the coastline.

Be amazed by headliner Boo Seeka, with BELLA AMOR, RAAVE Tapes, False London and Daytrip. Fun activities, licensed area, roving performers, and fantastic food, followed by fireworks display that will literally Light Up The Lake!

Join us for a brand new eco-friendly Pelican educational experience that gives locals and guests a unique insight into one of the region's special birds, the Pelican.

The Hills Hoist Exchange is an interactive art installation and sustainable swap event. Take and exchange preloved swimwear promoting a circular economy and community sharing.

Enjoy a free kayak paddle on beautiful Tuggerah Lake. Learn about habitats and the Little Tern and how we can all care for our catchments.

Enjoy a 2 hour tour to explore the waterways and learn about the animals and rich history of the area in safety and style, aboard an Eco tour vessel.

Pre-schoolers and parents are invited to create a 3D flying boat, based on artist Guy Warrens painting ‘Icon for a traveller- 1984’, from the Central Coast Councils Art Collection. Using recycled cardboard and paint, we invite you to explore 3D forms, together, you will be guided by one of our wonderful art tutors to create an imaginary flying boat.

Discover how to keep Our Coast clean and protect our waterways with activities and games to inspire waste avoidance, waste reduction and resource recovery for a sustainable future. There will be plenty of kids activities and entertainment all day!

Join Council's Environmental Education staff on a night adventure into the forest at Kincumba Mountain and discover some of Australia's nocturnal animals. The bush really comes to life after dark with sounds and movements. You never know what you will see!

Join the Community Environment Network and AquaFun to explore the amazing wetland areas of Avoca Lagoon by kayak, through a 2-hour guided ecotour, and experience the famous “jumping fish”, pelicans, herons, cormorants and more, that call this wetland home.

Plastic pollution is killing wildlife and marine life, devastating oceans and threatening the health of our planet. Join us and the Take 3 team for The Lakes Festival Community Clean Up and make a positive difference helping a global movement to reduce plastic pollution and waste.

Enjoy a free kayak paddle on beautiful Lake Macquarie. Learn about underwater habitats and how we can all care for our catchments.

Discover how to keep Our Coast clean and protect our waterways with activities and games to inspire waste avoidance, waste reduction and resource recovery for a sustainable future. There will be plenty of kids activities and entertainment all day!

Dive into an evening of Marine Magic with art, circus fun, face painting and environmental education right by the beautiful Marine Centre and waterfront in Terrigal! Once the sun sets, kick back and watch a family friendly movie on the big screen.

A free family-friendly event celebrating water through art, culture, and community under the full moon at Avoca Lake. Enjoy dance, music, storytelling, visual arts, and more.

Enjoy a kayak paddle on beautiful Brisbane Water. Visit Rileys Island, see amazing wildlife and learn how we can all care for our waterways.

As part of The Lakes Festival, we will also visit the Gather and Groove event at Woy Woy to check out the live music, stalls and food.