It doesn’t get much better than this. Pack the hamper and enjoy a long, leisurely barbecue lunch with friends and family in the beautiful surrounds of Munmorah State Conservation Area.
Spread your picnic blanket by the shore or set up at one of the picnic tables on the grassy expanse and take in the tranquil views over the sparkling sand and calm blue waters of Elizabeth Bay. It’s a great place for a swim on a hot day.
If you’re keen to get out on the water, you can launch your boat from the ramp here too – be sure to pack the fishing gear.
Keen surfers will appreciate the sweeping views from the lookout at Tea Tree picnic area. Inspect the waves and then decide whether to head down to the boardwalk and paddle out or have a relaxed barbie while you wait for the conditions to change.
During winter, the lookout is an excellent spot to station yourself with the binoculars and spot whales passing by on their epic migration. You can even record your sighting online.
Tea trees surround a quiet picnic area where there are free gas barbecues and picnic tables.
While away a couple of hours in this shady, secluded Munmorah haven. With cabbage tree palms enclosing the area, it's a peaceful and intimate setting for a barbecue or picnic.
Before you settle in, or after you've lunched, why not explore the surrounding rainforest with an amble along the pretty Palms loop track? The short loop walk starts and finishes right here at the picnic area.
Free gas barbecues and several picnic tables add to the appeal of this delightfully positioned picnic spot.
Re-energise under a canopy of cabbage tree palms on this meandering, short loop through the rainforest of Munmorah.
You’ll feel revived in the cool forest air surrounded by lush vegetation with shafts of sunlight streaming through palm fronds to guide your way. This enchanting walk is a visual feast, and isn’t too challenging on the legs either. Look carefully and you may even spot some grey-headed flying foxes that feed in the cabbage tree palm forest during the summer.
Bring along supplies and take advantage of the tables at Palms picnic area, where the track begins and loops back to.
Come and enjoy the blissful lake lifestyle at Lake Macquarie. Twice the size of Sydney Harbour, it's the biggest permanent saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere and provides stunning views, countless opportunities for boating, fishing and water sports, and is a haven for birdwatchers and nature-lovers.
Whether you like to bushwalk with only the lapping of water on the shore for company, enjoy long relaxed family picnics, or prefer to kayak with a line off the side to catch dinner, this park is very accessible it's nestled between Newcastle and the Central Coast. You can explore the coves and headlands in any season, and the water is lovely in summer if you need to cool off after a long walk.
Munmorah State Conservation Area is a park for all seasons. Beautiful craggy coastlines, tranquil bays, and dazzling ocean views make this a place to return to time and again.
Bushwalking, camping, fishing, surfing and swimming are just some of the activities you can enjoy at Munmorah. Frazer beach is only patrolled during Christmas and Easter school holidays though so please be cautious when swimming there as the surf can be unpredictable.
You might like to bring your binoculars to spot passing whales in winter and keep an eye out for some of the incredible bird species that call this park home. You might see a bar-shouldered dove in the coastal dunes or the southern emu wren on the low coastal heaths.
Part of the Sydney Basin, Munmorah State Conservation Area illustrates the impressive geology of the region. The views are spectacular and it's no wonder, they've been millions of years in the making.
Dotted with grass trees and with myriad birds winging across your path, this walk through coastal heathland is a delight.
The paths are wide and offer sweeping views over Timber Beach, Ghosties Beach and Moonee Beach – bring the camera for some picture-perfect shots. In late winter and early spring, you'll also witness a blaze of colour as wildflowers bloom across the heath.
The real highlight of this walk reveals itself as you descend onto spectacular Moonee Beach. You'll feel far from the madding crowds on this private sandy shoreline. Spend the day swimming or snorkelling in the turquoise water and don't forget to explore the protected rockpool area.
The splendid Lillypilly loop trail allows you to experience the Central Coast’s largest remaining stand of coastal or ‘littoral’ rainforest - you won’t help but be impressed.
Gaze at the canopy of towering corkwoods, cabbage tree palms and tuckeroos, and be treated to views over important wetlands bordering Tuggerah Lakes along this easy walk. Check out the burrawangs and lush, vine-covered vegetation as you advance along the sandy track. And watch for birds and butterflies – you might even spot a white bellied sea eagle nest.
Countless photo opportunities await you along this picturesque track, so it’s a good idea to keep your camera handy. Join up with Red gum trail for a longer walk and be sure to drive up the road to Pelican Beach Road lookout when you're finished to cool off with a swim.
Soldiers Beach, on the south side of the head, faces southeast and, with a well protected north end, is a favourite with board-riders when the summer northeaster is up. Sweetly-curved one kilometre in length, the beach features clusters of rocks that build nice sand-covered reefs but demand due care when falling off your board.
There are reliable waves year-round, best when the swell comes in from the south or east. The left-hand point-break is beloved of long-boarders, although as soon as it gets over two metres the short-boarders take an interest in it too.
For beach patrol dates and times, please see website.
People with a disability will now find it easier to access Soldiers Beach with a Sand Cruiser wheelchair available for bookings. Contact Soldiers Beach Surf Club for bookings.
Norah Head Lighthouse was purposely built between 1901 and 1903 to protect ships travelling between Sydney and Newcastle carrying vital cargo and passengers. Perched on the headland, the lighthouse takes in magnificent ocean vistas and is the Central Coast's most spectacular icon.
Take a historic tour of this working lighthouse, which can be booked at the lighthouse. The tours run daily between 10am and 1:30pm, or keep an eye out for their special night tour dates happening a few times a year. A walking track skirts around the lighthouse side and leads to stairs that climb down to the rock platform below and to Lighthouse Beach. For more oceanside activities, whale watching is a popular pastime from this location from May to November each year, where glimpses of these almighty mammals can be seen from the top of the lighthouse.
Beautifully renovated and furnished heritage accommodation from the original lightkeepers' cottages is available onsite for guests to enjoy for short or long stays.
Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve can be hired for your wedding ceremony, wedding photos and accommodation for your special day.
Catherine Hill Bay is a State Heritage-listed historic coal mining village featuring a stunning patrolled beach, named twice as one of 'Australia's 101 Best Beaches'.
Popular for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding and fishing, the beach also features an iconic former coal-loading jetty, evidence of the area's mining history and a popular photography spot.
With a lifeguard service operating on the beach between October and April, this is one of Lake Macquarie's four patrolled beaches.
Taking its name from the ship which ran aground here in 1867, Catherine Hill Bay is nestled in the hinterland just south of Swansea. Its 19th-century miners' cottages mark the oldest continuous settlement in the City of Lake Macquarie.
The resulting scenery is astoundingly beautiful; Catherine Hill Bay is at once home to a long, beautiful stretch of sand, surrounded by verdant hills and bushland, and dotted with rusted iron machinery and wildflowers. This sleepy town is home to barely 500 permanent residents, yet its natural attractions are worthy of a much busier holiday destination.
You'll find a number of lookouts and viewing platforms overlooking Catherine Hill Bay Beach, and views from the nearby picnic area at Crangan Bay reach to the tall chimneys of Eraring Power Station, as well as the mountains just beyond.
Take in the golden sands and sapphire waters of Pelican Beach from Pelican Beach Road lookout. Look to the north to see Pelican Point, a picturesque hotspot for beach fishing, or turn your gaze southwards for views of The Entrance.
As well as offering scenic views, the lookout also comes in handy for local surfers keen to check out the waves and those interested in whale watching. Once you've finished enjoying the view, why not put yourself in the picture and capture a photo.
On a sunny day, take a walk along Pelican Beach, dipping your toes in the water and looking for shells along the way. Nearby bushwalks include Red gum trail and Lillypilly loop trail.
Divided into two sections, Wyrrabalong National Park conserves the last patch of coastal rainforest on the Central Coast. Visit this precious place to swim, surf and fish along a striking coastline and be awed by the superb red gum forest, diverse wildlife and rich Aboriginal heritage.
Take a walk along the beach to see how the park's sandy beaches alternate with rocky cliffs pounded by the sea. Look to the sky for eagles and kestrels. Explore the park's varied landscape on a network of walking tracks, or stop at its picnic areas and enjoy picture-perfect surroundings. There's a few bike trails in the park to explore as well.
Soak up dramatic coastal views and take in the spectacular sight of whales on their annual migration the park is a hot spot for whale watching.
Welcome to Wildfire, where luxury and relaxation come together. It’s a peaceful place where you can escape the noise of the world.
Let the skilled professionals pamper you without any distractions or demands. Rediscover yourself, surrounded by the soothing touch of the Bioline luxury skincare range.
Wildfire is all about finding your inner peace and getting back in touch with yourself.
Wildfire Day Spa located at Mercure Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort, is a luxurious day spa nestled amidst the soft green landscapes. Step through the door and be welcomed into a sanctuary of natural elements, well-appointed rooms and tranquil relaxation lounges.
To complete your experience, Wildfire Day Spa offers a magnesium float pool, infrared sauna, designated pedicure bay and two immersive couples suites for a unique experience.
Wallarah National Park makes for a great day trip from Newcastle, Gosford, or Sydney. This tiny park offers mountain biking through the hills and forests of Yondeo trail or Scenic trail, hiking along rugged cliff tops on Coastal walking track, and the chance to reel in a big one from the rock platform at Pinny Beach.
Located east of Lake Macquarie, and 2km from Swansea, Wallarah gives you the sense of a remote wilderness setting with the convenience of a nearby fish and chip shop if that big one gets away.
Why not spend a few days doing it all here? You can enjoy whale watching (July and August), birdwatching, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, searching for spring wildflowers, or exploring Wallarah's different types of forest. Home to powerful owls, bentwing bats, and squirrel gliders, Wallarah is also important for conservation reasons.
To enjoy this coastal area longer than a day book a spot at Freemans campground or Frazer campground, just 15 minutes away at Munmorah State Conservation Area.
When you visit the Wyong Milk Factory you can also enjoy the local produce from an award winning producer of cheese and yoghurt and hand crafted gourmet chocolatier!
Enjoy a whole day of family activity with self-guided kayak and row boat hire or early morning platypus paddle followed by a relaxing picnic with some great local produce, coffee, breakfast or lunch by the river.
Entry to the Wyong Milk Factory is free. Open daily.
Visiting Iris Lodge Alpacas is one of the must-do activities on the Central Coast. Nestled in the scenic region of Jilliby, just an hour north of Sydney, we offer an array of unique and interactive farm experiences that are perfect for all ages.
Iris Lodge Alpacas is proud to be Ecotourism certified since July 2021.
At Iris Lodge Alpacas, you'll have the chance to get up close and personal with their delightful herd of 140 alpacas and 12 llamas. But that's not all! Their farm is also home to 75 Wiltipoll sheep, baby doll sheep, and a variety of horses, creating a rich and diverse animal experience for visitors.
They also offer the following accessible experiences: Alpaca and llama adventure, breakfast with alpacas, brunch with alpacas, Alpaca meet and greets and alpaca farm visits including babydoll and wiltipoll sheep.
Experience the joy of getting up close and personal with our alpacas as you hand-feed them.
Slam Factory Indoor Skatepark and Shop in Tuggerah is Australia's longest-running indoor skatepark, welcoming scooters, skateboards, BMX, inline and rollerskaters since 2001. The park features ramps, boxes, a bowl, halfpipe, and resi-mats, offering something for every level from beginners to pros.
Slam Factory is more than just a place to ride. It's a safe, inclusive space where confidence grows and crews connect. The park runs regular coaching sessions, school programs, and full-day school holiday camps that help riders learn, progress, and stay active in a fun, supportive environment.
The on-site skate shop stocks scooters, skateboards, protective gear, and accessories from leading brands, with expert staff ready to help riders choose the right setup. Visitors can also enjoy great coffee and snacks from the Drop In Coffee Cart, creating a relaxed hang-out for families and friends.
Friday Focus sessions, party bookings, and community jam nights bring the local scene together and make Slam Factory a true hub for Central Coast riders. Whether you're dropping in for a ride, grabbing gear, or connecting with the community, Slam Factory is where action sports and good vibes meet indoors, all year round.
Caves Beach is the name of both a suburb and beach on the Swansea peninsula, roughly 30 kilometres south of Newcastle and just to the east of Lake Macquarie.
The beach is named for the network of sculptural sea caves spread along its southern end, which are wondrous to explore, especially for kids. But a caveat: they can only be accessed at low tide. The beach was named in the 2025 top 10 beaches of Australia.
The beach is patrolled, and is ideal for both swimmers and surfers.
Located at Terilbah Reserve, The Entrance North, The Sensory Gardens are a joint project of Central Coast Council and Lions Club of The Entrance.
The gardens are filled with native trees and plants, a viewing platform overlooking the beautiful Tuggerah Lakes, pathways, bridges, restful seats and all-weather shelters.
The garden is constructed so that it is wheelchair friendly and suitable for all people and ages.
A special feature of the garden, of course, is the sensory aspect. People with no sight are able to feel, touch and smell the many aromas and textures of the Australian bush.
Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known.
This blue plaque commemorates Sir William Dobell, a painter best known for his expressive and unique portraits, who is still remembered today as one of Australia's best-known artists.
This serene bushwalk through towering trees gives you the feeling you’re a million miles away from the suburbs, though it’s not too far away at all. Listening to the birds feeding on the eucalypt blossoms, looking up at the huge eucalypts, and seeing the lake shimmer in the sunshine is a wonderfully relaxing experience.
Birdwatchers will also enjoy admiring the waterbirds along the way, such as cormorants, white-faced herons, and white-breasted sea eagles. Wildflower-lovers should come in spring or in winter to look for orchids. And when you’re on the shores of the lake, look carefully for sea turtles swimming around in the shallows.
This reserve is a peaceful natural area designed for passive recreation, with walking trails that protect the environment while showcasing diverse vegetation and scenic viewpoints. Two lookouts provide expansive views over Lake Macquarie, adding beautiful stops along the way.
The tracks wind through bushland filled with wattles, coastal banksia and orchids, leading to lookouts across to Pulbah Island. Wildlife is abundant, visitors may spot green sea turtles, dolphins, sea eagles, squirrel gliders, kangaroos, lorikeets and even the threatened pied oystercatcher.
There are four walks to choose from, offered as both linear and loop tracks. They range from 20 minutes to one hour, covering 500 metres to 2.2 kilometres, with easy to moderate grades. All walks begin at the main car park, and as part of the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, pets and open fires are not permitted.
Please note, there are no toilets or drinking water, so prepare before you arrive.
Wangi Point Holiday Park, boat ramp and jetty are in close proximity.
Escape Reality is Australia's number one Escape Room experience.
An Escape Room is a game played in real life. You and your team will be locked inside one of their immersive movie-themed sets and you have just 60 minutes to escape!
You’ll come as friends, but leave as heroes as you battle against time to solve puzzles, overcome challenges and defeat your doubts!
With four highly immersive experiences to choose from, this is an activity you do not want to miss!
Perfect for children, families, date nights, thrill-seekers, corporate team building events or simply those wanting to try something exciting and different!
