Central Coast North and Hinterland with #EmptyEsky

Eat and Drink

Makers and Creators

3-Day - long weekend

Central Coast North and Hinterland with #EmptyEsky

Eat and Drink

Makers and Creators

3-Day - long weekend

You can make a difference and help this beautiful region to bounce back after some hard times by hitting the road with your #emptyesky! The Central Coast is located only 1 hour outside of Sydney and quickly becoming home to many up and coming makers & creators. From stunning coastlines to the tranquil hinterland and heritage-listed parks, the Central Coast is a region that has so much to offer and is ready to welcome you for a well-deserved break that you won't forget!

Photo opportunity: A selfie with an Alpaca is an opportunity not to be missed!

_{This itinerary was developed in partnership with #EmptyEsky to support local businesses. Keen to be featured in one of our Itineraries? We’d love to hear from you.}

_{*This itinerary is intended as an inspirational guide only. We encourage you to check ahead of your visit that individual businesses are open, or book in advance to ensure the best experience.}

The Itinerary

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3

Discover the North

Day one departing from your home in Sydney. Average travel time: 1 hour 33 minutes drive.

Stop 1

The Island Café

Your first stop for the day is to Island Café in Norah Head. Locally renowned for excellent coffee & food, it's the perfect place to start the day right by fuelling yourself up with a delicious breakfast. Enjoy the relaxed coastal vibes and treat yourself to zucchini fritters or a mouth-watering granola bowl.

Stop 2

Frankie Lifestyle

If you love discovering beachy boutiques full of quaint and unique clothing, accessories & homewares, this next stop is for you! Yasmin Starkey started Frankie Lifestyle in 2016, especially for the females who love a relaxed coastal lifestyle. From beautiful handcrafted jewellery to flowy beach dresses, Frankie Lifestyle showcases many unique Aussie brands allowing you to look fantastic while supporting the local economy!

Stop 3

Norah Head Lighthouse Walk

After shopping up a storm, it's time to explore the beautiful Norah Head scenery! The Norah Head Lighthouse walk showcases some of the most picturesque sights on the Coast. The whole walk will take you around one hour in total to complete and is a relatively easy walking track, so you won't require a high level of fitness. To begin the walk, park your car at Bush St Reserve (near the intersection with Young St) and look for the information board; this is where the track begins.

Stop 4

Johnny Tapas

After soaking up the stunning scenery, you'll be ready for lunch, and your next stop certainly won't disappoint. Johnny Tapas is a fun and stylish space for you to enjoy delicious food, excellent cocktails and have a great time. From wood-fired pizzas and spicy margaritas to fried cauliflower, Johnny Tapas has an ever-changing menu full of exciting flavours and options that will blow your mind.

Stop 5

The Beachie

Your next stop will provide all the overseas holiday vibes without needing a passport. The Beachie is a slice of paradise located on beautiful Budgewoi Lake. Boasting a Hampton style ambience and situated right on the water, you'll feel instantly relaxed upon arrival. Check-in, order a cocktail from the luxurious poolside bar and enjoy the sunset. If you dine here, the Baja fish tacos are amazingly delicious!

Where we are

Directions

Head into the Hinterland

Day two departing from The Beachie in Toukley. Average travel time: 23 minute drive.

Stop 1

Breakfast with alpacas

Have you ever heard of a cria? If you haven't, don't fret. You're about to find out precisely what a cria is because you'll be having breakfast with a whole bunch of them! Your first stop for Day 2 is Iris Lodge Alpacas, where you'll get to tour the farm early morning, soak up the serenity, feed some baby alpacas (AKA crias!) and enjoy a wholesome breakfast for yourself.

Stop 2

Wyong Milk Factory

The Wyong Milk Factory was established in 1906 and has been transformed into a collective of stores featuring local produce, boutique shops and cafes. There are many unique products that you'll want to take home for later, so bring your #EmptyEsky! Our top three picks are Little Creek Cheese for award-winning handmade gourmet fromage; Daily Dough Co for soft, fluffy doughnuts; and Luka Chocolates for artisan chocolate made with locally-sourced products.

Stop 3

Wyong Milk Factory Tavern

Once you've shopped up a storm and filled your #EmptyEsky, make your way to the Milk Factory Tavern for a hearty lunch. There are plenty of options for everyone, from pizza parmigiana to southern fried chicken burgers and an extensive Thai menu on offer too!

Stop 4

Stay at Noonaweena

Your next stop for the day is to your accommodation for the night. From breathtaking views to the luxurious infinity pool overlooking the Central Coast hinterland, Noonaweena is the perfect place to escape, unwind and take some time out from the busyness of everyday life. With a day spa on-site, and plenty of bushwalks nearby, you'll be feeling refreshed and revitalised in no time at all!

Stop 5

Angel Sussurri

It’s time for dinner, and your final stop for today is Angel Sussurri's whose mantra is to surround yourself with good food, good wine and good company. With a seasonal menu showcasing fresh local produce, it's the perfect place to end your second day exploring the Coast. The baked figs and Moroccan spiced chicken brochettes are superb! Make sure you leave room for dessert because there's a mouth-watering panna cotta.

Where we are

Directions

Farm fresh fun

Day three departing from Noonaweena in Kulnura. Average travel time: 30 minute drive.

Stop 1

Saddles Restaurant

After a peaceful night's rest in the tranquillity of bush-set Noonaweena, hit the road to continue your journey through the Central Coast. First stop for today is one of Australia's best-kept secrets. Saddles Restaurant is one of the most stunning venues you'll ever see with an incredible menu of breakfast classics with an innovative twist. Sit outside to soak up the lakeside views on the deck! And grab a photo barside on the bar saddle seats near the Piano Bar.

Stop 2

Grace Springs Farm

One of the best things about exploring the Central Coast is having direct access to some of the freshest farm produce in Australia. Grace Springs Farm has everything from pasteurised eggs to honey and fresh fruit & vegetables. Book in to do a farm tour to see exactly where your food comes from and how it's lovingly grown by the Grace Springs team. You'll experience live cow milking demonstrations, egg collecting, piglet feeding, and you might even score a cuddle from one of the chooks.

Stop 3

Mountain Goat Farm Tours

Get off the beaten track again to discover more fresh produce available on the Central Coast. Christine, Hannah & Tim are Mangrove Mountain locals using their 20+ years of farming experience to show visitors how to source and enjoy Mangrove Mountain's best with Mountain Goat Farm Trails. From working farm walks where you'll see what daily life working on a farm is like to the 'Hand-Picked Tours' where you'll learn about sustainable farming and enjoy a wine or two.

Stop 4

Lunch at The Sitting Duck

After a jam-packed day of exploring the Central Coast Hinterland, it's time for a well-deserved lunch at The Sitting Duck. An innovative paddock to plate dining experience, Chef Dan will serve you unique dishes featuring local produce and creative flavour combinations that will not disappoint. Make sure you stop by the Duck Inn and enjoy a bush inspired cocktail, locally brewed craft beer or local gin while soaking up the fantastic views of the hinterland.

The End

#EmptyEsky

All that's left to do now is to make your way back home to enjoy your full esky brimming with local treats! Thank you for adventuring with #EmptyEsky, and be sure to spread the word about all the local hidden gems you discovered on your road trip!

Remember to tag #LoveCentralCoast and #EmptyEsky so we can share your road trip with the rest of Australia.