This semi-rural area with country feel lies between Gosford and the Pacific Ocean. It’s home to undulating hills, green spaces, rambling acreages, horse paddocks and bushland hemmed by rainforest.

Wind down the window, breathe in fresh country air and listen to the call of bird song. Stop by farm gates, admire bucolic rural vistas and pop into wineries and breweries. You’ll find walking trails, friendly locals and home-grown labels, brews and produce.

1. Sample handcrafted wines

Taste handcrafted botanical and fruit flower wines in a rustic cellar set within tranquil country-style gardens. Hemmed by rainforest and waterlily ponds Firescreek Botanical Winery offers seasonal, limited-edition bottling all done by hand.

2. A slice of Bali in the valley

Feast on vegetarian-vegan food, experience sound healing and do yoga in a tranquil Balinese-style garden. The much-loved Bamboo Buddha (local country singer Kasey Chambers is a big fan) nurtures visitors through its creative menu, serene surrounds and beautiful nursery.

3. Bask in the beauty of the natural world

Be awe struck by the beauty of nature at the gallery cum café of renowned Central Coast photographer Ken Duncan. Browse one of Australia’s largest privately owned photographic galleries then dine alfresco on the terrace; fireside in winter surrounded by natural bush and landscaped gardens.

4. Sip home grown brews

Visit home-grown craft brewery Six Strings Brewing for charismatic duo Chris Benson and Adam Klasterka’s full-flavoured (or “amplified”) ales. Drop in for lunch or dinner, join a brewery tour, guided tasting or simply chew the fat with the brewers in the tasting room.

5. Coffee with a cult following

Brothers Ben and Chris Gleeson head up this local institution churning out a tonne of coffee beans each week from its HQ at Wyong. At Glee Coffee Roasters’ Erina Heights come for the coffee but stay for the lemon meringue tart, smashed avo and gluten free macarons.

6. Sensational pizzas and curated wines

Is it a pizzeria, gourmet deli or perhaps a wine bar? Whatever you call Bambvino, it’s synonymous with some of the coast’s best pizzas along with a curated wine list offering vintages and styles not found elsewhere.

7. See the epic fig on a rock

The pristine wedge of bushland Katadra Reserve tucked away near Holgate is less than five square kilometres in size yet crammed with walking trails and magnificent strangler figs. Walks range from 500m to 7km through verdant rainforest, past trickling streams, Seymour Pond and the incredible ‘fig on a rock’.

8. Unleash your inner boho

Bohemian Traders’ bricks and mortar Erina Heights store is home to the Central Coast born label’s effortlessly stylish range. Shop for quality fabrics, a line of denim and boho chic staples. For more coastal chic, fellow homewares store, Haven at Home has a range of coastal inspired gifts and decor to make your home into your haven.  

9. Meet the girls

Shop the coast’s freshest free range and barn laid eggs along with navel, valencia oranges and honey at the Egg Shed – home to hundreds of happy chooks.

10. Stop and smell the roses

Shop for beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers picked and delivered daily from local growers at the colourful and fragrant Central Coast Flower Markets.

Bounded by Wamberal to the east; Terrigal and Erina to the south, nearby enjoy a gin tasting (or two) at Distillery Botanica, or head to Gosford for handcrafted chocolates at The Chocolate Factory, Insta-worthy sugary goodness at Bouffant or check out Gosford Regional Gallery – the coast’s leading art gallery.

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This article was originally authored by Sheriden Rhodes, as part of a Love Central Coast grant project brought to you by Destination Central Coast, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. To maintain accuracy, some editorial changes may have been made since publication.

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