A patchwork of wildlife parks, wedding venues and hinterland escapes, Somersby, Peats Ridge and Mangrove Mountain are the perfect country getaway.

Drive up the Pacific Motorway and be prepared for a most extraordinary site: a bright yellow brontosaurus marking the gateway to the semi-rural central coast suburbs of Somersby, Peats Ridge and Mangrove Mountain- and some would argue the Central Coast itself.

Separated by three ridges covered in Eucalypt, each of these hinterland destinations reveal a patchwork of pastureland and fruit orchards, waterfalls and wildlife parks, weddings properties and golf courses. The tranquil hinterland is also home to a number of religious retreats.

1. Walk on the wild side

Somersby is home to two important family friendly attractions celebrating Australian wildlife: Walkabout Park, and the Australian Reptile Park. With over 180 species that call the sanctuary home, Walkabout Park offers an up close and personal experience where you can play keeper for a day, speed date with animals, stay and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences.

2. Meet the locals

The other major attraction for the area is the Australian Reptile Park. Along with their bright yellow dinosaur (affectionately nick-named Ploddy) the reptile park is home to Elvis the cranky crocodile, offering keeper talks, animal shows and behind the scenes experiences- as well as operating a renowned venom milking program critical to the Eastern Seaboard.

3. Fly high over the coast

Ever wanted a bird’s eye view of the coast? Microlight Adventures take off from Somersby Airfield, and offer 40 minute joyflights across the incredible network of waterways, farms, villages and coast all up and down the Central Coast.

4. Grab your walking boots

Parts of Brisbane Waters National Park occupy the region, including portions of the Great North Walk track, a 250km walking trail between Sydney and Newcastle.

5. See the waterfalls

While Somersby Falls is currently still shut, a great alternative are the waterfalls at Girrakool. The scenic falls are reached from the picnic area by following the Piles Creep Loop track that winds down to the creek. It's a track well worth doing and you'll be rewarded with scenic views, a walk through dry eucalypt forest, a suspense bridge and colourful wildflowers along the way.  

6. Get hitched

The stunning Central Coast hinterland is the perfect place to get hitched. A number of wedding venues call the valley home, including The Ridge Estate and The Springs in Peats Ridge, and Linton Gardens, Somersby Gardens Estate and ​​The Stables of Somersby in Somersby.

7. Citrus picking

The Central Coast hinterland has a long history of growing citrus and orchards, with a number of smaller, family owned farms opening their properties to visitors during season. In Somersby, head to the family owned and operated Meliora Farm, which was established in 1925 and offers fruit picking for navel oranges.

8. Pick your own blooms 

Tiptoe amongst the tulips at The Bloom Barn, located in Peats Ridge. The family owned and operated  60-acre flower farm sells flowers at farmers markets across the coast, and opens up to visitors on selected weekends for pick your own sunflowers and the Harvest Festival.

9. Go for a round

Tee off at The Springs in Peats Ridge, an 18-hole, par 72 course in Peats Ridge with an in-house bar, restaurant and function centre.

10. Fill your belly 

Feeling hungry? On Peats’s Ridge Road, take a table on the balcony at The Harvest Kitchen, which sells fresh locally grown produce, bric-a-brac and small cafe bites, while 47 Oaks Cafe offers burgers and quick bites. Duck Inn Bistro is a great place for a meal after dark, while you can feast on homemade sweets and cheesecake treats at The Hub of Mangrove Mountain.

The hinterland communities of Glenworth Valley and Mount White are located nearby, with the city of Gosford and Brisbane Waters a short drive away.

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This article was originally authored by Shaney Hudson, 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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