The Darkinjung people were the first inhabitants of the area, and ‘wyong’ is thought to possibly be a term for a ‘place of running water’, or possibly a reference to an edible yam found locally. With rivers, lakes and ocean just a few minutes away, it’s clear this part of the Coast has always thrived on its healthy waterways.

The town of Wyong was actually created as a result of its first settlers, the Alison family, subdividing their property back in 1886. As the township grew over the decades, so did the Great Northern Railway between Sydney and Newcastle, enabling easy connections to be forged for farm producers in the neighbouring town of Yarramalong, and beyond.

Today Wyong’s link to the luscious hinterland stands strong, inspiring local farmers markets, restauranteurs and festivals who champion paddock to plate and support the wider rural community.

This is a small town where you can do big things, such as play golf at a championship course, celebrate love at Wyong’s annual laneway festival, kayak down a river while spotting endangered platypus, or taste some of the most creative cocktails and award-winning cheeses available this side of Sydney.

1. Take a Heritage Tour

There is a self-guided Wyong Heritage Walk available around the town centre, with signposted stops to help you step back into the shoes of locals in the 19th century. Stop by Alison Homestead for a trip back in time, to 1825, exploring Wyong’s first homestead.  Housing to the Wyong District Museum and Historical Society, this historic building is a treasure trove of memorabilia, photos, furniture, household items, machinery and tools inspired by Wyong’s early settlers. The museum is open Sunday through to Thursday, and the site also hosts weddings, functions and events, with a Men’s Shed, plant nursery and BBQ facilities on site.

2.The Wyong Milk Factory experience

Just 5 minutes’ drive off the M1 sits one of the quirkier places to explore on the Central Coast - Wyong Milk Factory. Standing since 1906, the site has been lovingly restored to house a modern mix of local makers, creators and producers, alongside a tavern, sports bar, Thai restaurant and gym. Once arriving, look for the bright pink cow, enter under the old style arches, and begin your tasting tour. Get in early for fresh treats at Daily Dough Co followed by a coffee at the Milk Factory Cafe. Build a box of truffles at Luka Chocolates. Sample Italian gelato at Udderly Sweet Gelato and Lollie Shop, or award-winning, factory fresh cheese at Little Creek Cheese with ricotta making sessions available. Retire to the Wyong Milk Factory Tavern for a pub feed among its colourful walls of retro memorabilia, with a fantastic hideaway play area for the kids to explore. 

3. Spot a Platypus paddling Wyong Creek

As part of the Wyong Milk Factory experience, you can hire a kayak from All Sorts Fitness and paddle down Wyong Creek for a little adventure. While paddling, you will spot various wildlife including fish, reptiles and birdlife, but most notably you may spy a wild Platypus! Rowboats and Stand Up Paddleboards are also available, with scenic BBQ facilities waiting for you back at the boat ramp.

4. Freshly roasted coffee and laneway lunching

Behind the historic Chapman Building, you will find Glee Coffee Roasters, who are also based at Erina Heights, Forresters Beach and stock many local cafes with their beans. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, this is a great spot for grabbing your morning pick-me-up, casual business meeting, or al fresco brunch spilling out onto the manicured green lawn. Grab a smoothie, awesome filter coffee, or killer toastie at Duck Duck Moose or loaded tea from MYTea Fast Nutrition, located in one of Wyong’s charming laneways. Then see if you can find the secret narrow alleyway nearby for a ‘perspective selfie’ photo opportunity painted on its walls and pavement. Justine's Coffee Bar is also serving up a delicious brew from a gorgeous hole in the wall in the historic Chapman Building.

5. Shop the Chapman Building and Gallery Precinct

Tucked away at the rear of the Chapman Building, discover the beautifully curated gifts and homewares of Scout and Trader, founded by Kiri with a mission to ‘elevate the everyday’. Boutique browsing continues at Lovin Lime Accessories, a women’s fashion store showcasing unique pieces for all kinds of women. And book a creative workshop at the House of Ellery, where you can make your own macramé, wreath, soy candle or floral bouquet.

6. Wyong Foodie Day Tour

First up, Juicy Lu’s Restaurant & Bar is your go-to for burgers, beers and crazily creative cocktails (Nutella Martini, anyone?). Visit the Old Bank of Wyong better recognised as Motel Mezza, with its creative cocktails and inspiring Middle-Eastern menu within a heritage building. Meet the Italian team at Osteria a Mano, headed up by Chef Paolo, offering flavours from all corners of Italy with a deli for taking a slice of Europe home with you. The newest kid on the block is Chick'n authentic Korean Fried Chicken made with love and authenticity by Chef Isaac. Finish the evening enjoying a traditional speakeasy with Jerry Sent Me, the newest edition to the Central Coast's burgeoning bar scene. Swing by and sample some classic whisky in the Historic Chapman Building. 

7. World class entertainment at The Art House

The Art House is a modern live performing arts, music, comedy and arts venue on the Central Coast, making world-class theatre inclusive and accessible to the local community. Designed to showcase the region’s creative talent alongside headline international acts, the venue’s everchanging, colourful program will appeal to anyone who enjoys the experience of great theatre. The space features a 500-seat theatre, 130-seat studio, art exhibition foyer and meeting facilities, The annual calendar features touring shows such as the Sydney Comedy Festival, Rent the Musical and The Whitlams band, and there’s The Art House Bar to grab a pre-show drink and nibbles before a performance.

8. Satisfy your sweet tooth

Located in the laneway arcade is Pretty Sweet Bakes who created the most delightful cupcakes and sweet treats. The display cabinet of cute cupcakes is Instagram worthy with swirls of buttercream and delicate decorations. But be quick because by mid morning the cakes are usually gone! Keep an eye on their instagram page for an early morning post with all the yummy flavours on offer that day.  Along Pacific Highway you cant' go past She Takes the Cake, with nothing short of sweet slices, crookies and fresh barista coffee! 

9. Relaxing day on the green

Test your skills with a round of golf at one of the Top 100 Courses in Australia (Australian Golfing Digest) – Kooindah Waters Golf Club, fondly known as ‘the thinking golfer’s course’. Since 2006 this scenic championship course, designed by architect Ross Watson and champion Australian golfer Craig Parry, has been a popular, tranquil bushland setting for escaping the city to sink a few holes. At Mercure Kooindah Waters Resort you can also enjoy a high tea overlooking the natural wetlands and wildlife, plan a pamper session at Wildfire Day Spa, or book dinner at Karinya’s Restaurant & Wine Bar with floor-to-ceiling views.

10. Heart thumping day at the track

Ready to literally feel the horses thundering by? Catch a live race meeting and you’re guaranteed to experience the action up close and personal at family-friendly Wyong Race Club. The track is perfectly positioned between Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter region, with Wyong train station less than a 5 minute stroll away. Wyong Race Club & Function Centre is one of five provincial clubs licensed by Racing NSW, hosting 22 thoroughbred meetings annually – a highlight being the Carlton Draught Gold Cup Carnival. With some of the best horse track and training facilities in the state, you’ll find everything you need for a brilliant bit of sport in the great outdoors.

11. Love Lanes Festival

The quirky Love Lanes Festival takes place each year among the historic laneways and streets of Wyong CBD, with the Chapman Building at its heart. The colourful outdoor event includes street food markets, live music, entertainment and stalls under the stars. There’s even a circus precinct, which is great for capturing the kid’s attention, plus art installations on historical buildings, making this love-focused festival an extremely feel-good way to spend an evening in Wyong.

12. Race through the forest

Ourimbah State Forest is the playground of the Central Coast MTB Club, with over 18kms of trails to explore. Each year Rocky Trail Entertainment, one of Australia’s major mountain bike events promoters, host the Rocky Trail Run and Shimano Mountain Bike Grand Prix here, riding among the bumps and bushland. This is cross-country lap racing at its best, but it’s also a great opportunity for casual racers of any level to get involved in the #rockytrailracer experience, which apparently offers quite the rush!

Wyong is close to surrounding suburbs of Tuggerah, Chittaway Point, Tacoma, Tuggerawong and the stunning Yarramalong Valley in the Central Coast hinterland. As the gateway to exploring rural farm gates and valleys of the region, enjoy a leisurely drive to the Wyong hinterland, stopping for lunch at the beautifully revived Angel Sussurri Restaurant and Manor House in Yarramalong, followed by a stock up on local produce at quaint Regans Fine Foods & Butchery. Wyong is also excitingly close to the ecotourism certified Aussie bush experience at TreeTop Adventure Park in Ourimbah State Forest. If you and the family want a calmer adventure, visit Amazement Farm & Fun Park at Wyong Creek, where friendly native and non native animals, mazes and pony rides await.