4 Fresh Finds on the Central Coast May 2023

With the Central Coast's newly celebrated status as a certified ECO Destination, our first year as a Finalist in the National Banksia Sustainability Awards and Top NSW Towns , a second year running in the global Green Destinations Top 100 List, and recognition as an Outstanding Region in Australia's most prestigious food award...

...There's many exciting natural, culinary, creative and cultural experiences emerging across the region in 2023!

With more than 40 beaches to wade into, a network of wildlife-rich lakes, lagoons and waterways for the aqua-enthusiast, five national parks and five state forests with walking and cycle trails, seaside villages dotted with casually-cool dining and al fresco bars, a produce-rich hinterland and variety of accommodation styles from holiday properties, hotel resorts, tiny homes and boutique stays. There is just SO MUCH to choose from when exploring the Central Coast right now.

We've simplified your research and each month your planning can start with 4 fresh experiences. Take your pick of what’s new below to dot your Autumn with the best places to enjoy something different on the Central Coast.

The Central Coast has a strong likeminded community who are passionate about ensuring our region supports local makers, creators and producers. Enjoy a series of communal dining events called Good Gathering focusing on neighbourhoods, storytelling and connections. These events will be held in homes and community halls and will feature food made with local produce from around the Coast. It’s a chance to meet new people from your neighbourhood, have great conversations and delight in delicious food.

There are series of events happening over the Central Coast. The evening will be a night of enjoying being part of a community, supporting local businesses, sharing experiences and a portion of each ticket sale will go to the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Explore more things to do on the Central Coast here

We know the cooler months, cold mornings and wintery sunshine make us want to keep snuggled up inside but if you venture out to Noraville you will find a cool treat waiting for you. Duff’s Ice Cream, is a small batch ice creamy hand whipped by local Coastie, Olivia. This is no ordinary ice-cream, the owner is a Food Scientist, so each flavour has been researched, tested and trialled in a ‘Willy-Wonka’ style lab before it is released! There is a scientific approach to the innovative and experimental flavours offering delicious new limited edition tastes and textures every season. For example, you could be trying musk sticks, cinnamon biscoff with candied ginger or pineapple doughnut! Made using fresh ingredients from local producers the churned creamy unique cones, baby cakes, cake, dixie cups and sampler tubs are a must try.

Pop into her kiosk in Noraville for a single or double scoop or arrange a time for delivery, better yet hire the Duff’s ice cream van for your next event. Whether you have an ice cream craving during in the week or on a ‘Sundae’, we think, you’ll have a lickin’ good time!

Explore more places to eat & drink across the Central Coast here

Pants Off Distillery is a local traditional gin business making contemporary dry gin infused with Australia botanicals. Their award-winning gins feature beautiful Australian native flavours including lemon myrtle, Kakadu plum, finger lime, strawberry gum and Davidson plum.  Pants Off are all about not taking life too seriously and with gin names such as Fancy Pants, Happy Pants, Pants on Fire and Hot Pants we are already in the mood to try them!

When they are not at the local markets and Central Coast events, you can hire the Pants Off Van for your wedding, birthday party or corporate event. It’s a beautifully renovated caravan giving your event an unforgettable all in one solution for your drinks!  Plus, we think it’s makes the best photo backdrop!

With the gin van serving a variety of freshly made delicious gin cocktails like tropical ‘Bikini Bottoms’ made from Happy Pants, lychee liquor and pineapple juice, ‘Pink Gin Daiquiris’ with Fancy Pants native hibiscus, berry syrup, white rum and lemonade or if you’re brave you can spice things up with their chill infused Hot Pants or there is even a 57% proof Pants on Fire gin, if you dare. Whichever gin takes your fancy, it’s easy to see why this charming van is always popular.

So, keep an eye out for the pale blue and white striped gin van and be sure to visit them at local markets and gin events because this local Central Coast business is definitely encouraging uninhibited fun.

  Explore more makers & creators on the Central Coast here

This beautifully restored farmer’s cottage hidden away in the Dharug National Park in the Lower Mangrove of the Central Coast is set on 25 acres of green pastures and surrounded by nature making it the perfect winter getaway.  Even though it’s only 10 minutes away from the charming township of historical Spencer on the Hawkesbury River and not far from Wiseman’s Ferry, you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere once you have settled into the tranquillity of The Grower’s Cottage.

The one bedroom open planned cottage comes fully equipped with everything you need for your stay. The cottage is covered with a stunning vine exterior and surrounded with an abundance of seasonal fruit trees and veggies which occupants are encouraged to pick and enjoy. With the weather turning cooler, cook up a delicious winter soup from produce found in the garden, to ward off those wintery chills and enjoy it as you cosy up around the log fire. Venture outside for a walk around the property or take the tandem bike for a ride through the scenic countryside. Take a dip in the gorgeous outdoor stone bath in the beautiful garden and relax to the sounds of mother earth. Make your own pizza in the pizza oven and sit around the campfire toasting marshmallows under the starry evening sky.

Relax, reconnect and feel at one with the serenity. The Grower’s Cottage is a beautiful reminder of how many hidden gems there are in our stunning region.

Explore more places to stay on the Central Coast here