4 Fresh Finds on the Central Coast December 2024

The NSW Central Coast is fringed with over 40 beaches to dive into, a network of wildlife-filled waterways to explore, brimming with national parks and state forests to cycle or walk through, dotted with seaside villages and produce-rich hinterland to tour.

With the abundance of natural and crafted beauty within the region, where do you even start when you’re trying to curate a family-friendly itinerary for this holiday season?  We've picked four of the freshest experiences this month to get you started. Get your calendar out and add these ideas for something different on the Central Coast.

For the upcoming school holidays, it’s time to tee up your friends and family for a round of putt-putt golf at Industree Group Stadium’s Pixar Putt pop-up. Perfect for all ages, this newest interactive experience is a mini-golf sensation popping up from Friday 13 December to Sunday 2 February 2025 in the hub of Gosford. Made up of interactive putt-putt holes, the 9 to 18-hole course is a Pixar journey filled with stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, Cars and Monsters Inc.

For the ‘kids at heart’, 18+ adults can go to Pixar Putt’s evening sessions, ‘Pixar Putt After Dark’. From Thursday to Saturday nights from 7-10pm, pop round for a late-night round of golf with mates and a couple of drinks at Pixar’s pop-up bar. It’s time to head to Gosford this summer season and kick some serious putt at Pixar Putt’s latest pop-up at Industree Group Stadium.

Explore more things to do on the Central Coast here

Located along the lake edge of Berkeley Vale, is the Central Coast’s very own themed café, Central Berk Cafe, based off the beloved sitcom TV show, FRIENDS. As soon as you enter this bustling lakeside café, it’s like stepping onto the set of FRIENDS, with their pièce de resistance front and centre – a plush tan couch, a replica of the one in Central Perk Café on the show. Whilst you’re busy soaking up the nostalgia of this newest hotspot and meeting up with old friends or making new ones, this place isn’t just about the aesthetics.

On the daily, the Central Berk crew are serving the locals or FRIENDS enthusiasts travelling far and wide, delicious cups of freshly-ground coffee alongside an array of flaky and buttery pastries, decadent homemade desserts, or light snacks to kickstart your day. During your visit, sink your teeth into their hero menu items, including the Joey, a bold sandwich bursting with a concoction of Italian deli meats or grab The Ross, a hearty meatball sub. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the sitcom or looking for your next cosy café spot, Central Berk has got you covered.

Local Wyong baker, India, from She Takes the Cake, has got you sorted for your little one’s stocking stuffers this Christmas. Typically known for her sweet treats and delectable eats, from buttery cupcakes to decadent loaded brownies, this local creator is making this year’s Christmas even sweeter with her ‘Paint Your Own Christmas Cookie’ bundle. Each bundle includes four hand-crafted cookies shaped into a reindeer, Christmas tree, Santa and Christmas pudding, as well as an edible ink palette and paintbrush for your little one to add their own creative flair to their cookies. Not only will it be the best stocking stuffer to keep the kids entertained for hours on Christmas day, but it becomes a sweet treat after the feast.

On the daily, India’s bakery is filled to the brim with homemade baked goods. The sweet scent of citrusy lemon and coconut cupcakes, loaded choc brownies and more goodies waft the busy strip of Wyong. With her talent to turn simple ingredients into foodie delights, you won’t want to miss out on pre-ordering your Christmas cookies or ducking into the bakery to grab some of her sweets to gift, share or to treat yourself instead.

Explore more makers & creators on the Central Coast here

Experience a wild night out under the stars and amongst the Australian bush with Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary. Located on the grounds of Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary in Calga, this unique accommodation is nestled amongst the stunning bushland of the Central Coast. Camp out in their safari tents, light a small campfire and gaze into the starry night sky after a long day of exploring this Central Coast wildlife park. If you’re looking for extra comfort and luxury, book one of their cabins that backs onto the stunning hinterland of the Coast.  

Your stay at Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary also includes an all-day entry ticket to roam the sanctuary and meet and admire their adorable animals. As the sun sets, continue your adventure as you’ll have the opportunity to peruse the sanctuary at night, unguarded and discover some of Australia’s nocturnal wildlife. This unique stay will have you reconnected with wildlife and refreshed after your stay at Calga’s Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary.

Explore more places to stay on the Central Coast here.