4 Fresh Finds on the Central Coast January 2025

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. Start 2025 off with four new things to do, experience and visit on the Central Coast.

Add the Australian Reptile Park to your bucket list this new year and visit their brand-new world-class snake venom milking facility, the Weigel Venom Centre. This award-winning wildlife park, home to cute, cuddly and venomous creatures from Australia and across the globe, has opened a new exhibit that houses over 200 of Australia’s deadliest snakes. These slithery friends play a vital role in the Park’s lifesaving venom program.

As visitors walk throughout this interactive exhibit, they will learn about the long history of the venom program, the venomous creatures that call Australia home, snake and spider bite first aid, as well as see the 200 snakes that are milked fortnightly within the facility. For every visitor that heads to the Australian Reptile Park, the entry to the Weigel Venom Centre is included within their entry ticket. So, head to the Central Coast’s own reptile park these summer holidays and see this brand-new exhibit.

Explore more things to do on the Central Coast here.

What was once a retro cinema first built in 1956 in the heart of Long Jetty, is now The Savoy, a freshly renovated, chic yet cosy bar bringing that ‘old-time’ feel and all-round good vibes back to life. From Wednesday to Sunday, this quaint little bar is filled with the melodic tune of local bands, the hum of friends and family chattering away and the rhythmic rattle of cocktail shakers serving up your signature drink. Boasting a deluxe drink menu filled with wines and craft beers to a signature cocktail list made with locally sourced spirits, you’ll be sure to find your drink of choice during your visit.

This modernised bar brings a revitalised menu filled with a fusion of international favourites, from bao bun pork belly and seared tuna to antipasto boards filled with homemade dips, artisan crackers and delectable meats and cheeses. Bringing it back to its roots, The Savoy also host movie nights in their back-of-bar cinema, perfect for friends and family to meet up over a late-night cap and catch a flick on the big screen throughout the week! Whether you’re looking for a new hangout for after-work drinks with the work crew or a new date night spot, add The Savoy as your next spot to grab delicious eats and refreshing drinks.

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

Inspired by her adoration for the sea, Central Coast artist, Emily by the Sea, captures the raw energy and coastal beauty of some of the Central Coast’s most popular beaches on a canvas. With each stroke of her paint brush, the amalgamation of blue and green hues cast across the canvas creates coastal art, designed with the intention to energise your space and connect the keeper with the ocean. Each artwork contains the essence of each landscape, with the texture of the sea spray, and swell of the waves visible to the eye, transporting you right into that location.

Emily’s love for the environment goes deeper than her subject, as she adopts sustainable practices by using water-based oil paints and Hahnmuhle Hemp paper made from 60% hemp fibre. Emily’s art practices allow her to appreciate the planet to its fullest, whilst treading lightly. This talented artist sells a range of limited edition and open edition prints via her online shop, so head to Emily by the Sea’s website and find the landscape that resonates with you to bring part of the stunning Central Coast beaches into your home.

Explore more makers & creators on the Central Coast here.

The Central Coast’s newest 4-star hotel has just opened it doors. Situated in the Mingara Recreation Club at Tumbi Umbi, Encore by Mingara offers an array of rooms and suites designed for that comfortable, yet luxurious stay here on the Central Coast. Spanning across four floors, this brand-new hotel features 86 rooms, with suites ranging from a classic room with a plush King bed designed for two, through to their Bravo Suite, boasting a large King bed and luxury bathroom with a gloriously deep tub, designed for a late-night soak.

Step outside of your hotel room into Mingara Recreation Club, a lifestyle and entertainment destination at your fingertips. Included in your stay, access their aquatic and fitness centre and join one of their 160 group classes happening per week. Just a short stroll away, choose from their line-up of cafes and restaurants, featuring alfresco dining, Yum Cha and traditional Chinese, or contemporary Australian cuisine. Plan for your next getaway to the Central Coast and book your stay at Encore by Mingara.

Explore more places to stay on the Central Coast here.