Get lost and find yourself again with slow travel things to do on the Coast

Lose unnecessary baggage and stress, and instead stock up on good character and new thought patterns. By being present in your moments on the Coast - those moments where you lose yourself in your surroundings, push yourself outside your comfort zone or find yourself in deep conversation with a local - you'll truly discover what it feels like to be a Coastie.

There are always new passions to discover and we've found these slow travel things to do on the Coast to help you break out of your comfort zone to find them.

The Central Coast’s spectacular waterways are a paddlers paradise to explore. From Budgewoi Lake and Tuggerah Lake in the north, to Brisbane Waters and the Hawkesbury River in the south and the abundance of estuaries, wetlands, and lagoons in between - see this amazing part of the world from the water. Join a paddling social club or hire and purchase SUPs and kayaks at these dedicated, locally-run eco-friendly and certified businesses, offering ecotourism experiences for locals and guests alike.

Find a deeper cultural exchange when you explore your surroundings through the local eye of Aboriginal peoples. With Darkinjung Cultural Tours and Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences you'll find guided tour experiences that range in nature by their locality and sites, but each taking you on a journey of their nation's timeless ancestral stories, smoking ceremonies, cultural singing and dancing that will engage and educate.

Slow living has not only been a way of life for Aboriginal peoples, but it is part of their enduring spirituality. Their lore, language, and connection to the land has sustained their culture for tens of thousands of years, and they are dedicated to its continuation, by living it and sharing it. 

Witness a traditional Welcome to Country. See original engravings, axe grinding grooves or rock art and hear their origin stories. Feel the power of connecting with this beautiful Country we call home. And above all, share in the wisdom of the world’s oldest living culture. 

The Central Coast is home to many creative artists inspired by the natural landscape around them. You can explore local galleries and marvel at magnificent original pieces, or even purchase your own artwork to take home and add to your curated collection from a lifetime of travel memories and holiday feels. Experience the Central Coast's vibrant culture on this art gallery trail.

Experience the natural allure of the flame at your hands and use it to create something special. Learn the fundamentals of Blacksmithing in a workshop at Artisan Estate where you’ll make your own tulip hook, forged or pineapple keyrings to take home. Blacksmithing classes are held in the Maker Shed, with a beautiful view of the orchard, plenty of fresh air, and natural lighting.

Swap out your fast-fashion impact on the planet with vintage and secondhand shopping. Head to high street at Long Jetty for bespoke handmade items and vintage goods. Great shops to stop at include Sorry Grandma, Tiki La La and Webster’s for superb vintage, Shadow Bang Apothecary for dried flowers and homewares, The Sound Exchange for its epic vinyl collection. If it's second hand childrens wear you're after Tiny Folk Co and Buckle My Shoe are the Coasts go-to for fashionable kids. Fairhaven's Op Shopping Village at Point Clare also offers a unique op-shopping experience with a plant nursery, toy shop, bookshop, vintage and antiques room, homewares and multiple fashion areas, it's pretty much op shop heaven!

Meet native wildlife in heritage-listed land at the Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park a working wildlife sanctuary located in Calga. The ranger team here believes in conservation through education, as they care for and protect hundreds of rescued, orphaned, unreleasable, disabled and retired animals every year, as well as help protect the many wild animals living on their 180 acres of natural Aussie bushland. Experiences also include bushwalk tours to see some of the important and protected sites of local indigenous communities.

For more ways to connect on the Central Coast take a look at our slow travel guide.

Browse our Shellar Door, or join a pearl farm experience at the revamped oyster shed in Mooney Mooney alongside the Hawkesbury River, where you can browse or join in a tour to discover the story of our locally grown pearls. Meet the pearling team who reveal the intricacies of pearl farming and once back on land you’re invited into the restricted access pearl grading room where you’ll learn how pearls are graded by the seven virtues that underpin the value of these farm-direct Pearls of Australia.

Wander through our Shellar door which showcases our beautiful pearl jewellery and indigenous artwork for sale.