The fertile green hinterland around Yarramalong, Kulnura, Bucketty, and Wyong Creek has fed greater Sydney for over a century. In the last few decades, however, the area has shifted from a hardworking food bowl to a hinterland destination, with farmers and agricultural businesses beginning to open their gates to visitors and embrace tourism. 

These hinterland hamlets are steeped in history and heritage, from some of the oldest European settlements on the Central Coast to a range of amazing local producers, your dream country escape is just a short drive inland on the Central Coast.

1. Pick your own Oranges

A fourth generation farm set on 50 acres, Wyuna Farms brings a sense of place and history to the Yarramalong valley. Established in 1935, the orchards are home to over 6000 trees: in summer, Valencia oranges hang ripe from the branches, in winter, the morning frosts sweeten the Navel oranges. Like many farms around the coast, the family open their farm gates for pick-your-own experiences on weekends: they also offer farm gate sales to those passing through, and fruit picking by appointment for groups.

2. Choose a Christmas Tree

The pick-your-own trend on the coast is highly seasonal- but also a lot of fun. In November/December, head to Kulnura and visit Central Coast Christmas Trees. A family tradition for many, the farm is open during the Christmas season for tagging and then pick up, with local photographers also running sessions on the farm; but keep in mind they do often sell out. 

3. Snap a Sunflower Selfie

While Yarramalong Turf Supplies have retired their sunflower picking, they still grow a few goodwill rows of sunflowers (for the perfect instagram shot) at their turf farm in the valley during summer. As an added bonus, visitors can fuel up on fresh takeaway coffee at their Turf Hut Espresso.

4. Get hitched

It’s not just farms int eh region that have opened their gates. There are a number of meticulously curated private gardens and purpose-built rural properties luring visitors to the hinterland. Becoming increasingly popular is Chapel Ridge, a custom-built wedding chapel set on a 130-acre property. Over in Kulnura, Paradise Botanical Gardens was established as a nursery over fifty years ago, along with over twenty acres of bush, it’s home to a botanical garden filled with camelia, rose and lavender. Open by appointment and a popular spot for weddings, it also has a rustic farmhouse, glamping tent or you can camp on the grounds.

5. Stay on the farm

In Wyong Creek, those after a heritage farmstay experience can book a night at one of two homesteads- one historic and one modern- set on 25 acres at Fernbank Farm.

Built in 1902, Hillview Historic Farmstay also offers farm-based accommodation in a three-bedroom homestead where goats wander the paddocks.

6. Get into the action

Of course, while cottage core has a welcome home in the Central Coast hinterland, there are still plenty of places to get down and dirty with a little action. For over three decades Paintball Place in Kulnura has been welcoming groups to their 400-marker paintball field. You can even try your hand at Mountain Biking, Ourimbah State Forest boasts some great tracks.

7. Get Lost with Family

If you’re after something family-friendly,  Amazement Farm & Fun Park is a Central Coast favourite perfect for kids, with farm animals, a maze, animal petting, pony rides, and picnic areas. TreeTops Adventure Park is a must if you love being among the trees, from scaling trees, jumping through nets, or flying along ziplines you'll feel at home among the leaves.

8. Explore a bygone area

This pocket of the Central Coast is steeped in the history of the first European settlers throughout the treelined valleys for you to explore. Follow Yarramalong Rd and you will find the Heritage Listed St Barnabas Church a quaint and pristine building dating back to 1885 and still open for weddings. The adjoining cemetery offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the early European settlers and is only a short tranquil walk past the Church.

An access point to the Great North Rd is also close by with the Bucketty Precinct and Fernances Crossing worth a look for some Convict history.

9. Feed your soul

Yarramalong loves the producers that call the Coast home local providores worth a brunch stop or to fill your picnic basket include Angel Sussurri Restaurant and Manor House, Regan’s Fine Food, and Yarramalong Store Café.

10. Motorcyclists delight

The stretch of road from Yarramalong to Kulnura is a regular route for motorcyclists through the hinterland and Kulnura One-Stop Jerry’s Café is a favourite stop on the drive for some all-around delicious fair. Please be careful on your trip and make sure if you're driving a car you keep an eye out for motorbikes.

11. Grace Springs Farm

Your family won't be able to get enough of the activities at Grace Springs Farm, you can learn the ropes of what it takes to be a farmer or just give some farm yard friends a cuddle. 

12. Sleep beside sweeping views

Epic views await at the ECO-certified Noonaweena, choose from gorgeous eco-friendly accommodation or glamping in one of the most memorable locations you could imagine at this gem of a hinterland resort.

13. Makers and Creators of the Hinterland

Not only do producers call the hinterland home, but between Yarramalong and Kulnura you'll also find some talented artists and creatives, many of which are often showcased at the Yarramalong Artisan Markets at The Yarramalong Old School. This semi-regular market is worth keeping an eye out for.

Also boasting a store front in Yarramalong is Lofiel Botanical Store, a locally-owed beauty line.

Nearby, continue to head down country road to Jilliby and Dooralong  or back to the Coast through Ourimbah - Drop onto Moo to Ewe Animal Sanctuary. 

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This article was originally authored by Shaney Hudson, as part of a Love Central Coast grant project brought to you by Destination Central Coast, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. To maintain accuracy, some editorial changes may have been made since publication.

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