Ettalong's kitschy markets house many hidden surprises - including a European-style Crêperie! The Palacinki Cafe menu is led by Chef Marek, who handmakes crepes with a variety of toppings and fillings. There's also plenty of breakfast options, cakes, scones and coffee to start your day. On holiday? Pancakes for breakfast!

Exploring the pristine Ettalong waterways is easy with the expert team at Bombora on hand for all your hiring needs. Whether you're a beginner or expert paddler, Bombora Ettalong Beach on The Esplanade will set you up to try SUP Pilates, SUP Yoga or the latest aqua craze – SUP Ball. If you visit on a Sunday book a spot on a popular SUP yoga session. 

Hatters Tea House is a quaint British-style tearoom, serving a variety of quality teas, coffees, sandwiches and cakes to customers on charmingly mismatched chairs. Take a tea break to pretend you're in 19th century England, sipping on some Darjeeling and smothering scones with jam and clotted cream. If it's sunny, their outdoor garden is a top spot for a high tea.

Some locals don't even know Ettalong has its own "mountain" to explore! Hop in the car (or on the bike for the fit ones), and head toward the south end of Umina Beach. Follow Patonga Road toward Pearl Beach and look for a sign to Mt Ettalong on your left. Take the easy 10-minute bushwalk to reach the lookout for breathtaking views across Broken Bay, Brisbane Water and the Bouddi Peninsula.

For dinner, sample some of the hearty flame to fork philosophy of local Italian restaurant, Osteria il Coccia. Located streetside as part of the Galleria precinct, this intimate fine dining venue showcases the best of the land and sea in their menu, cooked over wood in a purpose-built charcoal oven. Expect a thoughtful five-course set menu alongside a wine bar and the warmest hospitality.

Neighbouring village, Umina Beach, offers a convenient opportunity to stay on the Central Coast's popular oceanfront accommodation, NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. Furnished with all the modern essentials, a beachside plot is all you need for a relaxing weekend away with a front row seat of the Milky Way and the sound of waves to lull you to sleep. 

A short tour from your overnight lighthouse accommodation, to the coastal edge of Norah Head, takes you to Norah Head Beach Haus - which is actually a cafe! This quaint and stylish brunch spot is the perfect spot to bask in the great outdoors with a hot cuppa and freshly-made brekky roll surrounded by a nature reserve, with an epic lookout just a minutes' walk. Hear waves crashing against the headland, where the historic Norah Head lighthouse stands watch.

Who knew an indoor plant-lovers paradise was growing in Toukley. Noraville Green stocks a unique jungle of beautiful indoor and tropical garden plants to transform your favourite spaces at home into green sanctuaries. They also sell gorgeous outdoor lifestyle goodies, and their expert team will pot plant purchases on the spot for you.

Joining the Toukley Main Road action in late 2021, stop by the new Lou's Cafe for a cut above your normal brunch spot. The team serve fresh breakfasts, brunches and burgers with great outdoor seating to enjoy your lunch. Plus there's a stylish barbers on site too for ultimate convenience if someone in your crew needs a fresh hairdo.

Fancy a day on the green? Tee up at Toukley Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course perched on the picturesque bushland of Budgewoi Lake. It’s also home to breeding sites for the magnificent eagle (naturally the Club’s logo), so expect birdies all round...

Enjoy food as good as the view at the Central Coast’s Hampton-styled waterfront dining destination, The Beachie. Reserve your own cabana overlooking the mirror-like lake to enjoy live music, woodfired pizza and even try their signature ‘Beachie Le Sands’ cocktail. If you're a family there's even a kid’s play area and seasonal petting zoo.

Walk just moments to find your overnight abode, complete with uninterrupted views of Budgewoi Lake. The Beachie offers guests Hamptons-style boutique rooms as part of their water's edge establishment, which are 100% family-friendly. You'll awake revived for the next day’s adventures, whether they involve beach, bush or cafe, all a few minutes from your doorstep.