Have you ever heard of a cria? If you haven't, don't fret. You're about to find out precisely what a cria is because you'll be having breakfast with a whole bunch of them! Your first stop for Day 2 is Iris Lodge Alpacas, where you'll get to tour the farm early morning, soak up the serenity, feed some baby alpacas (AKA crias!) and enjoy a wholesome breakfast for yourself. 

The Wyong Milk Factory was established in 1906 and has been transformed into a collective of stores featuring local produce, boutique shops and cafes. There are many unique products that you'll want to take home for later, so bring your #EmptyEsky! Our top three picks are Little Creek Cheese for award-winning handmade gourmet fromage; Daily Dough Co for soft, fluffy doughnuts; and Luka Chocolates for artisan chocolate made with locally-sourced products.

Once you've shopped up a storm and filled your #EmptyEsky, make your way to the Milk Factory Tavern for a hearty lunch. There are plenty of options for everyone, from pizza parmigiana to southern fried chicken burgers and an extensive Thai menu on offer too!

Your next stop for the day is to your accommodation for the night. From breathtaking views to the luxurious infinity pool overlooking the Central Coast hinterland, Noonaweena is the perfect place to escape, unwind and take some time out from the busyness of everyday life. With a day spa on-site, and plenty of bushwalks nearby, you'll be feeling refreshed and revitalised in no time at all!

It’s time for dinner, and your final stop for today is Angel Sussurri's whose mantra is to surround yourself with good food, good wine and good company. With a seasonal menu showcasing fresh local produce, it's the perfect place to end your second day exploring the Coast. The baked figs and Moroccan spiced chicken brochettes are superb! Make sure you leave room for dessert because there's a mouth-watering panna cotta.

Start your day exploring the Gallery Precinct in Wyong and its cute arcade of local businesses. Find the friendly and super fresh Duck Duck Moose cafe, serving traceable, small-batch specialty coffee alongside colourful brunches, juices and baked goods. 

Minutes from the town centre you'll find Kooindah Waters Golf Course, an exceptional 18-hole, par 72 design by Ross Watson and Aussie champion Craig Parry. Nicknamed the 'thinking golfer's course' and perched on natural wetlands surrounded by bush, birdies and eagles will hopefully be abundant during your play...

Lunch is an opportunity to indulge today, and one of the finest spots on the Central Coast to order a high tea is the Mercure Kooindah Waters Resort. Book ahead your table at Karinyas Restaurant for the sweet, savoury or Chef's selection options, and enjoy with a view of the golf course green and wildlife-rich wetlands you just ventured from.

Time to head to a hidden haven in Wyong where you can relax your mind and body. Wildfire Day Spa is also located on the grounds of the beautiful Mercure Kooindah Waters Resort & Golf Course, and offer special spa packages alongside their full range of beauty services. (psst, there's a steam room and swimming pool for spa guests too!)

Find more luxury right under your nose today - dine at Karinya's Restaurant & Wine Bar. Opt for an al fresco patio table to soak up the glowing Central Coast sunset or toast some sparkling wine under the stars. Ask to see the Flavours from the Cellar drinks menu to sample locally inspired wines you can match with their modern A la carte menu.

Situated in the suburbs, the Mercure Kooindah Waters Hotel will make you feel time slow as you walk through the door. Their beautiful guest rooms and apartments look out over the lush green Kooindah Waters Golf Course. With alfresco dinning, an outdoor sun-soaked pool, a heated indoor pool, tennis courts, playground, gym and ample walking and running tracks - do as much or as little as you like but be prepared to feel truly relaxed and secluded.

Lovers of good coffee and the coastal lifestyle, this café in Terrigal Beach will shower you with the good stuff. Healthy, fresh food is transformed into tropical creations with a coastal twist.

Next stop: 2 mins

This educational marine centre is a not-for-profit run by volunteers. There are fun activities for kids and information for adults. Pick up something from the gift store to take home.

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Lunch, brunch, whatever your fancy. You’ll love this local legend, just across from Terrigal beach. Menus are seasonal and use produce from local farms. Serious coffee by Sydney roasters Single O.

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Your reef and game fishing boat departs from Terrigal. Get on deck and learn how to catch sportfish and saltwater species. Licenses are covered so you don’t need to worry about providing one.

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Stretch your legs with an easy walk. This headland is a great spot to watch the sunset and take in the amazing views over the sandy beaches and tranquil landscape.

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Enjoy a lazy afternoon with cool vibes and a variety of beers on tap. Choose from an extensive wine list or pick one of their vibrant cocktails. Catch live bands on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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Indulge in this modern 4-star serviced complex. Overlooking the picturesque hinterland with quality bedrooms and studios available. Enjoy pristine beaches and entertainment venues.

Next stop: Sleep, revive

Start your day at the crack of dawn with a beach sunrise followed by an incredible breakfast at Cue & Crew in The Entrance North, serving from 6am. Located on a suburban street corner just minutes from the beach, this is the Coast's answer to slow-smoked American BBQ meats and their morning menu won't disappoint! Mental note: trek back for their weekend evening meat feasts.

Nearby your morning cafe you'll find a beach path - follow it to take a long, scenic walk along The Entrance North Beach. This lovely golden stretch hooks around where the ocean meets the channel feeding into Tuggerah Lakes, with brilliant views across to The Entrance townscape. Plus it's a dog friendly beach so you'll see plenty of happy pups playing in the waves.

Call in and meet the friendly staff and volunteers at the Central Coast Visitor Information Centre.  The Team will be happy to assist you with information on the vibrant region suggesting things to do, places to eat, where to stay and share some local secrets or less known places to add to your trip to the coast. You can also pick up a souvenir or choose from locally made products and artwork. Don't forget to the Scavenger Hunt activity for the kids!

​​​​​​Grab one of the local takeaway staples for lunch and enjoy it in Memorial Park with accessible and shaded picnic tables available. Order fresh fish & chips from Jimbo's Quality Seafoods, or a gourmet pie from Ken’s Humble Pie Shop. For authentic Banh Mi Asian-style BBQ pork rolls, Chi Cong Bakery is the real deal.

Hire a boat or fishing rod from The Entrance Boatshed located right by The Entrance Bridge. Hiring all kinds of watercraft out to locals and visitors since the 1920s, this is the best place to embrace the beautiful surrounds of Tuggerah Lake and fish, prawn, or simply have fun in the sun. Choose from motorboats, stand-up paddle-boards, canoes and kayaks.

Treat yourself to dinner by the scenic boardwalk at the local eateries, such as Mi Cantina, the lively Arabian Lounge with a view of that east coast sunset. Alternatively head to Mrs May's Bistro and Bar at The Entrance Social Club with its fresh neutral tones and luxurious textures and a bar that flows outside into a dog friendly courtyard. A great place to dance the night away and indulge in some delicious food! 

If you love sport, Taffy’s Sports-bar is your new home ground. And if you don't love sport? Taffy's is still a vibing new venue for an evening session with atmosphere, as part of The Entrance Social Club, also serving a colourful cocktail menu.

Kick start today with breakfast and a tasty brew by the lake at Albie's Coffee Bar with top views from Picnic Point.  Or try relaxed Usui Cafe & Gallery, serving legendary local sourdough from La Tartine bakery with their walls adorned by the purchasable work of Central Coast artists.

Right on the lake edge sits a lovely green space known as Picnic Point Reserve, featuring a skate park, boat ramp, fishing spot and playground, linked by a shared walking and cycle friendly pathway - The Coast to Lake Walk - touring you along the foreshore. It's the perfect starting point to stroll off breakfast and soak up the Tuggerah Lakes scenery.

A dedicated gluten free restaurant where food never tasted so good. With the success of the sister restaurant in Newcastle, the slick looking Meantime on The Entrance has everything from pasta , pizza, mains and desserts making it a great place to have a worry free meal for Coeliacs and those on a gluten free diet!

The Entrance Historic Carousel has proudly sat on the water’s edge of The Entrance since the 1930s, originating from Germany in the 1800s. It's now recognised by the National Trust as one of the oldest carousels in Australia - and yes, you may totally have a go on it.

Clear your mind with a cleansing swim in the outdoor ocean pools. Follow the Coast to Lake Walk to The Grant McBride Baths, featuring a 50-metre lap pool, 20 metre smaller pool, and a wading pool located by the Heritage listed Surf Life Saving Club at the southern end of The Entrance beach. There's free entry all year round and brilliant coastal views while you paddle.

Grabbing an ice cream is a rite of passage when visiting The Entrance, and you're spoilt for choice! There's The Great Australian Icecreamery with its nice sense of nostalgia, or proper gelato fans can venture to Ciao Bella Gelato on Coral Street or Licks Icecream at the Waterfront Plaza. Sweet tooth? Don't miss browsing the Coast's biggest lolly shop since 1990 at The Lolly Barn!

Enjoy an exceptionally fresh seafood dinner at the Ocean Restaurant, located in neighbouring Blue Bay and offering expansive coastal views with the chance to spot dolphins at dusk while sipping boutique wine. This fine dining experience is the perfect way to round out your day by the seaside, and it's just a short walk along the Coast to Lake path back to the town centre.

Serving night caps since the 1940s, The Lakes Hotel is an essential local pub stop that offers a lively atmosphere, especially when there's live music on the weekends. Find a nook in one of their two bar-lounges, or head to the rooftop terrace for a cocktail or cold schooner on the top of the town. 

Source breakfast at the historic Wyong Milk Factory precinct. Established in 1906, this wonderfully restored industrial building has a great family-friendly café offering yummy breakfast options and a sunny outdoor deck. 

Shop some amazing local food producers at Wyong Milk Factory including Daily Dough Co, Little Creek Cheese and Luka Chocolates, all crafting and perfecting their famous foodie treats right here in Wyong, on the doorstep to the hinterland.

Take a leisurely drive to the hinterland just a few minutes west of Wyong. Stop for lunch at Angel Sussurri Restaurant and Manor House in Yarramalong. Next, visit Regans Fine Foods, an old-school butcher and purveyor of local produce and farm goods. They have a great range of homemade ready-to-go meals and treats perfect for a picnic.

​​​​​​Head back to Wyong Milk Factory precinct where you can hire a kayak from All Sorts Fitness and paddle down the serene water of Wyong Creek. Keep a keen eye out for wild platypus, which are extremely elusive but live locally in this important waterway.

Head back to treat yourself to a delicious dinner in Wyong’s town centre at one of its leading restaurants. There's modern Middle-Eastern available at Motel Mezza based in a stylishly revived old bank or nearby Osteria a Mano for authentic Italian feast.

Enjoy a second night in the soft comforts of Kooindah Waters Hotel. Each spacious room features a private terrace for enjoying a sunset cocktail, nightcap, or quiet morning coffee. Soak up another evening of ultimate zen ahead of a day of amazement tomorrow.

Wake up to an amazing brew thanks to Glee Coffee, this local coffee roaster has a few key spots located across the Central Coast, and today you're visiting the historic Chapman Building cafe in the heart of Wyong. This venue is stylishly revamped from its hey-day with a spacious, industrial feel and delicious menu to peruse. If it's a beautiful day, enjoy your coffee in their sunny outdoor terrace.

Once you're fuelled with local coffee, explore Wyong's historic township. Take the free, self-guided Wyong Heritage Walk with signposted stops to help you step back into the shoes of locals 100 years ago. Start at Railway Square and follow the signs. To access an audio tour simply scan the QR code on each sign, or click here to access the 'Wyong Heritage Walk' audio tour on Whooshkaa.

Shop the fashion and lifestyle boutiques based in the historic Chapman Building and the Gallery Precincts of Wyong, including Scout and Trader, House of Ellery and Lovinn' Lime Accessories and Ivy & Rose Homewares.

Indulge in awesomely fresh burgers, handmade loaded pies or Korean fried chicken for lunch from either Eva's Corner, Woodblock Bar & Grill or Chick'n.  If you have capacity, grab some sweet treats at Pretty Sweet Bakes. 

Take a seat in Wyong’s speakeasy bar. Set inside the historic Chapman Building, Jerry Sent Me is a beautifully renovated venue with vintage feels. Have an afternoon chic cocktail while nibbling on a share platter or admire the beautifully crafted antique bar from the comfort of huge leather armchairs positioned under the subtle lighting while sipping on a single malt whiskey.

Experience the thrill of a live show at the Art House Wyong, with seasonal performances throughout the year, a rotating art gallery exhibition in its foyer, and a lovely garden terrace and bar out the back for relaxing with good company.

Nestled in the heart of Wyong, the boutique Grand Hotel is the perfect stay for a romantic retreat, family getaway or business trip. A stone’s throw away from the bustling town centres café’s, restaurants and bars, this hotel is ideally located within five minutes walking distance from the Art House Theatre.

Arise bright and early with a stroll along the waterfront soaking up the view with a seat at Tommy's Cafe. Located right across from the bay, this is an ideal place to fuel up with pancakes, mushrooms on toast, avo smash, fresh juices and more, served in the leafy surrounds of their outdoor terrace.

Dive into outdoor swimming for a refreshing start to your morning. This 50m Olympic sized pool is heated and open as early as 5am weekdays and 7-8am on weekends. If you're travelling as a group, there's plenty of room to chill and watch from the grandstands, cheering on the keen members your "team" as they try to perfect their breaststroke.

Once you've showered off from your laps, venture just outside Gosford Swimming Pool to find Eat Street Cafe, a local staple for grabbing an easy lunch by Gosford waterfront. Whether you crave sweet or savoury, this spot will cater to it with hotdogs, pizza, pies, gourmet doughnuts, icecream and much more. Enjoy as an al fresco picnic by the waterside.

With one of the best locations on the waterfront, the Gosford Sailing Club is the place to be to observe sailors taking an afternoon jaunt on the water each Wednesday. During daylight savings, catch this picturesque event from 5:30pm, which starts and finishes in front of the Club. During summertime, yacht racing is also held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month in Dragon Force 65 boats. Find a spot on the sunny deck with a drink and enjoy!

Get ready for a colourful evening of fun and belly aching laughs at Gosford's FunHaus Factory. Enjoy an immersive and live cabaret act with a vibrancy and wit, that will excite your senses while you feast on freshly made burgers from Beau's Burgers. Stay for a drink and meet the locals afterwards. 

It has to be seen to be believed that the high tea at Kew Dining is truly art on a plate. What's more Instagram-worthy than delicate China plates adorned with cream-filled tea cakes and English scones topped with edible flowers and dried rose petals? Upon arrival, you'll also receive a glass of sparkling wine that goes down a treat with your savoury delights and sweet indulgences. This high tea experience emanates sophistication, deserving a spot right on your Instagram feed. 

Hum along if you know the theme tune! Crazy Shakes are a Central Coast classic, so a pit-stop to see the menu is essential for foodie tourists. The flavours and colourful shakes live up to their name, enjoyed in the 1890s heritage listed building. Don't miss their loaded waffles, which are out of this world.

This cosy corner Long Jetty cafe pulls out all the stops to create moreish brekkie dishes that are a feast for the taste buds and the eyes. From bright smoothies to rainbow-hued salads and brekkie burgers, every one of their dishes and drinks is packed with flavour and colours of the rainbow. Snap a photo of your dish in front of the vibrant Long Jetty mural to add an extra 'pop' of colour to your Insta feed.

Rolling out of a mobile food truck, The Banger Rebellion are bringing more than just gourmet hot dogs. Their "OB" Original Banger is doused with beef and pork longonisa sausage, the Chilli Uprising brings a Mexican fusion and their Die Bestenwurst, translating to 'The Best Sausage' is just the start of their endless menu bringing mouth-watering delights to the locals of Ettalong Beach.

Serving up fine and fresh seafood, Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf is a must-visit spot if you're looking for a waterfront seafood dining experience. Not only are their platters carefully curated into a masterpiece to celebrate the essence of the sea, but the view looking out to Empire Bay is spectacular. 

Bringing the South American flavour and the Mexican vibes, Hernandos Birria tacos deserve a spot on your feed and in your tummy. Take the freshly made crispy soft tortilla filled to the brim with slow cooked brisket and dip it in their homemade consommé.

Experience the Willy Wonka-esque vibes of Bouffant in one of Gosford city’s heritage listed buildings. This place has lines of fresh pastries for days and the pinkest pastel walls, making a perfect backdrop to savour the the sweetest of moments. Go for the signature 'bouffant' namesake. Find Bouffant bakeries across the Central Coast at Gosford, Terrigal, Umina and East Gosford.

Indulge in the delicious goods that come out of Ministry Cafe, an artisan patisserie bringing a range of gourmet tarts, entremet's, flaky pastries and more to the town of Wyoming. Ministry Cafe also provide a range of gluten-free desserts to pick from, so make sure to come hungry and bring your camera! 

A visit to the seaside suburb of Terrigal is not complete without an obligatory rooftop cocktail on the Mumbo Jumbos balcony. Snap the tropical island vibes under your own umbrella with their island-style decor and the sandy shore in the background.

Working on the Central Coast, Sydney and Newcastle, Xanthe Highfield is a design and interiors creator. As a designer and stylist for over a decade, Xanthe's passion is to create functional, inspired spaces that bring people together - and then transport them somewhere else entirely! As a local creator, she's helping bring to life many exciting new spaces across the region, which you can experience on this designer trail.

Owners of both Sounds on West at Ettalong and Erina's tap room Six Strings Brewing wanted to extend their range of locally brewed beers into a restaurant space focused on smoked meats. Sounds on West is masculine in design, with an intimate warmth for evening sessions. The bar is handmade from hardwood timber, a vintage-industrial theme continued through distressed brickwork, low lighting, and brown leather upholstery. 

Xanthe designed the modern-look Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf in collaboration with the Cregan Clayton family, owners since 1974. The design links to the natural waterways and mangroves, creating a fresh, simple interior. Check out the floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing Brisbane Waters, and the custom-made, four metre-long traditional Indigenous fishing trap suspended from the restaurant ceiling.

Your visit to the south end of Gosford should include a stop at this fresh social haunt hiding among pristine, new office blocks and a Heritage-listed building. Built as part of a new development in Gosford CBD, South End Social was designed with the themes of the Australian coast meets the Amalfi coast. Featuring soft, modern finishes in a lush, contemporary setting, this diner and bar is a perfect addition to the burgeoning Central Coast food and drink scene.

Set in a quaint garden mud hut on the grounds of Erina's Distillery Botanica, this dreamy space is the brainchild of Dan and Julia from Mr Goaty Gelato. The gelato counter is designed to fit as an organic shape, seamlessly integrating into the curved building. Using natural materials and neutral tones, the goal was to reflect the delicious garden-to-plate menu, making visitors feel at one with nature.

An edgy, fun fit-out in a new development project at Wamberal. Glow Beauty Space is all about 'welcoming luxury', with haircuts, beauty treatments, pampering and even goodies from the nearby cafe. The design heroes warm, pastel pink tones set against brushed brass and Tasmanian oak. The custom-built counter is made by locals Loughlin Furniture, with salon artworks by Vicky Lee, both highlights of this luxe space.

Designed in collaboration with Always Studio and Trent Whitehead, Terrigal's Bellyfish Cafe offers the perfect moment of escapism. Located on a prominent beachside strip, this is the place to enjoy early morning ocean breezes with coffee. The space captures a unique street vibe with a coastal context, with these incredibly quirky murals, this is a place to have fun. 

Motel Mezza, in historic Wyong (Previously Common Ground Wyong), is the sister venue of Pinocchio’s Wine Bar in Gosford. Based in a historic bank built in the 1920s, when dairy was a king industry here, the design includes wealthy status symbols such as brass, dark timber and marble finishes. The regal space harks back to patrons of yesteryear while offering new visitors that signature feeling of quality with a modern decor.