Sip and savour the taste of fresh artisan coffee first thing in the morning with a belly warming breakfast to fuel you for the day. Try the Egg Benny where poached eggs meet hollandaise bliss or indulge in a stack of fluffy pancakes. Watt Street Gosford also offers exceptionally crafted cupcakes at Cakes by Kyla, an award-winning baker (often selling out by lunchtime!).

Grab some fresh food and locally grown produce at the weekly Gosford Farmers Markets held in the open air at The Entertainment Grounds (Gosford's racecourse). With produce harvested from hinterland areas of the Central Coast, including Peats Ridge, Dooralong, Jilliby, Kulnura and Yarramalong, this is a taste of the regions amazing fresh food scene.   

Travel a few minutes to neighbouring East Gosford for lunch at Gos'Sips Lane. This chic, sophiscated space is where creativity and caffeine collide. With sleek industrial decor and the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a mouth watering menu options you'll definitely not want to miss a visit to eatery.

Feed the koi and catch an exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery. Capture a moment of zen in the Japanese-themed Edogawa Commemorative Garden. Join an immersive gallery tour in the adjoining gallery throughout the year. There are seasonal curated exhibition of both local and national artists, including big names like the Archibald Prize and important exhibitions highlighting Aboriginal artists of the region.

Enjoy an authentic Italian pizza or pasta dish at Pinnochio's, Gosford's wine and pizza bar, with a menu that offers flavours from across the key Italian foodie regions. This is the perfect place to grab a tasty bite to eat before heading to your next action-packed stop at the stadium.

Cheer-on a game at Central Coast Stadium. Hosting a number of national sporting matches across codes, concerts and events throughout the year. Be sure to catch a home game for the mighty Central Coast Mariners.

Rumour among early birds is that Soldiers Beach and Norah Head Lighthouse present the best sunrise spots on the Central Coast. Is it true? There's only one way to find out! Get up to enjoy that pre-dawn blue light and capture the day from its very beginning - from Budgewoi you're just 5 minutes away from this magnificent spectacle.

There are several friendly little morning coffee hubs in Budgewoi, including the Cafe One Fifty Four and Birdy Cafe. If you've gone coastal for an early sunrise and beach day, The Island Cafe at Norah Head captures the essence of calm and cool coastal life perfectly, with a popular Patisserie next door. Don't miss the great photo opportunity in front this cafe's interior wall mural (a must for The Gram).

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Boldly known as 'The Rockpool', this Norah Head icon is made for making memories (and sandcastles). Offering safe, calm waters in the southern corner of Cabbage Tree Harbour, you'll discover fascinating rock pools to explore with the whole family. It's free and it's hours of fun in the sun. 

From The Rockpool beach, climb to the top of the stairs through a nature reserve and you will find The General Store cafe. This coffee spot serves up healthy, fresh lunch options to elevate your day spent exploring the great outdoors, with open air dining and tables thoughtfully placed in the leafy surrounds of the trees.

Walk the Headland Nature Trail to see the Norah Head Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse has 360 degree views and is a great place to explore the heritage of the area. Book a guided tour to delve into its history, or even stay the night like a real lighthouse keeper in the stylishly refurbished quarters of yesteryear! Finish with a refreshing Yum Fast Nutrition drink to replenish your body after climbing all those steps.

A secret little beach along the coastline between Norah Head and Budgewoi offers a free art show - its natural rock sculpture is the fascination of locals and a special subject for a photo. Visit Hargraves Beach to see the large sculpture by Mother Nature on your way back north to Budgewoi. 

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For quality dining local to Budgewoi, you can't go past La Bocca Woodfired Pizzeria for their traditional woodfire pizza, and steaks, pasta and ribs. Feel like an extended member of the family in this family friendly restaurant. La Bocca is a must for those craving an authentic Italian crust.

Johny Tapas is the perfect place to end your day with some drinks, laughs, and maybe a few cheeky plates of tapas or dessert. With Mr Black and Moores Gin featured on the cocktail menu and Grant Molony art painted on the walls, this venue loves championing local talent.

Located in The Clan on the foreshore of Terrigal Lagoon, this Tudor-style establishment is a local favourite for breakfast. The view is fantastic and the menu is superbly fresh. Expect classics like eggs benedict and avo smash plus the Maccoa Big Brekky for hungry hearts. Produce is sourced from Central Coast businesses including Killarney Bakery, Coastal Providores, the Egg Shed and even gin from Distillery Botanica (for later).

A picture perfect postcard of Terrigal! Explore the lagoon on one of many brightly coloured paddleboats for hire. Laughs are almost guaranteed as you and your boating partner navigate the waterway as stylishly as possible, or simply use the time floating along the surface to chill and chat. Plus if you went for that big breakfast at Maccoa, this activity is right next door and ready to work up an appetite for lunch.

Beside Terrigal Lagoon you'll discover a shady, family-friendly green space featuring Parklife Coffee and the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre. Park your excitement to enter the centre and refuel with freshly roasted coffee and a bite at the outdoor cafe. This is a great spot for the whole family, as kids can go wild in the cute playground, while parents take a moment of me-time, or even pull up a picnic rug.

Dive under the surface to learn more about the local marine wonderland at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre. This family-friendly educational experience invites children to explore and interact with the world under the waves by painting a sea creature, building a whale, or creating a turtle. It's also completely adult-friendly, with hands-on museum exhibits and displays with fascinating insight into the HMAS shipwreck just off Terrigal's coast.

As sunset falls over Terrigal's shores, grab a table at one of many restaurants lining the high street. Choose from Thai food at Thaiger Temple, pizza at Four Hands, or gourmet Lebanese at Teta. There's a range of global flavours dished up every weekend in the heart of Terrigal, just remember to book ahead to secure your spot as these beachfront dinner venues are often hives of activity.

If you haven't tried to conquer the famous 'Ice cream Sink' at Terrigal Ice Creamery, have you even been to Terrigal? This food challenge has long been a favoured past-time for locals of all ages, but it's now a trend for visitors to attempt eating a ridiculous amount of scoops to secure their photo on the parlour's wall. Choose your flavours wisely and definitely enlist a mate.

Stay the night on the edge of the iconic Terrigal Lagoon at The Clan, completing the perfect loop from where you had breakfast in the morning. This accommodation offers a cottage-style elegance that will ensure you feel equal measures of cosiness, comfort, and seaside charm. You can also catch the magnificent sunrise from this location by setting the alarm and stepping out onto the sandy shores of the lagoon.

An airy coastal bar and restaurant spills right onto the water’s edge at The Haven, located at the south end of Terrigal Beach. You can reach The Haven on foot via Terrigal Boardwalk suspended over the ocean, or walk one minute over a steep but exceptionally scenic hill. Breathe in that fresh sea breeze while enjoying a breakfast of deliciously fresh produce and a breathtaking view of the ocean. Pop around the corner to The Kiosk with its summertime feels and order a coffee to go!

If you've dreamt of exploring the world under the sea, grab a chance to learn to scuba dive with the experts at ProDive Central Coast. Explore the ex-HMAS Adelaide, the largest warship off the NSW coast, which sits just a few kilometres off Terrigal's shore. Now considered a world-class dive attraction, this huge vessel is a purposely-scuttled diver recreation area with a lively artificial reef.

Dry off and venture just a stone's throw to the Haven Beach Kiosk for lunch. This place often has a queue for fresh fish and chips around lunchtime. Enjoy your hot parcel of seafood seaside on the cafe's outdoor deck, at one of the picnic tables looking out to Terrigal Beach, or on the grassy hills surrounding The Haven.

One of Terrigal's iconic attractions is its steep headland lookout, The Skillion. Stretch your legs with a short but sharp walk to the peak of this popular spot for panoramic photos. Views extend from Avoca Beach in the south to Forresters Beach in the north. Watch sunset from here or spot a whale during their annual migration, along with occasional pods of dolphins playing off shore.

After swimming, diving and walking up The Skillion, you're probably famished? A short walk along the Terrigal boardwalk will bring you to Meribella, a fine dining restaurant with a contemporary take on old world charm classics. Take in picturesque epic water view thanks to the glass conservatory the restaurant is housed in.  It's highly recommended to book a table, especially if you're dining around dusk when the vistas are spectacular. 

The Star of the Sea luxury apartments boast some of the best accommodation views across the entire Central Coast. Situated atop the headland between the bustling Terrigal Esplanade and The Haven, you're perched in the perfect position to easily access the town centre for its nightlife, and the secluded cove for a revitalising morning swim. 

Breakfast like a local at corner cafe Mr Sha Shas, serving delish food with vegan options, smoothies, fresh pastries and more with sustainability at the heart of their operations. Grab a coffee and take in their everchanging gallery space, or sit back and watch the Long Jetty neighbourhood as it wakes up.

Visit Burnt Honey Bakery to stock up on artisan pastries ready to enjoy for a mid morning snack. Walk, ride or scoot along the Long Jetty shared pathway running the foreshore of Tuggerah Lake. You also need to make three important scenic stops - walk the three heritage jetties - Parry’s Jetty, Watkin’s Jetty, and of course The Long Jetty stretching 350m into the lake's centre.

Grab an easy lunch at one of the many Long Jetty options. For casual takeaway to enjoy down by the lake try The Pelican, serving a range of seafood lunches with a famously great burger menu. Or try a fresh loaded roll from Long Jetty Charcoal Chicken, serving the neighbourhood since 1981 - the fact there's always a queue tells you something.

Continue your stroll along the boutiques of the high street, now in search of special fashion and homeware items to take home. At the very top of the neighbourhood there's Home by the Jetty, in its centre there's Wildberry Boutique, Ohana Boutique, Sadie Lou, Kloth Long Jetty, , Shadow Bang Apothecary & Supply for dried flowers and homewares and The Bang Threads & Espresso.

This evening’s dinner venue provides the perfect reason to drop into Upstairs Wines for a tasting session with a strong focus on natural, small batch & minimal intervention wines, beers & spirits from Australia & around the world that you can BYO to your next stop.

Settle in a for an evening of handmade artisan Italian food, cooked with fresh local ingredients and made with the spirit of Italy! Indulge in the authentic Tuscan tastes right here on the Coast and treat yourself to tasty pastas and meatballs with Napoletana. This family friendly restaurant will have you part of the owner's family in no time! 

Explore the Coast to Lake Walk on foot or bicycle (bikes can be hired en route at The Entrance). The 7.6km total loop walk is a great way to see the local neighbourhoods, and the accessible walk is designed to enjoy as much or as little as you feel. Today you are following it from Long Jetty to Toowoon Bay, from lake to bay. Look out for the blue, green & pink signage to guide you.

Once you've reached Toowoon Bay, it's time to take a break and admire the scenery. This little neighbourhood has big options available for breakfast - try family run Flour & Co that has been serving since 1988.

Toowoon Bay beach is an excellent family friendly beach with calm waters and is patrolled during the summer months. It offers great snorkeling opportunities and is perfect for stand-up paddle boarding too. There's a kiosk on site for a cold drink and you can venture across the small rock platform to easily reach the neighbouring shores of North Shelly Beach, a popular dog-friendly spot. 

After a few hours spent paddling at the beach, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of Toowoon's central eateries. Cecilia's on the corner serve lunch by day, and by night transform into a restaurant and wine bar. For today, you're attention should be drawn to their freshly shucked oysters!

Head to Swadling Reserve, a popular green space for families and couples to relax, read a book, watch the waves, or head down to Toowoon Bay beach for another paddle after lunch. If you're with the kids, the playground here is one of the best on the Central Coast, surrounded by shaded space to watch the little ones safely play.

Located within The Quarters at Forresters Beach the “pantry to the resort” where guests and locals come to get their fixings and enjoy some seriously good produce. A beautiful poolside venue to enjoy luxurious specialty coffee, an all-day brunch menu and lovingly designed and researched wine and cocktail menus. You can take a seat inside the café or sit in the courtyard and enjoy the sun poolside.

Drop by the charming Kincumber Post Café, officially the area’s local post office from 1945 to 1990! Serving fresh, house-baked goods with a smile, you will instantly feel like you’ve found a neighbourhood gem. 

Catch a glimpse of the weekly mixed posies created by Bree & Hollie right next door to your morning cafe. More than a florist, The Petal Sisters is a boutique lifestyle store in Kincumber selling artisan arrangements, fashion and homewares too. A floral rainbow to start the day with!

Head up the steep hill to Kincumber Mountain Reserve, where you'll find Honeman's Rock picnic area, amenities and starting points for some incredible hikes on the Coast, featuring Aboriginal axe-grinding grooves and carvings - and caves! The name ‘Kincumba’ is said to be an Aboriginal word meaning 'toward the rising sun'. Explore this mountain's story and visit coastal vantage points overlooking Pickets Valley and Brisbane Water.

Stop by Loo Loo’s Coffee Warehouse in the modern-industrial hub of Kincumber for a refuel after your busy morning. Make no mistake - you're here for their incredible Toasties menu. So simple, yet so delicious; buttery, sprinkled with salt & pepper and toasted to perfection. Eat in their vintage interior, or takeaway to enjoy in the nearby park.

Take a short trip along the road to Avoca, stop for a cheeky shop at La Boheme Fashion & Lifestyle Boutique. In its unique bush-based location on the Scenic Highway, owner Stephanie sells a stylishly curated assortment of fashion, homewares and lifestyle items for the coastal connoisseur, all with the mission to make women feel good inside and out.

Taste true local beer with a paddle at the Central Coast's inspired Block n Tackle Brewery, named after the shipbuilding history of the Brisbane Waters region. The brewery space doubles as an event and live music venue, with trivia nights, Beer N Brush painting session, and Pie n Pint Thursdays. Book ahead to nab yourself a seat today!

Cap off this daytime adventure with dinner at this much-loved, welcoming 1970s pub. Offering live music & open-mic nights, plus great bistro food, the Kincumber Hotel also features the Hairy Goat Craft Bar for those who are still seeking some crafty sips after the brewery stop earlier. Check out the tasty hot seafood plate on their menu.

Stop by to soak up Cochrone Street's industrial soul in Kincumber - courtesy of its shipbuilding heritage – with modern spots for a great breakfast. Grab morning coffee from Loo Loo's Coffee Warehouse, and a healthy nourish bowl from the colourful menu next door at Bowlarama Bowls.

Explore Kincumber Broadwater by walking (or cycling) along the shared pathway connecting Kincumber to Davistown. The path follows the waterway with heritage signage along the way to take you back to the historic shipbuilding past of this area. Don't miss a photo on the Kincumber Jetty famously photographed by Danny Irvine and used on an Australia Post Stamp!

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Enjoy lunch at Kincumber's newest cafe Pomegranate by Fresko in the pretty Kincumber Shopping Village. They offer a wide selection of cafe style homemade baked goods and also stock Shhmoakesy pies, the Coast's award-winning gourmet smoked meat pies.  Relax and take in the buzz of this vibrant little place and be before you leave, be sure to pop into their fruit shop opposite to stock up on fresh produce!

Just a short drive from Kincumber, is Davistown, Saratoga and Yattalunga, known to the locals as the 3 Villages. At Davistown or Saratoga, you can jump on board the local ferry and cruise between Woy Woy and Empire Bay taking in the breath-taking scenery this area has to offer. Stretch your legs at Woy Woy or stay on board and see how the locals get around the area without a car or bus. 

Sink your teeth into a Suzie Dukes burger, the newest burger joint in the area. Opened in the Kincumber Shopping Village in late 2022, these handcrafted American burgers are made to order using the freshest of ingredients, locally sourced produce and served between their heavenly milk buns. No meal is complete without one of their famous doughnut milkshakes! This is their 4th restaurant and with standout reviews, this a family dinner must!