Noonaweena

Start this journey at NSW's only pearl farm! The Shellar Door of Broken Bay Pearl Farm grow two varieties of oysters on the waterways of Broken Bay and Brisbane Water. Taste their world-famous Sydney Rock Oysters, plus the locally and sustainably grown Akoya, which is not only tasty but produces among the finest quality pearls grown anywhere in the world.

Now for an epic waterfall ride through the Central Coast's stunning natural cascades! There's the popular Somersby Falls, named one of the 7 best waterfalls in New South Wales, ideal for a swim in the heat of summer at its lower pool, with the water forming a stunning liquid curtain to shower beneath. Or just around the corner seek out Girrakool Falls on the Piles Creek Loop Track, a great lesser-known option with a diverse 4km bushwalk for the adventurous.

An ecotourism gem of the Central Coast, Strickland State Forest is 100% free, family and dog-friendly, and filled with many amazing ways to enjoy nature - with its own waterfall too. Park at the Banksia Picnic Area, find the signs that lead to 'Strickland Falls' or the Arboretum Loop. There are several loop tracks in this forest, ranging from challenging hikes along rainforest ridges to simple tracks through the tree museum, one of the oldest arboretum's in Australia.

Hop on the Central Coast's harvest trail growing citrus, avocado, cucumbers, flowers, and more with a list of eco-conscious farm-gate experiences, markets, and honesty boxes. Follow scenic Peats Ridge Road that loops around Glenworth Valley to find your choice of quality produce. Check ahead to stock up at seasonal farms like S & S Peruch Avocado, Wavertree, Sparacino, Meliora Farm and Mangrove Mountain Country Markets on weekends.

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures offer a unique camping experience to take in the Coast’s hinterland scenery spanning 3,000 acres of wilderness. Arrive here in time for the ‘Man from Snowy River’ running of the horses around 4pm (dusk) daily. Settle in at your campsite beside Popran Creek under the stars with an open fire and the faint sound of 200 horses in the background.

See some of New South Wales' most incredible Aboriginal rock engravings, each thousands of years old telling stories about the creator spirit of the local land and the star world. Discover the ancestral Creation Dreaming story of God Creator, Baiyami, at this significant Central Coast Aboriginal Art Site. Learn his journey across the Mirrabooka (Milky Way) arriving at sacred Mount Yengo. Contact Darkinjung Cultural Tours or Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences for a guided experience.

Check in for the next few days at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina Beach. Wake up to the sound of waves in Broken Bay, with hiking trails to Mt Ettalong Lookout, Pearl Beach Rockpool, Pearl Beach to Patonga trail, Warrah lookout, and Elephant Rock in Brisbane Water National Park. With direct beach access, this Park is within walking distance to Umina and Ettalong's restaurants via a coastal pathway.

Take in the awe-inspiring Broken Bay in all its glory with a short hike to Mt Ettalong Lookout. Situated on a large sandstone boulder with great views along Umina Beach back to your campground, across to Box Head and the South Pacific Ocean, protected Lion Island, and Barrenjoey lighthouse through to Pittwater. An amazing spot to get your bearings - you'll be calling into these seaside villages over the next few days!

With all your walking planned today, a local-inspired lunch at Pearly's is well-deserved with delicious meals designed by renowned Chef Pauly Mac, alongside Head Chef Cam. Grab a gelato to go in the general store and hit the southern beach for a dip in Pearl Beach's historic rockpool with spectacular ocean views.

Take a refreshing dip with the locals in Pearl Beach Rockpool, with stunning views across Broken Bay. Situated just across the road from Pearl Beach Cafe you'll find there are important engraved notes by Captain Arthur Phillip and Lieutenant Bradley commemorating their first visit to Broken Bay in March 1788. 

Warrah Lookout offers spectacular views across Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River; a top spot to visit all year round. But the area is also known as Warratah Patch by locals as it's one of the best places in Brisbane Water National Park to see these fiery-red flowers. Don't miss their stunning late-winter bloom on display. Elephant Rock is the location to capture a winning sunset shot.

Nestled between mystical mountains and captivating waterways, wake up to a fragrant blend of blue gum eucalyptus trees and sea mist perfume from your national park surroundings. No wonder why the Aboriginal meaning for Umina is - place of sleep. Fall into the locals' laid back way of life. Learn to surf or SUP with Central Coast Surf School - the waters are calm and swells never get too large here. Or, opt for a stretch at Umina Beach Yoga.

Walk or cycle the shared pathway joining seaside villages, hugging the water's edge from Umina to Ocean Beach to Ettalong, and around to Woy Woy. Take your own bicycle, or rent one from Ride Ettalong. Stop off at The BOX on the Water's takeaway kiosk for a brekky wrap and coffee. A great spot for admiring the scenery, or people watching! Check the Central Coast Ferry timetable to plan Empire Bay to Woy Woy ferry times...

After a cycle around the most scenic pathways, board the local Central Coast Ferry to explore the historic waterways of Brisbane Waters' prolific shipbuilding history. Circle St Hubert's Island from Empire Bay, passing Kincumber, Davistown, Daley’s Point, and Blackwall. Arrive back at the town of Woy Woy with its fresh seafood market, endless waterway views and hidden foodie spots.

Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf has been serving freshly caught seafood on the Central Coast for over 40 years. Pat Cregan started the business in Woy Woy in 1974 serving the best quality seafood as simply as possible. You won't argue with their ocean to plate menu! Sit above the piers, water lapping beneath you, and views across to Pelican Island (notice oyster leases farming the Akoya oyster pearls).

Before leaving Woy Woy, pop into see the husband and wife duo at Young Barons, an artisan Italian deli-pantry-pastry hub in the town centre. Curate some select sweet or savoury treats for back at the RV this evening. You may want to grab a freshly made pasta pack and bottle of vino from their thoughtful collection to enjoy as the sun goes down at your campsite.

A unique dining precinct finds thousands of visitors returning each year, with a hard choice between hatted Turkish-inspired Safran Restaurant, or authentic La Fiamma Woodfired Pizzeria. Either way, enjoy the ambience of the Ettalong Galleria courtyard that feels more like a romantic getaway - piazza style - boasting humble Bologna or Naples vibes.

Check out of NRMA Holiday Park in Umina to re-locate closer to the Coast's iconic surf breaks. But first - award-winning local pies! Stop at Bremen Patisserie for freshly baked goods and patisserie treats, like German Rye bread, cakes, pastries, cream pastries, continental cakes, tortes and gateaux and good old Aussie meat pies! Also sausage rolls, pasties, quiches... they even offer coffee beans by the bag to brew on the road.

Today we're going to indulge in the passion of three Central Coast makers of award winning sips who joined forces to create the Scenic Sips Trail. This self-drive scenic sipping trail starts in picturesque Holgate with botanical fruit wines at Firescreek. Loop back to the Erina for amplified ales at craft brewery Six Strings. Then visit the Fragrant Garden for Distillery Botanica's exceptional collection - all available to taste and take home.

The rockpools at Blue Lagoon on low tide are magical at any time of day, especially a sunset drink exploring the ever-changing rockpools. Luckily, tonight's camping spot is right next door at Blue Lagoon Beach Resort right on the shores of Shelly Beach on the NSW Central Coast. The outdoor pool has a few spa areas that feel just like a resort at this five-star scenic location.

The early bird catches the worm! Dawn and dusk at Wyrrabalong National Park is a beautiful time to walk from Bateau Bay walking track connecting to Wyrrabalong coastal walk and timing your arrival at Crackneck Point lookout for the start of a new day. This national park importantly conserves the last patch of coastal littoral rainforest on the Central Coast.

Bateau Bay local cafes offer a lovely place to end your Coast Walking Track in Wyrrabalong National Park. Locals head to the row of shops for Cafe Mocha. Or Bateau Beach Cafe for their coffee, with a real community vibe and fresh healthy dishes like poke bowls, Indian spiced scrambled eggs, and local favourite - their Nasi satay bowl.

The Coast to Lake Walk is considered a 'string of pearls' - a great way to explore The Entrance channel, have a picnic lunch at Tuggerah Lake, and take a pic of your choice of historic jetties at Long Jetty foreshore. After checking out of Blue Lagoon arrive at Toowoon Bay Holiday Park for this evening's camping location. Next, head to the Entrance Memorial Park onto our next destination west of the bridge: local artist Grant Molony's gallery.

It's always nice to purchase artwork to take home to a curated collection of travel memories and holiday feels. The Grant Molony + Rowsie gallery has a collection of art perfect for this or even featured in the RV! Grant's art consists of detailed ink and acrylic with hits of aerosol and local marine life, while his creative partner dreams up stylish floral collections, vases and more.

After you've picked up a little memento of your Central Coast holiday, head back via Tuggerah Lakes Foreshore to Long Jetty. Along this pathway you'll walk past three jetties that inspired the town's namesake - Parry’s Jetty, Watkin’s Jetty, and of course The Long Jetty. There's also a quirky mix of boutique shops. Stop in for a drink at the old school pub Long Jetty Hotel, or see a flick with a bevvy at restored WWII cinema, The Savoy.

This camping spot has plenty of nearby attractions to choose from, with beach access to popular surfing breaks at Shelly Beach, Toowoon Bay Beach (well-known by locals as SUPs paradise), and Shelly Beach golf course being in Australia's top 100 greens. 

This morning we're beelining for Toowoon Bay for a stand-up paddle boarding session to bring the ‘cool factor’ to our morning on the water! This paddler's paradise provides a great vantage point for sightseeing, while getting a full body work out. Take in the beauty of the location around you, including below the surface (did you pack goggles in that RV?). Finish with brekky and coffee from The Village Kiosk. 

Munmorah State Conservation Area is a fun place to explore by RV, with hidden nooks and crannies leading to various walks, picnic areas, caves and glorious beaches. Start with Palms Circuit Track; an excellent way to escape the heat and wander below a canopy of cabbage tree palms, sunlight streaming through palm fronds. Bring along supplies to take advantage of the Palms picnic area, where the loop track begins.

Time to take a look around Frazer Beach area, a great spot to camp - but only for tents and trailers - caravans and motorhomes are not permitted to stay here so note this is a pit-stop only. Well worth it though, this beach has world class nature minus the crowds, with so much to see, surf breaks, a lagoon, and the epic Snapper Point lookout. 

Bringing a boat on tour? While much has been written about rock and beach fishing in the area, the near-shore boat fishing can also be truly rewarding. The nearest boat ramp is less than 500 metres away from the Tourist Park at Cabbage Tree Bay. On the briny the foremost obvious points are The Bull, a semi-submerged bombora east of the lighthouse, Bird Island north of the ramp, and Lakes Reef in front of the surf club.

Tonight be entertained at seaside eatery Johnny Tapas, where you'll find local craft beers on tap, an exceptional cocktail menu, all washed down with stand up comedy and live music on weekends. Spot Banksy-style work of local artist Grant Molony (with his gallery at The Entrance) who created intricate layers within Johnny Tapas street side art to the entry, that tells the story of the business owners. 

Norah Head is guarded by the century-old lighthouse, with tonight's camping spot nearby at Norah Head Holiday Park. Lighthouse tours are open every day to step back in time to feel what it was like to be a Lighthouse Keeper. Climb the 96 stairs to enjoy 360 degree views from Norah Head Lighthouse. Marvel at the optics prism and imagine polishing all 700 lenses of it. Hear stories of shipwrecks. Humbled by history, settle in for the evening. 

After checking out of Norah Head Holiday Park, you're on the road again cruising on down the Main Road of Toukley. Stop at Rise Mofo for your last brekky on your RV adventure of the Central Coast! A loved local cafe, Rise Mofo offers quality brewed coffee and a fresh takeaway brunch menu - with a pop of colour! Swing by for feel-good food to set you up satisfied for your onward journey. 

If you're planning to go further north, then join the Legendary Pacific Coast touring route starting at Lake Macquarie's Catherine Hill Bay. There's 8 must-see places on this journey including Newcastle, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, Coffs Harbour (also an Australian ECO Destination), Byron Bay, and Tweed Heads.