A weekend guide to the Central Coast - Travel Australia

Less than two hours out of Sydney and boasting a burgeoning food scene, the Central Coast is now drawing the stylish set from the city bubble for more than just secluded beaches.

It’s no secret that a weekend break does wonders for the work-weary, but there’s something about arriving on the Central Coast that helps that full-to-bursting inbox and those looming deadlines fade into insignificance – for now, at least, and especially if you take the route our sat nav sent us, winding up and down the leafy streets of Pymble.

Here’s our guide to making the Central Coast your next weekend destination.

Morning walk
Bouddi coastal walk offers spectacular views out to the ocean as you cross beaches, wander through bushland and gently stroll the boardwalk. Beginning at Macmasters Beach or Killcare Heights, you can choose to traverse the entire 8.5km (one-way) track, or pick a spot to stop at on the way – Maitland Bay is a favourite, with it’s long, curved beach and calm waters.

Bouddi Coastal Walk

Lunch at Fishermen’s Wharf
Beginning its journey in 1974 with Pat and Anne Cregan at the helm selling fresh seafood and takeaway fish and chips, Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf was taken to the next level by their daughter Jenni Cregan and husband Merv Clayton, who opened a seasonal restaurant on the same site. Fast-forward to 2011 and Jenni and Merv’s son, Sam, and his partner, Xanthe, reimagined the restaurant, further increasing its popularity with locals and visitors alike.

Last year, a full refurbishment of the restaurant saw it become the light, airy and wood-clad space it is today. Expect sashimi, Asian-inspired dishes (think Szechuan Balmain bugs or barramundi spring rolls) and – of course – classic fish and chips and overflowing hot and cold platters.

Lunch at Fishermen’s Wharf

Afternoon gin tasting
Tucked amid lush, fragrant gardens – unsurprisingly on the site once known as The Fragrant Gardens nursery and garden centre – lies the home of award-winning Distillery Botanica gin. Herbalist and distiller Philip Moore can guide you through a tasting of the range (which also includes Moore’s Dry gin and Mr Black’s Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur), which often features botanicals and flowering plants from the garden right outside the distillery. Take a bottle home… or at least back to your accommodation for an afternoon G&T on the deck, perhaps?

Distillery Botanica gin

Gelato treat
On the same site as Distillery Botanica is the home base of Mr Goaty Gelato, run by ex-Three Blue Ducks chef Dan Hughes, and soon-to-open gelato cellar door. Also using botanicals and flowers from the garden, look out for flavours including lemon myrtle & macadamia, garden chocolate geranium and blueberry lavender. There’s even a range of vegan sorbets – hello strawberry and finger lime!

Mr Goaty Gelato

Frankie’s Rooftop and The Lucky Bee
Gaining popularity at an unstoppable rate, The Lucky Bee is straight out of New York to the streets of Woy Woy. Touting Southeast Asian dishes from its base at Frankie’s Rooftop – which takes care of your cocktail cravings – it’s the ideal spot for a casual and happiness-inducing dinner overlooking Brisbane Water.

Frankie’s Rooftop and The Lucky Bee

Macmasters Coastal Retreat
With so much on offer in the surrounding bays, self-catering is a great option on the Central Coast. Macmasters Coastal Retreat is a hop, skip and a jump (literally, crossing the tarmac on very hot days – wear thongs!) from Macmasters beach, with breathtaking views from numerous vistas in the house.

Climb the staircase to the first deck and open the giant door and you’ll be within an open-plan haven with lounge area and large kitchen and dining table. A main bedroom with en-suite and separate two-bunk bedroom are off this main living area, with the sun-drenched lap pool just out the back. The front deck is the ideal spot for evening meals overlooking the beach (or, indeed, that aforementioned G&T).

Macmasters Coastal Retreat

Upstairs is a second living area and spacious balcony with yet more ocean views, and another two bedrooms (one double, one with two bunks and a single bed). There’s also a deck area to the back complete with a hammock and fire pit to boot.

Ideal for groups of friends or even two small families, Macmasters Coastal Retreat is perfectly located for you to claim your own piece of paradise for a well-deserved break on the Central Coast.