Ettalong Beach

White sandy beaches, calm waterways and magnificent national parks hug Ettalong Beach, creating plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature. Take your pick from swimming, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, cycling and boating in this waterfront town on the Central Coast of NSW.

Scenic coastal views of Broken Bay from Umina Beach in Gosford Area

Beaches, lagoons & waterways

Overlooking the Brisbane Water estuary, Ettalong Beach is mostly calm and shallow, making it great for families, stand up paddle boarding and fishing. Head southeast along Broken Bay and uncover more white sand beaches curving around the coastline. Connect the dots between Ocean Beach Umina, Umina Beach and Pearl Beach.

Central Coast Surf School at Avoca Beach in Gosford Area, Central Coast

For those who enjoy aquatic adventures, Ettalong Beach has excellent boating facilities. Hire a small boat or kayak and cruise around the tranquil waterways. While the gentle swell at Ocean Beach Umina is ideal for young children learning to surf – enrol your little ones in the Central Coast Surf School.

Couple enjoying evening drinks with a view at The Box on the water restaurant and bar at Ettalong beach in Woy Woy, Central Coast

Restaurants, cafes & markets

Grab a coffee from Lords of Pour, followed by brunch at the waterside Box on the Water and freshly-baked pastries from Re:Publik Cafe. Or find a pretty picnic spot along the foreshore, where there’s barbecue facilities and a children's playground. Then browse the eclectic Ettalong Beach Markets, held every weekend.

Scenic views across Brisbane Water, Woy Woy

Walking & cycling

Ettalong Beach is a popular cycling destination. Hire bikes from Ettalong Bike Hire, and follow the shared cycling and walking path along the Esplanade or explore the Warrah Trig cycling loop, a 10km loop through Brisbane Water National Park. Pause at Warrah lookout for spectacular views across Broken Bay and the Hawkesbury River.

Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park in Bouddi, Central Coast

Another great way to experience the area’s natural beauty is on the Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track. The moderately challenging 3km one-way track winds through a towering grove of red gums and eucalypts. Or explore the spectacular nearby Bouddi National Park on the 5km Strom loop.

Couple enjoying a walk along Patonga Wharf, Patonga

Getting there & where to stay

Ettalong Beach is a 1hr 25min drive north from Sydney. You can also get the train to Woy Woy and connect by bus, which takes around 1hr 45min. For a scenic trip, take the 30min ferry ride from Palm Beach across the Hawkesbury River to Broken Bay and Brisbane Water. Accommodation options range from camping and caravanning sites to a holiday park and waterside resorts.