Gosford & surrounds
The Boathouse at Patonga Beach, Gosford area - Central Coast
Gosford makes the perfect base to explore everything the Central Coast has to offer. Head half an hour in any direction to discover endless stretches of beach, pristine waterways ideal for a kayak or SUP, stylish coastal towns, national parks, and opportunities for horse riding and mountain biking.
The seaside villages of Terrigal, Avoca Beach and Killcare are part of the area’s magic, renowned for their gorgeous beaches and stunning coastline. Meanwhile, Ettalong Beach, Woy Woy and Gosford are located on the picturesque Brisbane Water, a more tranquil waterway for swimming, fishing and boating.
Horse riding with Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures is a fun way to explore the Gosford area. You can also hike through corridors of towering gums in Brisbane Water National Park and Bouddi National Park to get to fishing spots and hidden beaches. Walk or cycle to spectacular lookouts such as Gerrin Point in Bouddi, a vantage point for whale watching.
When it comes to water-based activities, you can try everything from deep sea game fishing and kayaking on the Hawkesbury River to scuba diving at a scuttled warship site and learning how to ride a surfboard. Visit ancient Aboriginal rock engravings and hear Dreamtime stories with Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences.
The acclaimed Australian Reptile Park is one of the region's top attractions, and where you’ll encounter both friendly and deadly native creatures. You can enjoy a walk with Hugo, a giant Galapagos tortoise; hand-feed kangaroos; see snakes and some of Australia’s largest spiders; and take a selfie with koalas.
For those who appreciate the arts, visit Gosford Regional Gallery, which has a roster of exhibitions and gorgeous Japanese gardens. Check out the events calendar for a line-up of cultural festivals, exhibitions, shows, markets and food and wine events in the Gosford area. There’s also an annual agricultural show for family fun.
The Gosford region is around 1hr 15min drive north from Sydney and 90min drive south from Newcastle. You can catch the train directly from Sydney to Gosford Station, with the journey taking around 1h 20min. There are also daily shuttles from Sydney Airport. For a scenic trip, take the ferry from Palm Beach to Ettalong or Wagstaffe.
From outdoor adventures to beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants, buzzing rooftop bars and gorgeous places to stay, there’s so much to love about the Central Coast.
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