The Entrance

Escape to The Entrance and you’ll find a beautiful seaside setting. Tucked between the sparkling Pacific Ocean and tranquil waters of Tuggerah Lake, a visit to this family favourite on the NSW Central Coast isn’t complete until you’ve enjoyed one of the many water sports on offer, including fishing, boating and swimming.

Beaches, walks & cycling

In pretty Memorial Park, young children will love The Entrance Historic Carousel and nearby Vera’s Water Garden, a fun splash pool with brightly coloured fountains in the shape of magical sea creatures. Head south from the park to The Entrance Beach and follow the delightful foreshore walk.

There are two heritage-listed ocean baths at the southern end of the patrolled beach, one is child-friendly. Another swimming option is across the bridge at The Entrance North Beach, which is also patrolled. Explore more of the area on the 7.6km Coast to Lake Walk, which takes you from lakeside Long Jetty to seaside Toowoon Bay.

Bring your bicycle or hire a bike and pedal along the Tuggerah Lakes Cycleway. This 12km shared path winds around lovely Tuggerah Lake to either Chittaway Bay or across the bridge to Magenta, which is near the northern section of Wyrrabalong National Park, a great place for spotting whales, bushwalking and bird-watching.

Restaurants, ice cream & events

Stroll the foreshore and high street and you’ll find plenty of relaxed cafes and restaurants serving a smorgasbord of cuisines, with fresh seafood a specialty. Don’t miss the The Savoy Long Jetty, housed in the original 1950s movie theatre, for pizza, cocktails and live music. Then stop by one of the ice cream parlours for a sweet treat.

Make sure you walk to the end of the iconic and aptly-named Long Jetty, which stretches out over the lake. There are free barbecue facilities by the lake at Picnic Point Reserve and Long Jetty Foreshore Reserve. The Entrance also hosts a vibrant events calendar of festivals and weekly Saturday food markets. Time your visit for The Entrance Winter Blues and Jazz Festival in July or The Lakes Festival in November.

Getting there & where to stay

The Entrance is a 1hr 30min drive north from Sydney and around 1hr 15min south from Newcastle. You can also catch the train from Sydney to Gosford or Tuggerah stations and connect by bus. Accommodation options include backpacker hostels, holiday parks, apartments and waterfront resorts.