 Whales off the Central Coast. |
 Sailing and other watersports are a feature of the coast. |
 Gosford is at the centre of the Central Coast area. |
 Visit the Reptile Park for a family day out. |
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THE CENTRAL COAST - Sydney's Near North Playground Just north, along the coast between Sydney and Newcastle, is a fascinating and scenic area known as the Central Coast. From a network of small towns dotting the coast and immediate hinterland it has now become a substantial suburban development with large numbers commuting daily to Sydney or Newcastle to work. The main area begins along the northern shore of Brisbane Water and stretches east to the retail centre of Erina and north to Lake Macquarie. Gosford is the largest population centre of the area with other major commercial centres at Wyong, Tuggerah, Lakehaven, The Entrance, Terrigal, and Woy Woy. From an original land grant bestowed in 1811 by Governor Lachlan Macquarie to William Nash, an ex-marine who arrived with the First Fleet in 1788, it has developed into a weekend retreat and holiday playground for the millions who live in Sydney and travel the short distance along the Freeway to spend their weekends and leisure time along the beaches and visiting the national parks which abound. In recent times it has also become a popular retirement area and its steady growth resulted in its recognition as a distinct urban region in 2005. The area is most noted for the variety of water activities including boating, fishing, surfing and water skiing. The ex navy frigate HMAS Adelaide, was recently sunk off Avoca Beach, creating an artificial dive wreck for scuba divers. Inland, National Parks and State Forests cater to for bushwalkers, campers and 4wd motorists. There are excellent and challenging golf courses, horse riding trails and the popular daily pelican feeding at The Entrance and Woy Woy. It enjoys a sub-tropical climate with warm to hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year. At the 2006 census the area population was 297,956. The most populous suburb in the Wyong Shire is Bateau Bay with a population of 11,599. The most populous suburb in the City of Gosford is Umina Beach with a population of 15,392. There are many motels, hotels and caravan parks to choose from catering for every budget. Use the Accommodation Search below to find your options. The regional Central Coast Tourism body manages three accredited Visitor Information Centres located at Mt Penang Parklands at Kariong, in Memorial Park at The Entrance, and on Mann Street in Gosford. Discover golden sandy beaches, fascinating attractions and scenic national parks. PLACES OF INTEREST: CENTRAL COAST WINERIES GETTING THERE The Central Coast is serviced by an extensive road system as well as a combination of bus and rail providing public transport for the population. The region is also has a number of taxis operated by Central Coast Taxis. BY ROAD The main access to the Central Coast by road is by the 127 kilometres (79 mile) Sydney-Newcastle Freeway (National Highway 1), named here the F3 Freeway. It provides a fast road link between Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. BY RAIL CityRail's Newcastle & Central Coast line services the western area, with the principal station at Gosford, connecting with most bus services and taxis. Trains terminate at both Gosford and Wyong stations which are also utilised by the far-reaching CountryLink network. LOCAL BUS The Central Coast is serviced by three separate private bus operators.
ACCOMMODATION SEARCH: Select type, then click the button below for Central Coast Accommodation |