We Asked a Local For the Inside Scoop on a Central Coast Adventure Weekend

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work, and play. We pay our respects to Darkinjung Country, and Elders past and present. We recognise the continued connection to these lands and waterways and extend this acknowledgement to the homelands and stories of those who also call this place home. We recognise our future leaders and the shared responsibility to care for and protect our place and people. 

Welcome to my hometown! The proverbial lovechild between Sydney and Newcastle – the NSW Central Coast. Leave your shoes at the end of the freeway and come on in, we like to take it slow and smell the roses here. However, when we aren’t relaxing we’re making the most of Mother Nature.

I’ve been around these blocks for 30 years, so I know a secret spot or two. Be my guest and take my hand on this exclusive local guide to my favourite places in the world.

Read more: The Central Coast’s 9 Most Unique Stays

Flour and Co Cafe and Bakery for Coffee & Treats

Instagram: @flourandco_
Location: Toowoon Bay

If you know me, every adventure must begin with coffee and snacks. My local caffeination destination is Flour and Co. Located toward the northern end of the coast, this hole-in-the-wall cafe has been a part of the Picot family for 30 years.

On any given day you can find my mates, and the owners, Grace and Tim behind the coffee machine pumping out some of the best brews you can get your hands on.

‘You’re always welcomed by good tunes as you walk in, followed by a friendly staff member who will always say hello’, mentions owner Grace Picot, (an absolute epitome of sunshine in human form).

The staff here are like one big family, which comes through in the product and is especially mirrored in the coffee. My recommendation is to grab some freshly baked sourdough for the road, a famous Cali Burrito, and the pièce de résistance – the Flour and Co Vanilla Slice.

Frazer Park for a Hike & Swim

Location: Munmorah State Conservation Area

This is an absolutely underrated part of the Central Coast – Frazer Park. This one is a bit of a secret spot of mine for a quiet cave dive or a spot of whale spotting.

Read more: The 20 Best Beaches on the NSW Central Coast (According to a Local)

The Munmorah State Conservation Area hosts some pristine walks, beaches, lookouts, and campgrounds for a beautifully well-rounded getaway with plenty to do in a neatly-compact area. Frazer in particular has some awesome beach breaks for surfing as well as multiple cave systems to explore.

Bring a fishing rod and catch your dinner to cook up camp-style at the Frazer Campground. Thanks to the remoteness, the stars here on a clear night are unforgettable.

Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures for Kayaking & Abseiling

Location: Glenworth Valley

Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures has built an awesome reputation as a one-stop destination for outdoor experiences on the Central Coast.

I used to camp here when I was about five years old. Sometimes holidays only hold magic when you’re a kid – yet the times I’ve revisited Glenworth as an adult, the place has continued to regenerate itself and become more and more enjoyable.

Read more: Best Stops on a Central Coast Hinterland Road Trip

With an insane range of activities to choose from, including quad biking, axe throwing, and horse riding, the hardest part is choosing your itinerary for the day.

‘This is a great avenue for people, especially adults who fall into a comfortable way of living’, says our ever-so wise guide Blake Edwards. ‘We see it as a safe way for them to push their boundaries and to see how capable they truly are.’

So pushing my own boundaries, I signed up for a day of kayaking and abseiling. The 2.5 hour kayaking river eco-tour allowed me to navigate my own way through the tranquil waterways of Glenworth Valley.

With my knowledgeable guide, Blake, we took in the views as we followed the river bends. You can also team up with a mate for a good laugh in one of the double kayaks.

The abseiling site was a quick drive from the main entry, showcasing a gorgeous view of the whole valley as we strapped in for three different level descents (5m, 8m and 15m). It was so fun to swing into the cave on the third route!

This is a really efficient way to get exposure to open rock walls and use that adrenaline to conquer some fears.

Bouddi Coastal Walk for Whale Watching

Location: Bouddi National Park

Now this one is close to my heart. The Bouddi Coastal Walk, and the entirety of this national park, is one of my favourite places, not just on the Central Coast, but in the world. It’s remained immaculately mesmerising over the years, and now after a huge upgrade to the track, this walk boasts enhanced safety features and boardwalks.

The entire Bouddi Coastal Walk is 8.5km one-way, about four hours total or you can break it up into smaller sections should you wish to take it easy. You can also just walk from the Maitland Bay car park down and back for a quick swim.

Between June and August, tens of thousands of Humpback and Southern Right whales make their way north, along this coastline, to warmer waters. Gerrin Point Lookout is the perfect spot to keep your eyes and ears peeled for these majestic creatures.

Make sure you bring your camera to capture the wildlife and some snacks to enjoy this stunning part of the Central Coast.

Read more: Bouddi Coastal Walk – How To Hike the Central Coast’s Best Cliffs

Girrakool Falls Loop Trail & Somersby Falls for Waterfall Hikes

Location: Brisbane Water National Park

Of course I’m going to include my favourite waterfalls, because every good hike should end with some kind of natural water to cool you off. The two waterfall trails here are both easy access and about five minutes apart.

Somersby Falls has always been a meditative relaxation spot for me after work, exercise or a stressful day. A quick 100m walk from the car park, you can explore the different levels of the falls and even bring a little picnic or a book to enjoy the natural soundscape.

Read more: Somersby Falls Has Officially Reopened With An Array Of New Facilities

The Girrakool Falls Loop Track offers a quick 2km loop that passes by Indigenous rock art and a perfect picnic spot to settle in and soak up the peace of the running falls.

On hotter days, these two areas are great for escaping the heat, but I love to duck under the running falls here all year round for the ultimate cold water exposure therapy! Free ice bath? Thanks Mother Nature.

Keyo International Surfboards for Your Next Shreddin’ Machine

Instagram: @keyointl
Location: Kincumber

Ask anyone on the coast what their favourite thing is about living there, and one word that you’ll hear is ‘community’. If you’re an ocean lover and surfer like me, you’ll be passionate about our local folk and the characters around town that run their own ocean-related businesses.

Read more: Surfing Slang 101

Keyo International is an Australian surfboard heritage brand that’s been around since 1959! The factory, showroom, and shaping bays located in Kincumber are well-worth a peek, and are run by the coolest couple, Johnny and Vanessa.

I can’t remember the last time I road tripped without my Keyo boards alongside me. These boards last decades and champion the value of true craftsmanship that has been handed down through three generations.

If you’re interested in vintage surfcraft, seeing how surfboards are made or maybe want a beautiful custom board for yourself, Keyo is the ultimate hive for surfers as a pioneering cornerstone in Australian surf history.

Johnny Tapas for Dinner

Instagram: @johnnytapas
Location: Norah Head

Heading back up to the northern end of the Central Coast, Norah Head is home to many great local cafes and restaurants – a favourite of mine being Johnny Tapas.

Here the specialty cocktails are shaken fresh, the woodfire pizza is to die for, and the brisket has been cooking for 16 hours, just for you. *Trying not to drool on keyboard*

Chef and owner Sid welcomed us in and the smell of fresh pizza dough and was calling our name. Johnny Tapas also partners with Coast Hands, an organisation that aims to feed those in need and foster our beautiful community here on the Central Coast.

If you’re there for dinner, I recommend the brisket tacos, mediterranean vego pizza, and slow-cooked pork belly bites. Yum!

Now you have the inside scoop of my favourite spots on the Central Coast, the place I call home. All of this is around an hour from both Sydney and Newcastle, with plenty of action to choose from. All the more reason to make the Central Coast your next weekend destination for adventure, community, food, and vibrant front row seats to Mother Nature herself.

Read more: Central Coast Itineraries for Hikers, Bikers, & Road Trippers