The Central Coast is only a short drive from Sydney, but it feels like a whole new world.
Here, you can explore kilometres of sand and ocean, dine at world-class restaurants, and get lost in the wilderness, all in one place. With so much to see and do, you’ll be wanting to stay awhile amongst this gorgeous paradise. This list of the best places to stay on the Central Coast is perfect for your next adventure, no matter what type of holiday you’re after.
Dine and disconnect at Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific
For beachfront access and ultimate comfort, Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific takes the cake. The 199-room palatial complex has stunning ocean views, live music, a heated swimming pool with a poolside bar, a fitness centre and a range of stylishly decorated spaces to eat and drink. Enjoy your morning coffee on a private balcony, or bask in the sea breeze as the sun sets over the horizon.
The onsite Meribella restaurant is a favourite for locals and visitors alike, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and sophisticated dining experiences. Its seasonal menu takes inspiration from Mediterranean delicacies, while celebrating the best local ingredients. Choose to dine A la carte, or let Head Chef Joshua Mason take you on a six-course tasting journey, with optional wine pairings to take the evening to a whole new level.
Meribella is most well-known for its high tea, served with calming ocean views. Choose from a selection of handcrafted loose-leaf tea, velvety coffee, or even a cocktail. Every classic high tea comes with a mix of savoury and sweet delights, and there’s even a kids menu for younger diners.
Enjoy adults-only fun at Pretty Beach House
Just 90 minutes from the heart of Sydney, Pretty Beach House is the ultimate adults-only getaway. The small lodge is tucked away in the bushland of Bouddi National Park, just a short distance from the charming town of Pretty Beach.
When staying here, you will be treated to one of four private luxury pavilions, complete with bespoke furnishings, a luxury bathroom with heated flooring, an outdoor double daybed and either a fireplace or a firepit. Bookings are all-inclusive, providing access to all dining, snacks, an open bar with premium wine and spirits, and mountain bike hire to explore the surrounding landscape.
Make sure to stop by the main house, where you can explore the guest lounge and library, hand forged brass bar, wine cellar, private day spa, outdoor infinity pool and poolside pizza oven for more casual dining. Every dish is curated using ingredients from local producers and farmers, and the menu is highly personalised to suit your individual taste. At Pretty Beach House, luxury is taken to a whole new level.
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort is the ultimate family destination
Just 30 minutes from Avoca Beach, NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort is a dream for families hoping to stay on the Central Coast. Stay in a cabin or villa to enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen, private veranda, and air conditioning. Or, immerse yourself in nature at one of several cap sites, each equipped with power, water, and access to the camp kitchen.
While the accomodation is cosy and welcoming, the real standout is the resorts endless entertainment. The year-round kids club offers activities for all ages, including arts and craft and plenty of sports. Simply drop your kids off, and relax by the pool while they make memories with their friends. There are two resort-style pools to choose from, as well as an on-site cafe for delicious barista-made coffee and indulgent snacks.
For kids who love the outdoors, make sure to sign them up for the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, a thrilling outdoor challenge featuring interactive activities and obstacles with a family-focused message. From learning Morse Code to cooking damper on a fire, your little ones are guaranteed to learn valuable skills, and have fun doing it.
Embrace heritage charm at The Lighthouse
For accomodation to delight the history buffs in your life, check out Norah Head Lighthouse. Built in 1903 and rising to 27.5 metres, it’s a fully operational lighthouse perched on a dramatic headland surrounded by rock pools, walking tracks and fishing spots.
On a tour of the Central Coast icon, you will climb the 96 steps to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean while learning about the many tragic shipwrecks and fascinating tales from the region.
And if that wasn’t enough, you can even stay in one of the Lighthouse Quarters. The heritage-listed Keepers Quarters offers space for nine guests, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, a wrap-around verandah, barbecue, and ocean views from every window. From May to November, you can watch the humpback whale migration in all its glory from your front yard, or even from the comfort of your room!
Bells At Killcare combines splendour and serenity
For the ultimate blend of luxury and relaxation, stay at Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel. Here, you can stay in an architecturally designed beach lodge, featuring a rooftop sunset deck, heated magnesium pool, an outdoor rain shower, and full services.
The cottages and suites are all about the elegance of summer living, with driftwood walls and bleached linen that will transport you back to family holidays as a kid (only with a lot more sophistication). Think luxury bathrooms, a magnesium pool, ocean views, and a private veranda. Each cottage is a private sanctuary, surrounded by manicured gardens and native wilderness. All accomodation also includes a hot breakfast and log fireplace.
To complete this indulgent getaway, check out the Bells Day Spa, an elegant sanctuary offering deep meditative massages, facials, and yoga in the garden. The Therapeutic Wellbeing Massage combines Australian eucalypt muscle-melting oil with therapeutic massage techniques for relief of all muscle tightness and tension.
At the end of the day, enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired meal at The Wild Flower Bar & Dining. This on-site restaurant offers a rotating menu of seasonal dishes inspired by the kitchen gardens. Locally harvested seafood is combined with produce from the on-site orchard, olive trees, and honey-bee hives for incredible flavours every time. The wine list includes local and international drops that pair with every dish.
Deck and Spa Luxury Tiny House is perfect for couples
It doesn’t get more romantic than a private getaway in a one-bedroom chalet. This isolated, peaceful tiny house includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, sofa, and comfortable double bed. Here, you have the property completely to yourself, with free range o the tennis court, hot tub, and outdoor picnic area.
Once the sun goes down, relax with your loved one by the fire-pit, soak in the outdoor bath, or simply enjoy each other’s company surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
The home is only two kilometres from Kew Dining, a charming cafe surrounded by bushland that serves breakfast, lunch and high tea.
Embrace nature at Canton Beach Holiday Park
For an exciting holiday destination the whole family will love, stay on the Central Coast at Canton Beach Holiday Park. Choose from powered and unpowered camping sites, or take your stay to the next level in one of five self-contained cabins – the choice is yours. If you’re staying on a campsite, you’re even welcome to bring your furry friend along for the trip.
The park’s prime location means its minutes from Norah Head, Soldiers Beach, and the Australian Reptile Park. On site, you’re spoilt for choice with access to Tuggerah Lakes, where fishing and boating are always popular. The holiday park also includes playgrounds and grassed areas for the little ones, where it’s more than likely that you’ll spot a kangaroo or wallaby jumping past.
In the school holidays, Canton Beach run free activities for the kids, with standouts including move nights, scavenger hunts, art and craft workshops, and soccer days.
Beachside fun awaits at The Patonga Hotel
When staying at The Patonga Hotel, you are choosing the full beach town experience. This charming hotel is decorated with classy seaside flair, including weatherboard details, beach umbrellas and anchors. The restaurant and bar serves all your favourite pub classics, with a dedicated kids menu for the little ones. Or, opt in for a bottomless brunch, complete with Italian-style fishes, plus two hours of bottomless margaritas, Aperol spritz, house wine and beer. The package comes with complimentary ferry transfers, and a courtesy bus can be added for a small fee. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday lifestyle.
The hotel also offers three luxurious apartments with a kitchenette, private balcony and waterfront views. Enjoy breakfast in bed, live music in the evening, and explore the surrounding area for plenty of restaurants and beaches. In fact, the hotel operates a ferry service between Palm Beach and Patonga, so you can spend the day splashing in the surf and soaking up the sun. If that wasn’t enough, it’s even dog friendly.
Loving these amazing places to stay on the Central Coast? Check out the natural attractions and historic wonders awaiting you on your trip by clicking here.
