day tripping : three day trips on the central coast of nsw

The Central Coast is an easy 90 minute drive from Sydney which makes it the perfect day-trip destination. I’ve lived here for most of my life and whilst its always been renowned for beautiful beaches and bushland it’s only in the past couple of years that the cafe department has become noteworthy. Young, passionate foodies have opened inspiring spaces where damn good coffee and healthy food are staples. These cafes are the perfect pit-stop after a wander through the national park, a morning at the rock pool or a market meander.

Thanks to Kidspot Voices 2014 and Ford I’ve played tourist in my hometown over the past few weeks. I’ve driven the contemporary, zippy and incredibly fuel efficient Ford Ecosport Titanium (with all the mod cons like bluetooth, keyless entry and Ford sync) across the length and breadth of the coast, creating three different day trips for Sydneysiders (all suitable for singles, couples and families). If you find yourself with a spare day and fancy a drive, why not head north? Make sure you take the Gosford exit and from there…the choice is all yours.

day trip #1: crackneck lookout / long jetty park / the glass onion society / the entrance

Crackneck Lookout is an iconic coastie spot; perfect for checking the surf, spotting whales or taking a picturesque bushwalk. I highly recommend The Coastal Walk, especially in spring when the wildflowers are out – it’s ideal for families as they track weaves in and out of open, vast space and narrow, flower-lined tunnels.

Drive five minutes north and you can’t miss Long Jetty Park (the older version with the rocket is on one side of the road while a more contemporary, fenced-in play area is on the opposite side). An impressive park is always a godsend on a family drive and this one won’t disappoint.

The Glass Onion Society was, some may say, the catalyst for the gentrification of Long Jetty. Perhaps that’s going a little far but honestly, when this hipster space opened the young folk on the coast started to pay attention to the little suburb named after its very long jetty. Since then a plethora of vintage boutiques have opened their doors (you must pop in to Dapper Darlings) and fibro shacks are being renovated everywhere you turn. Aside from its impressive aesthetics, The Glass Onion Society makes fabulous coffee and really, really good food. There’s always a vinyl record playing and you’ll never run out of reading material.

Once you’ve filled up on lunch why not drive further north to The Entrance. Renowned for its slightly kitsch but oh-so-fun water fountain park, this suburb is abound with fish and chips shops, ice-cream vendors and, well, Pelicans (they get fed daily at 3:30pm). It’s the perfect way to spend and afternoon before you head south on the freeway.

day trip #2: piccolo pear / kincumber mountain / like minds / avoca beach markets / avoca rock pool

Piccolo Pear is located in the laneway behind East Gosford shops (in the same warehouse-style building as Oomph cafe). It’s the perfect place to enjoy morning tea whilst browsing the wares; there’s a fantastic children’s section and an abundance of beautiful, rustic-inspired homewares. I doubt you’ll leave empty handed. (note: if the homemade lamingtons are available buy one and enjoy it with your coffee – they’re amazing!).

Kincumber Mountain offers a variety of bush walks ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours in length. It’s a steep, windy drive up the mountain but once you’re there it’s worth it – beautiful views and enormous rocks make it the perfect spot for adults and children.

Once a 70s corner store, the humble little building on the end of The Round Drive at Avoca Beach is now home to Like Minds – one of my very favourite cafes. Owned by some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, Like Minds is all about bringing together like minded people; those who value great coffee, wholesome food made with love, homegrown goodness (there’s a thriving on-site vegie garden) and the occasional cooking/art/craft workshop. You can easily walk to Avoca Beach from the cafe….and if you travel up on the fourth Sunday of the month, walk over the bridge to….

Avoca Beachside Markets where stalls line the walkway from the paperbarks that border the lake to the town centre – everything from organic food to bespoke jewellery, children’s clothes and homewares. The products available are of the very best quality and the food is scrumptious (you must take a seat at the Wicked Fruit stand where low tables and cushions are a plenty and the strawberry ice-cream is unbelievable).

The best way to finish your day? A splash at Avoca Beach Rock Pool. A family favourite, this tidal pool is perfect for toddlers and little kids happy to splash.

day trip #3 : bouddi national park / pachamama cafe / wagstaffe / woy woy fishermen’s wharf

I’m divulging a good secret here but if you’re after an exquisite, secluded beach you can’t go past Little Beach – only accessible by foot it’s an easy 15minute bushwalk from the carpark. It’s a pretty special place and whilst the ocean can be a little rough at times there are plenty of rock pools for the kids to splash about in. If you are seeking a more arduous yet equally breathtaking walk I highly recommend the Bouddi Coastal Walk – you won’t regret it.

From Bouddi drive over the hill and take a few windy turns till you get to Hardy’s Bay, Pretty Beach and Wagstaffe – three waterside suburbs imbued with a quaint, village vibe. There’s plenty of ramshackle fisherman’s cottages to please the eye and a walk along the waterfront is one of my favourite things to do come summer (there’s also a great park if the kids need to climb). If you’re peckish stop in at Pachamama Cafe for locally roasted coffee and locally grown food (and beautiful views to boot).

A visit to the peninsula is not complete without a decadent lunch at Wow Woy Fishermen’s Wharf. Owned by the same family for three generations, the renowned restaurant recently received a styling overhaul thanks to current co-owner Xanthe Highfield (she lives above the restaurant with her husband and their baby – see the pics in the latest Frankie Spaces). The restaurant is contemporary and beautiful and yet despite its changes it hasn’t lost the ambiance it’s always been known for – welcoming, warm, relaxed. It’s the perfect way to end a day on the coast.