Where is the Best Easter Escape on Central Coast

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Posted 2012-03-14 by Ivana Katz ⇒ follow

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Easter is just around the corner and if you are thinking of getting away for a few days, it's time to book your escape.

NSW Central Coast, which is just an hour north of Sydney and south of Newcastle offers a world of beautiful coastlines, golden beaches, calm lakes, evergreen national parks and lively coastal towns.

With around 30 beaches, the region is perfect for those who enjoy water sports - swimming, surfing, cruising, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, diving and fishing.

But there is more to Central Coast than sun, sand and surf – award winning golf courses, national parks, horse riding and an outdoor adventure centre, the Australian Reptile park, Ken Duncan gallery – Australia's largest panoramic photo gallery, markets, shopping centres… and so much more.

For families travelling with young children, you will find plenty of playgrounds at the following locations: Avoca Beach , Copacabana Beach , Davistown, East Gosford, Gosford, Erina, Empire Bay, Green Point, Kariong, Kincumber, Patonga, Pearl Beach, The Entrance , Umina Beach , Woy Woy and many more.

Most of the playgrounds also have toilets, picnic tables and shade and some also have BBQs and cafes nearby. For more information about playgrounds in the area check out this website.

National Parks found in the region include:

Bouddi National Park
Suitable for camping, BBQs, bushwalking, swimming, fishing, wheelchair accessible

Brisbane Water National Park
Suitable for camping, BBQs, bushwalking, fishing, swimming, canoeing

Dharug National Park
Suitable for camping, wheelchair accessible, BBQs, bushwalking, cycling, swimming, canoeing

Munmorah State Conservation Area
Suitable for camping, caravanning, BBQs, bushwalking, boating, fishing, swimming, diving, wheelchair accessible, canoeing

Popran National Park
Suitable for canoeing, horseriding, bushwalking, swimming

Wyrrabalong National Park
Suitable for bushwalking, BBQs, swimming, fishing

Yengo National Park
Suitable for bushwalking, camping, BBQs, cycling, boating

The most stunning beaches you will find on Central Coast include:

Umina Beach – patrolled beach, toilets, parking, surf club

Ocean Beach – patrolled beach, pets allowed in selected areas, toilets, BBQs, parking, surf club

Ettalong Beach – BBQs, toilets, parking

Killcare Beach – patrolled beach, toilets, parking, surf club

MacMasters Beach – patrolled beach, toilets, BBQs, toilets, surf club

Copacabana Beach – patrolled beach, pets allowed in selected areas, toilets, parking, surf club

Avoca Beach – patrolled beach, toilets, BBQs, parking, surf club

Terrigal Beach – patrolled beach, toilets, BBQs, parking, surf club

Forresters Beach – pets allowed, toilets, BBQs, parking

Shelly Beach – patrolled beach, pets allowed in selected areas, toilets, BBQs, parking, surf club

Toowoon Bay – patrolled beach, pets allowed in selected areas, toilets, parking, surf club

The Entrance – patrolled beach, pets allowed in selected areas, toilets, BBQs, parking, surf club

Soldiers Beach – patrolled beach, toilets, parking, surf club

Lakes Beach – patrolled beach, pets allowed in selected areas, toilets, parking, surf club

Keeping fingers crossed that the Easter weather will put on a good show, but if it doesn't here are some ideas on what to do when the sky's not blue …

Gosford Regional Gallery – Features a diverse exhibition program, kids' workshops and café

Ken Duncan Gallery – Imagery of Australia and beyond from renowned panoramic photographer, café on site

Toowoon Bay Gallery – Exhibiting original artworks by NSW artists, limited editions of Norman Lindsay etchings and a range of unusual gifts

Australian Reptile Park – Award winning indoor exhibits Spider World and Lost World of Reptiles as well as daily wildlife shows

Bateau Bay Ten Pin Bowling – Enjoy a family favourite, café on site

Erina Ice Arena – Kids can enjoy world class ice skating facilities, while parents partake in retail therapy

Grommets Kids World in Diggers - Indoor play centre with soft play area for toddlers, jumping castle, air hockey table and café for parents

Kids HQ - Indoor family entertainment centre with Mega Maze, Cannonball Battle, Jumping Castle, Toddler's Play Zone, Sports Zone, Party Room and café on site

Peninsula Leisure Centre
Indoor pool, health club, spa, sauna, crèche, children's play area and café

Avoca Beach Picture Theatre
A boutique beachside theatre presenting festivals, events and quality arthouse and mainstream films.

Cinema Paradiso
Boutique picture theatre presenting a wide range of popular films

Central Coast also offers a range of excellent dining experiences – from coffee and cake to fish and chips, fresh produce to fine dining at waterfront locations with magnificent views. Some of the most popular places include:

Pearls on the Beach – an elegant white beach house offering relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, fully licensed and BYO wine

The Sanctuary Café – serving fresh local season food favouring organic produce and featuring daily bake cakes, sandwiches and light meals

Montis Ashore – a popular seafood restaurant serving freshly cooked fish and chips

Caroline Bay Brasserie & Functions – available for casual dining and offers relaxed indoor dining overlooking the main Art Gallery or the outdoor terraces overlooking Edogawa Japanese Gardens

The Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant – Located on the shores of Brisbane this place offers uninterrupted water views, award winning service and exquisite modern Australian cuisine

Onda Restaurant – Overlooking Terrigal lagoon and beach, this restaurant offers European cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere

The Cowrie – Offers stunning views over Terrigal, friendly professional service and outdoor dining area.

Whether you are looking for a beachside escape or a carefree family holiday, accommodation options in the area are endless. Choose from private cottages, secluded beach bungalows, 5 star B&Bs, motels, hotels, luxurious resorts, self contained apartments and caravan parks. For more information on accommodation, go to Visit Central Coast.

Where on the Central Coast will you escape these Easter holidays?