The Entrance Day Trip

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If a restful weekend away from Sydney is what you're after, consider driving up to The Entrance on the Central Coast. Fast becoming one of the area's popular mini-holiday destinations, The Entrance has the beaches, good food, shopping, and activities essential for a fun filled day or a relaxing weekend.

Approximately a hundred kilometres north of Sydney, The Entrance is surrounded by some of the best beaches in the Central Coast. There's North Entrance Beach - a strip frequented by those who prefer the quiet, as well as dog lovers and fishing aficionados. The beach at Toowoon Bay has been acclaimed several times as the cleanest beach and thought of as best for families; it also has a café, lots of parking, a BBQ area, and changing rooms nearby. Shelly Beach is a favourite of surfers and holidaymakers alike.

Numerous local and international food haunts dot the area: Jimbo's Seafood, famous for it's fish and chips, The Arabian Lounge , where you can enjoy Lebanese cuisine with a belly dancing show on Friday and Saturday night, Manuel's Mexican Cantina for helpings of tacos, burritos and more, and the quintessential cafés, RSLs, and hotel pubs. You can also try the recently opened Bistro Jinja at the Azzurro Blue Wharf, which specialises in Pan-Asian cuisine.

Barring extreme weather, the Sails Stage by the waterfront features musical performances every weekend. Pop, jazz, classics, and country artists are scheduled throughout the year, the schedules are available at The Entrance website . Special events are also held in the area.

If shopping is more your cup of tea, browse through the following weekend markets:

The Entrance Farmers Market held from 8am to 1 pm, every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at the Memorial Park, The Entrance offers fresh produce as well as arts and crafts items.

Waterfront Arts & Craft Markets& #8232 ;is held every Saturday& #8232 ;at the Waterfront Plaza, The Entrance, from 9am – 4pm, showcasing hand made art & craft goods, knick-knacks and souvenirs.

Lions Club Markets& #8232 ;is on every Sunday & #8232 ;at the car park behind The Entrance Cinema. On from& #8232 ; 9am – 12noon& #8232 ;the Lions Club markets sells second hand goods and specialty items.

The Entrance Art & Craft Market& #8232 ;is a small market open every Sunday& #8232 ;at Marine Parade, The Entrance,& #8232 ;selling hand made art & craft goods. Stroll through the stalls to find a special gift or personal souvenir of your stay.

If you want to explore the area's surrounds, why not bike leisurely along the shores of Tuggerah Lakes? A 12- kilometre path runs from The Entrance all the way to Chittaway Bay, with many picnic areas and parks along the way. Or if you want to enjoy the waters, boat hire is available from spring to autumn and during good weather weekends and school holidays during winter.

Of course, one's visit to The Entrance will not be complete without two of main attractions: a viewing of its famous Pelican feeding show, and participating in the Heritage Walk.

The Pelican Feeding is featured daily and for free at the waterfront area. Rain or shine, at 330pm on any given day, pelicans gather for their feeding and to give spectators an up-close and personal experience with them.

The Heritage Walk is an interesting way to learn about the history of The Entrance. Read about how The Entrance came to be and the locals who helped shape the area through information signposts strategically located throughout the area. Did you know that the first land grant in this locale was made to Henry Holden in 1828? A brochure with a listing and map guide of the sign locations is downloadable from the website. With 75 signposts, allot two hours for the Heritage Walk – not only will you get a chance to completely familiarise yourself with the area, you get to throw in exercise as well.

These are just a sampling of what The Entrance has to offer. Next time you're wondering where to spend weekend, an hour's drive north of Sydney may be just the answer.

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