Road Trip to The Entrance

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Posted 2020-08-13 by Gypsy Rose ⇒ follow

Believed to be first discovered in 1796 by the Europeans, and occupied by Henry Holden in 1828, The Entrance is not just packed with rich history and heritage, it is also a popular coastal holiday destination since 1885 when the first guest house was established.

The Entrance is nestled between the calm waters of Tuggerah Lake and the glistering Pacific Ocean, making it an aquatic wonderland as well as a nature lover's haven with its surrounding lush native Australian bushland and National Parks.

With numerous activities, watersports, cycle and walking trails, fresh seafood, and much more things to do, see and experience, The Entrance is the ultimate road trip for families, couples, and a short weekend getaway escape.

The Entrance is located at the stunning Central Coast of New South Wales and is approximately an hour and a half drive from Sydney CBD. The drive is via the M1 (Pacific Highway) and passes many attractions and suburbs/towns including Gosford.

If you are coming from Newcastle, The Entrance is around 1hr drive via Pacific Highway.

Please note with COVID-19 still present some attractions may be closed- please check the attraction website to avoid disappointment.

Detour Stops and Attractions:

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Australian Reptile Park

Strickland State Forest

Walkabout Wildlife Park

Somersby Falls

Terrigal Beach

Attractions at The Entrance:

1. Feeding the Pelicans:

This must-do activity is one of the highlights of The Entrance!
Every day from 3:15pm in Memorial Park, wild pelicans gather for an afternoon feed (feed by volunteers). It is such a delight to sit back and watch these magnificent birds feast. It is a unique and amusing activity the whole family will love.

Click here for the website.

2. The Entrance Coast to Lake Walk:

This gorgeous scenic walk covers 7.6kms of the region and is divided into four sections. Each section covers a different perspective of The Entrance. Parts 1,3 and 4 are fully accessible and suited for most fitness levels, including being a wheelchair, pram and bicycle accessible. Section 2 features walking on rock platforms and requires beach access.

Click here for the website.

3. Vera's Water Garden.

This family-friendly attraction allows the little ones to splash around the pool and have fun under the water fountains.

Click here for the website.

4. Tuggerah Lakes Cycleway (and Walkway)

This spectacular 12km shared path winds its way around the stunning Tuggerah Lake, travelling between Chittaway Bay and Magenta. The walk passes many beautiful scenery and attractions including the Saltwater Creek Boardwalk .

Click here for the website.

5. Long Jetty

Hence its name, Long Jetty is the longest jetty in New South Wales. This 104-year-old jetty spans out over the calm shallow waters of Tuggerah Lake and is the sister Jetty to Watkins and Parrys Jetties, that are two other long jetties.

Click here for the website.

6. Memorial Park

This Oceanside Park is home to lush green open spaces, walking paths, children's playground, and near the Pelican Feeding. It is also home to the Tony Sheridan Walk, carousel, the Vera's Water Garden, markets, and more.

Click here for the website.

7. The Entrance Beach

This 300-metre patrolled beach (during school holidays) is located at the end of the Boardwalk, and it makes the perfect family-friendly beach, as well as surfing.

Click here for the website.

8. The Entrance Market

This Market is held every Saturday and showcases a wide range of fresh food, hot food, fashion and accessories stalls, pet food, and more.

Click here for the website.

9. The Historic Carousel

In the early 1900s, the carousel arrived in Australia from France, and since 1930, this attraction has been one of the best entertainment activities at The Entrance.

Click here for the website.

10. The Entrance Baths

This Heritage-listed outdoor attraction comprises of three ocean pools which are located at the southern end of THE Entrance Beach on Ocean Parade.

11. The Sensory Gardens

These gorgeous gardens feature native trees and plants, a viewing platform that overlooks the spectacular Tuggerah Lakes, walking paths, bridges, shelters and seats. The Gardens is a sensory aspect, allowing people with no sight being able to feel, touch and smell the Australian bush.

Click here for the website.

Attractions Nearby:

1. Wyrrabalong National Park

Home to 1,475 acres (597 hectares), this National Park is divided into two separate access sections. The northern end stretches from the shore of Tuggerah Lake, Tuggerah Beach and Pelican Point. It also coves the dune system that separates the lake from the beach.

The southern section is smaller and runs down the coast from Bateau Bay to Forresters Beach.

The National Park offers a wide range of attractions including Crackneck Lookout , walking trails, water-based activities, birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities, and more.

Click here for the website.

2. Norah Head

Norah Head is home to natural beauty galore. You will find a wide range of outdoor activities to suit all ages and interest including rainforest walks, mountain biking adventures, Heritage-listed Norah Head Lighthouse, beaches, whale watching vantage points, and more.

Click here for the website.

3. Norah Head Lighthouse

This Heritage-listed Lighthouse not just offers breathtaking views; it is also home to unique coastal accommodation, lighthouse tours (suspended due to COVID-19), access to Lighthouse Beach and walking trails.

Click here for the website.

5. Gosford Edogawa Commemorative Garden

Located in Gosford near the Gosford Regional Gallery, this beautiful and tranquil Garden is home to 4,000m2 if meandering pathways, a Japanese pavilion that overlooks the Koi pond, raked dry stone garden, and traditional Japanese teahouse.

Click here for the website.

6. Brisbane Water National Park

This National Park is located near Gosford and is home to an array of nature activities including spectacular walking trails, cycling tracks, fishing spots, ancient Aboriginal rock engraving site, birdwatching and wildlife spotting opportunities, and much more.

Highlights at the National Park include Staples Lookout and the gorgeous Somersby Falls .

Click here for the website.

7. Mt Penang Gardens

This breathtaking and tranquil nature attraction is home to peaceful surroundings including Wondabyne Stone Sculpture Garden, walking trails, lookouts, open lawn spaces, picnic spots, garden displays and exhibits, and much more.

Click here for the website.

8. Beaches nearby

Beaches include Toowoon Bay which is perfect for families due to the calm waters and lifeguard patrol. Blue Bay beach is a secluded unpatrolled beach, and other beaches include surfing beach Shelly Beach, North Entrance Beach, Forresters Beach and Soldiers Beach.