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Aerial view over Gosford and its waterfront on the Central Coast

Local events · Attractions · Places to explore

Things to do in Central Coast

Find things to do in Central Coast. Explore local events, attractions, markets and family activities, with dates, places and prices.

Public listings checked 25/10/2026. Dates use each event’s local time. Check organiser details before travelling.

Explore the region

Explore the NSW Central Coast's beaches, waterways and towns. This is separate from Sydney and Lake Macquarie; each listing shows its local community.

Listings across Avoca Beach, Bateau Bay, Erina, Ettalong Beach, Gosford, Long Jetty, Terrigal, The Entrance, Tuggerah, Umina Beach, Wyong.

Upcoming events

18 matching events listed in the next 60 days. Admission prices are shown where supplied.

Classes & Workshops

Life Drawing at Bar Toto Ettalong

Sun, 25 Oct, 3:30 pm AEDT

Ettalong Beach · From $35

Curious about life drawing? Been sketching for years? Just after a fun time out with friends? The Tipsy Sketching Club is the place to be! Set in Ettalong's favourite cocktail bar, join The Tipsy Sketching Club for a couple of hours of sipping, snacking and sketching with some fun and frivolity thrown into the mix. The life drawing session runs for approximately two-hours with a range of timed poses from 2-25 minutes, and breaks for drinks, food, sharing and laughing. Drawing materials can be supplied, however if you have your own - bring them! All mediums and artistic abilities welcome.

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Food & Drink

Ettalong Diggers Lunch Cruise

Sun, 25 Oct, 3:30 pm AEDT

Ettalong Beach · From $33

It's Back! The Ettalong Lunch Cruise Has Relaunched! Your favourite coastal day trip is ready to set sail again! Join them for a scenic 30-minute ferry ride from Palm Beach to beautiful Ettalong Beach, followed by a relaxing lunch at Ettalong Diggers with unbeatable views of Broken Bay and Lion Island.

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Food & Drink

Bottomless Sessions at Pocket Bar

Sun, 25 Oct, 4:00 pm AEDT

Terrigal · Free admission

Bottomless Sessions is available at Pocket Bar, Stitch Bar and Button Bar, each offering their own take on the experience with a unique food and drinks menu at every venue. Enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless food paired with free-flowing select cocktails, beers and wines, tailored to the vibe of each space. Bookings are essential and must be prepaid online. Choose your venue, explore the menu, and lock in your session. Strict T&Cs and RSA apply.

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Live Music & Concerts

The High Kings: Rocky Road To Dublin Tour - Wyong

Sun, 25 Oct, 8:00 pm AEDT

Wyong · Check price with organiser

Ireland's leading folk group, The High Kings, are set to excite fans once again with the announcement of their Rocky Road Tour. As global ambassadors of Irish heritage and storytelling, The High Kings have consistently brought the timeless tradition of folk music to audiences worldwide, earning them chart-topping success and widespread acclaim. With their signature blend of classic tradition and modern edge, The Rocky Road Tour promises to be a vibrant showcase of Irish culture, energy, and musicality.

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Food & Drink

Golden Hour in Meribella Bar

Mon, 26 Oct, 12:00 am AEDT

Terrigal · Check price with organiser

The Meribella Bar invites you to unwind in style, a sophisticated lounge with ambient energy, expertly crafted cocktails and panoramic ocean views. Meet in Meribella Bar where you can settle in for the golden hour of the day when the sunset shifts the hues of the sparkling ocean to gold, from 5pm–6pm daily. The Golden Hour menu presents, a handcrafted selection of Martinis and Margaritas, reimagined the Meribella way. Thoughtfully balanced, beautifully presented, and at a special price! If cocktails aren't your preference, Golden Hour also features a selection of wines and tap beer. Settle in, raise a glass, and let golden hour unfold.

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Live Music & Concerts

Live Music: Little Quirks ‘She’s Wild’ Australian Tour

Tue, 27 Oct, 7:30 am AEDT

Gosford · From $25

Australian Indie-rock powerhouse band, Little Quirks announce their upcoming Summer National Headline Tour to promote their new 'edgier and witchy' album, 'She's Wild'. Little Quirks are ready to reign Australia's music scene with their much talked-about, explosive, high-energy live shows across the country. Fronted by sisters Abbey and Mia, and backed by Jordan Rouse and newest member Lachlan Raeside, the band have built a reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts on the circuit. Little Quirks are now set to unveil their rockiest record to date. 'She's Wild' will be released, with lead singer Abbey Toole saying its their rockiest and most exciting album yet. It is shaping up to be an era of Little Quirks that cannot be missed. Little Quirks have a busy time ahead with their new single 'Game Boy' dropping soon, supporting Aussie rock legends, 'Icehouse' on Sydney Harbour at the end of September, releasing their new album in October and then heading off to the UK in November for what is looking to be a sold-out tour!

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Live Music & Concerts

FunHaus Karaoke

Wed, 28 Oct, 7:00 pm AEDT

Gosford · Free admission

Sing boldly, connect brightly, celebrate community magic. Whether you've always dreamed of singing but never dared, or you're simply looking for a space to let loose and have fun, FunHaus Karaoke is your chance to shine, no pressure, just good vibes. Transform the mic into a tool for self-expression, courage, and connection, the welcoming crowd is here to cheer you on, whether you're belting out a ballad, rapping your favourite verse, or trying karaoke for the very first time. Bring your friends, bring your voice, and experience the magic of music bringing people together. You don't have to be perfect, you just have to be you.

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Live Music & Concerts

The Exploding Universe Of Ed Kuepper

Thu, 29 Oct, 7:30 pm AEDT

Avoca Beach · Check price with organiser

This year marks the 50th year as a recording artist for legendary Australian musician Ed Kuepper. To celebrate he is taking to the road with The Exploding Universe (of Ed Kuepper) a full band performance featuring the added talents of drummer Mark Dawson, bassist Peter Oxley, keyboard player Alister Spence and brass arranger Eamon Dilworth as they tackle material from right across Ed's illustrious 50-year career. From the release of The Saints epochal 7" (I'm) Stranded in August 1976, via the genre-defying Laughing Clowns, an ARIA award winning solo career spanning some 30+ stand alone albums/compilations and live recordings, side journeys into The Aints, The Aints! and movie soundtracks plus continued sonic exploration via collaborations with Dirty Three drummer Jim White and jazznerds Asteroid Ekosystem, to a recent world tour back where is all began with The Saints '73-'78; Ed Kuepper has forged, flourished and conquered the recorded medium many times over.

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Live Music & Concerts

Gosford Comedy Club

Fri, 30 Oct, 7:30 pm AEDT

Gosford · From $30

Gosford Comedy Club is here to deliver fresh, clever stand up that'll have you cackling, snorting, and wiping away tears of joy. We're a feel-good, inclusive space where the jokes are sharp, the vibes are unbeatable, and everyone feels right at home. Get ready for comedy chaos. Stay tuned on the FunHaus Factory Facebook page and website for each month's headliners and guest performers. This is an 18-plus event in a fully accessible venue.

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Live Music & Concerts

Katy Steele - This Is Me, Undressed

Fri, 30 Oct, 8:00 pm AEDT

Avoca Beach · Check price with organiser

Following a successful national run of Undressed shows earlier this year and the release of her limited-edition Undressed album, Katy Steele is taking her intimate live experience to regional Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. Expect a raw, unfiltered performance with Katy stripped bare on stage. In an intimate duo setting, the songs are returned to their purest form- voice, piano, guitar and nothing to hide behind. Known for the soaring anthems of Little Birdy and the richly layered production of her solo work, Katy returns to where every song begins, revealing the heart of the music in its purest form. The Undressed album is a conscious unravelling of everything Katy has released before, featuring stripped-back interpretations of songs from her solo catalogue, beloved Little Birdy favourites, and timeless covers including Patti Smith's Because The Night, Lou Reed's Perfect Day, and Michael Jackson's Ben. Honest, immersive and moving, This Is Me, Undressed invites audiences into a rare live experience where every lyric, every story and every note takes centre stage. Raw. Honest. Unfiltered

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Markets & Expos

Long Jetty Markets

Sat, 31 Oct, 9:00 am AEDT

Long Jetty · Free admission

Discover one of the Central Coast's favourite waterfront markets at Long Jetty Markets, a vibrant monthly shopping and lifestyle experience set along the beautiful shores of Tuggerah Lake in Long Jetty, New South Wales. Bringing together approximately 130 stalls, Long Jetty Markets showcases an exciting mix of talented local makers, independent designers, artisan products, handmade gifts, homewares, fashion, jewellery and unique finds. Visitors can enjoy delicious street food, freshly brewed coffee and sweet treats while exploring the colourful market stalls and soaking up the relaxed coastal atmosphere. With its picturesque lakeside setting, welcoming community feel and fantastic variety of small businesses, Long Jetty Markets is a wonderful destination for families, friends, locals and visitors exploring the Central Coast. Make a day of it by discovering the nearby Long Jetty cafés, boutique shops and beautiful waterfront surroundings. Proudly organised by Browse Events, Long Jetty Markets celebrates creativity, community and the joy of shopping small.

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Food & Drink

Gosford Silent Book Club

Sat, 31 Oct, 12:00 pm AEDT

Gosford · Free admission

Welcome to Silent Book Club, the newest gathering spot for readers who love books, quiet company, and cosy vibes. Unlike traditional book clubs, there's no assigned reading, no deadlines, and definitely no need to have something clever to say. Just bring whatever you're reading, ebooks, audiobooks, graphic novels, you name it, and settle in. It all began in San Francisco back in 2012, when friends Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich met up at a local bar to read in peaceful companionship. They loved reading, but didn't love the stress that often came with typical book clubs. So they created something different, a space to read together quietly, with no expectations, just books, friends, and maybe a drink or two. Now, that spirit is coming to Gosford, hosted at the wonderfully eclectic FunHaus Factory. Here, you can grab a drink, order some yummy food from Beaus Burgers and share what you're reading if you feel like it, and then spend an hour immersed in your book, surrounded by fellow book lovers. Silent Book Club is for everyone. It's bring your own book, and always free to attend. Whether you're a lifelong reader or just getting back into it, this is your space to relax, unplug, and connect in the real world.

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Attractions and places to visit

26 places in this selection. Opening hours, access and admission vary; check the place details.

Staff assistance available for new skaters

Image: Erina Ice Arena

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Erina Ice Arena

Erina

Erina Ice Arena is a vibrant indoor recreational facility designed for the community to enjoy ice skating with their friends and family. Their public sessions provide the perfect opportunity for anyone to experience ice skating - escape from the heat in Summer, or embrace the cold for a complete Winter experience. Perhaps you want a bit more of an upbeat experience? Their Disco sessions will fit the brief. Ice Hockey games and Figure Skating Performances are scheduled from time to time throughout the year.

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A lush oasis at Distillery Botanica

Image: Distillery Botanica

Parks and Gardens

Distillery Botanica

Erina

Distillery Botanica is a hidden gem on the NSW Central Coast, where award-winning spirits are crafted amongst beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can wander the fragrant grounds, sample gins and liqueurs in the tasting room, or enjoy a seasonal cocktail while taking in the garden views. The distillery hosts a range of hands-on workshops and experiences from 'Distill Your Own Gin' and cocktail classes to creative Sip and Paint or Clay and Sip events making it a must-visit destination for spirit lovers and experience seekers alike. A visit to Distillery Botanica offers more than just a tasting, it's an immersive experience celebrating Australian botanicals, creativity, and craftsmanship.

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CCMDC's Interactive Touch Pool

Image: Supplied by Destination Central Coast x Bianchi Photography

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre

Terrigal

Discover the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre: where education meets adventure! Located on the stunning Central Coast of New South Wales, the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre offers an immersive and interactive exploration of the marine environments. With hands-on exhibits, innovative aquariums, and educational trails, there’s something to captivate visitors of all ages. Children and teenagers can enjoy puzzles, colouring, painting, sea life quizzes, and microscopes, while adults and groups can book expert-led tours tailored for schools, seniors, families, and more. Whether you’re visiting during the school holidays or planning a special outing, the Centre provides engaging activities and workshops that inspire a love for marine conservation. Explore, learn, and be inspired at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre – a must-visit for families and nature enthusiasts.

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Location is amazing

Amusement and Theme Parks

Aquafun Avoca Lake

Avoca Beach

Discover the ultimate outdoor adventure at Aquafun Avoca Lake, a top Central Coast attraction you simply can't miss! Dive into an array of water activities with our vast selection of pedalboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards available for hire. Nestled on the scenic shores of Avoca Lake, this expansive coastal lagoon boasts an enchanting island, numerous bays, and captivating wetlands waiting to be explored. Unwind in the picturesque park setting, complete with shady picnic spots and barbecue areas, perfect for a leisurely day out. Just a short 100-metre stroll from the vibrant Avoca Beach shops and cafes, you'll also find a children's playground, an oval, and the stunning surf beach. Make unforgettable memories at Aquafun Avoca Lake, where adventure and relaxation seamlessly blend. Aquafun is a great Central Coast activity suitable for the whole family.

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Avoca Lake

Natural Attractions

Avoca Lake

Avoca Beach

Nestled between the coastal settlements of North Avoca and Avoca Beach, Avoca Lake is an intermittently closed estuarial lagoon, catering to a variety of recreational activities. Located in the Central Coast region of NSW, Avoca is only a 1.5-hour trip from Sydney, making it the idyllic day trip from the city. There is a large island in the middle and many bays to explore the coastal wetlands, and a fisherman's paradise, with catches including bream, whiting, flathead, estuarial perch and the elusive mangrove jack. The waters are perfectly safe for a relaxing swim, canoe or kayak, with companies like Aquafun on Avoca Lake offering fun adventure activities to try on the waterway playground. You can also hire pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards, which make for great fun for all the family. Relax under the hanging fig trees at the picnic area and enjoy a barbecue lunch. Avoca Lake is ideally located close to the beach and shops in the centre of town. The area encompasses some of NSW's most exquisite surf beaches, woodlands, lagoons and lakes.

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Avoca Beach

Image: From Above Images

Natural Attractions

Avoca Beach

Avoca Beach

Avoca Beach is a major Central Coast holiday and surfing area. It's situated among a residential coastline of wooded hills, beaches and lakes. Avoca Beach on the Central Coast features rocky headlands at each end of a long, golden beach. Popular as a holiday destination, especially for families, it has a vibrant surf culture and a relaxed and friendly ambience. There are lot of things to do, including fishing, beach walking, exploring the nearby parks and headlands, and simply relaxing in a quiet place. Professional Central Coast lifeguards patrol Avoca Beach from Monday until Friday. During weekends and on a Public Holidays these locations are patrolled by Surf Life Saving volunteers. For beach patrol dates and times, please see the website. There is a dog off from View Street to the Shark Tower. People with a disability will now find it easier to access Avoca Beach with a Sand Cruiser and a Hippocampe (Adult Size) wheelchair available for bookings. Contact Avoca Surf Club for bookings 02 4382 1514

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Ettalong Beach

Image: Destination Central Coast

Entertainment Venues

Ettalong Beach

Ettalong Beach

Ettalong beach is a popular Central Coast enclave and a safe, fun family favourite. The beach provides a scenic breadth of activity at this waterfront town overlooking Broken Bay and Lion Island. Ettalong Beach's appeal lies in its beaches, lagoons, waterways and safe swimming for children. This popular town on the Central Coast also offers a wide range of seaside and bush accommodation. It's a renowned fishing beach, with excellent boating facilities. Ferries and charter vessels run regular tours around the majestic Brisbane Water National Park, providing scenic, fishing and whale watching experiences. There are many family friendly things to do within close reach. Visit Ocean and Umina Beaches for more than 2km of sandy beaches and an inland waterway that is great for younger children to have a splash around. Please note: Ettalong Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.

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Terrigal Beach, Terrigal

Image: Central Coast Tourism

Natural Attractions

Terrigal Beach

Terrigal

One of the best-known beaches on the Central Coast, Terrigal Beach is a cosmopolitan seaside town, popular with locals as it is with visitors. The beach offers safe swimming and has a small ocean rock pool tucked into the cliff at the southern end. Also located at the southern end of Terrigal Beach is Terrigal Haven, a protected boat harbour with a boat ramp, fishing charters, scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as picnic and barbecue facilities.

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Ocean Beach Umina

Natural Attractions

Ocean Beach Umina

Umina Beach

Ocean Beach on the Central Coast shares its shores with Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach, located on the Peninsula area of the region. With the protection of Broken Bay, you will enjoy its modest 1.3km kilometres of golden sand - the perfect combination of an ocean beach with views across the water, plus the safety of an inland waterway, which is great for family friendly swimming. This is also a dog friendly beach so you can bring your furry buddy with you to enjoy the waves. Ocean Beach has its own Surf Life Saving Club, Ocean Beach SLSC formed in 1921, and is patrolled every day from October Long Weekend until the end of April School Holidays. The Esplanade features a grassed area, kiosk, picnic tables and seating to admire the incredible view, along with BBQs and a children's playground. Parking is available at the public beachside car park and street side parking. Accessibility features include accessible parking, beach matting, beach wheelchairs, and accessible toilets.

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Mount Bouddi Walking Track

Image: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Mount Bouddi Walking Track

Gosford

Starting at Mount Bouddi (Dingeldei) picnic area, Mount Bouddi walking track is a short and easy walk through beautiful bushland with spectacular coastal views, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Bouddi National Park. With some short steep sections, this walking track leads through eucalypt woodlands dotted with grass trees and burrawangs. Watch for flashes of vibrant colour as parrots dart through the trees and listen for the uplifting laughter of the kookaburras. Before long the bush will open up with panoramic views of the coastline with Bouddi Point and Maitland Bay bombora before you. If you’ve still got energy to burn there’s the option to return via Bouddi Coastal walk to the south, then follow Maitland Bay track and Strom loop back to Mount Bouddi Road. Otherwise retrace your steps with the option to enjoy a leisurely lunch at Mount Bouddi (Dingeldei) picnic area.

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Broken Bay, Umina Beach

Image: Central Coast Tourism

Natural Attractions

Umina Beach

Umina Beach

Umina Beach is one of the Central Coast's most loved beaches, and it's easy to see why the calm shallow waters make it ideal for families and a wide range of water activities. Everything you need is close at hand, food kiosk, picnic tables, a dog friendly area on the southern end. It's welcoming beach with something for everyone to enjoy. Professional Central Coast Council Lifeguards patrol Umina Beach from Monday to Friday. During weekends and on Public Holidays these locations are patrolled by Surf Life Saving volunteers. People with a disability will now find it easier to access Umina Beach with a Sand Cruiser and a Hippocampe (suitable for young people) wheelchair available for bookings. Contact Umina Surf Club for bookings.

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Enjoying the coastal views at Crackneck Point Lookout

Image: Destination Central Coast x James Vodicka

Natural Attractions

Crackneck Point Lookout

Bateau Bay

Uncover the secret of local whale watchers and surfers at Crackneck lookout. Make a beeline for this atmospheric lookout between May and August and you may just be rewarded with views of whales swimming past on their northern migration, and surfers can check out wave conditions along the coastline. Crackneck lookout is a fantastic place for a photo stop or picnic at any time of year. Spread out a rug on the grass or set up at one of the picnic tables. You'll be surrounded by panoramic views of Shelly Beach, which continue along the Central Coast past Norah Head, Tuggerah Lake and The Entrance. It's a popular spot for hang gliding, so look up to the sky to see them drifting through the air magically.

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