The Best Beaches On Australia's Central Coast

Selecting the best beaches on the Central Coast — a glittering seaside region an hour north of Sydney — is a bit like nominating Brazil’s best footballers; narrowing down the most beautiful Victoria’s Secret models; or ranking France’s best chefs – there’s just way too many to choose from. But here’s an effort to pluck out the most gorgeous strips of sand you can find in this serene coastal paradise. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Avoca Beach

There’s something for everyone at Avoca. That’s two kilometres of golden sand for sun baking; towering Norfolk pines for those who prefer a little shade; good swells for surfers; a protected ocean rock pool for kids; craggy headlands for fishermen; and a lagoon for a sheltered splash around, too. Only an hour and a half north of Sydney, Avoca is popular with well-heeled weekenders from Sydney’s salubrious northern suburbs.

Avoca Beach, NSW 2251, Australia

Macmasters and Copacabana Beach

This unspoilt 1.5-km stretch of the Pacific — Macmasters at the southern end, Copacabana to the north — is bookended by two spectacular sandstone headlands at either end of the beach. But beware of rips – ocean currents are infamously hazardous, so always swim between the flags and keep kids in the ocean rock pool.

Macmasters Beach, NSW 2251, Australia

Terrigal Beach

The golden sand, picturesque pine trees, vibrant cafe strip and dramatic headland is exactly what makes Terrigal the most popular holiday spot on the Central Coast. It’s family-friendly, too, with lifesavers on patrol year-round and the Central Coast Surf School to teach little ones how to hang ten, as well as fishers who angle for flathead, snapper and bream offshore and in the surf.

Terrigal NSW 2260, Australia

Wamberal Beach

The Terrigal sand spans four kilometres to Wamberal Point, including a pristine beach that’s bordered by the Wamberal Lagoon nature reserve and some of the most valuable real estate in the region. Wamberal Beach is a haven for surfers seeking a challenging break, as well as swimmers and sun-bathers who want to escape the crowds at Terrigal.

Wamberal Beach, New South Wales 2260, Australia

Killcare Beach

Secluded by the Bouddi National Park and surrounded by walking trails, cycling tracks, whisper-quiet camp sites and stunning lookouts over the Pacific Ocean, Killcare Beach is some of the most tranquil coastline you can find on the Central Coast. Lace up your walking shoes and tackle the 8-km Bouddi Coastal Walk that links Putty Beach with Macmasters if you feel like going for a little exercise.

Killcare Beach, New South Wales 2257, Australia

Little Beach

Enjoy all the best aspects of Australian nature by camping at sites near Sydney, like Bouddi National Park

Not far away from Killcare is another beach nestled in Bouddi National Park — one that’s even more quiet and, as the name suggests, even smaller. Little Beach is a private cove only accessible by a 10-minute walk through a forest of gum trees, with steep cliffs on either side sheltering the tiny, hidden 100-m patch of sand.

Little Beach, Gosford NSW 2250, Australia

Shelly Beach

Not to be confused with its equally beautiful Sydney namesake, the Central Coast’s Shelly Beach is uniquely located to a golf course right next door. While the golfers are enjoying some of the best views in the area, surfers are enjoying one of the best breaks, with swells averaging 1.5 metres. Those strong currents make it trickier for swimmers.

Shelly Beach NSW 2261, Australia

Toowoon Bay

Connected to the north end of Shelly Beach by a dog walking area, Toowoon Bay is a lot friendlier for swimmers with a reef protecting this smaller, horseshoe-shaped bay. The family-friendly beach also features a grassy reserve for picnics to avoid getting sand in your sandwiches. Just remember to take your rubbish, though, because Toowoon Bay was proudly named Australia’s Cleanest Beach in 2007.

Toowoon Bay NSW 2261, Australia

Soldiers Beach

Near the town of Toukley at the northern end of the Central Coast, Soldiers Beach has been protected from urban development, flanked only by the historic Norah Head Lighthouse and the luscious Wyrrabalong National Park. Surfers flock to the consistent swell, but the water is also safe for swimmers between the flags.

Soldiers Beach, Norah Head NSW 2263, Australia

Frazer Park

Pass through the Entrance — another busy holiday hotspot — to arrive at one of the Central Coast’s best kept secrets, a golden strip of sand hidden in the Munmorah State Conservation Area. Connected to a serene campground and lagoon, Frazer Park is as unspoiled as it gets. And if you feel like getting even more natural yourself, strip off at nearby nudist hub Birdie Beach.

Frazer Park NSW 2259, Australia

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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