Central Coast
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Positives
- Concentration of spots
- Suits all levels
- Proximity to Sydney & Newcastle
- Top-class reefs & big wave options
Negatives
- Regular onshore sea breezes
- Good spots get crowded
- Sharky waters
- Pricey accommodation
Central Coast surf travel guide
One hour from Sydney or Newcastle the Central Coast is home to some of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches on the east coast, an attractive day-trip escape for many city dwellers and a big magnet for tourism and retirement. There's a real diversity of surf spots for surfers of all standards, from fun, pristine beachies to challenging, world-class, rock platform reefs and points.
Surf spots in Central Coast
Research the 13 surf breaks in Central Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Central Coast.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Central Coast
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Central Coast.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 7,544,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Visas required by all except the Kiwis. The Central Coast is equidistant from Sydney (SYD) and Newcastle (NTL) airports, but Sydney is the international and national hub. Car journey time (avoiding peak hour in the city) from Sydney Airport to the Central Coast is approx 1hr 45mins.
Getting Around
A rental car allows maximum mobility, check Budget or DavJam (from AU$280-350/wk). Trains stop in main cities, Gosford being the main station. Bus network is good: Busways, Red Bus, Aussie Shuttles (all take boards). F3 Freeway is the main North/South axis. Ferries constitute a great way to travel around, with links to Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Accommodation
Caravan parks like Dunleith at North Entrance have affordable tent sites from $AU35. Guest houses in Terrigal have double rooms from AU$100. If travelling with friends, a good option is The Palms (4pax villas start at AU$200/night) in Avoca Beach.
Activities
Visit Bouddi and Wyrrabalong National Parks, the Skillion Headland, Crackneck Lookout, The Australian Reptile Park and Gosford's Springtime Flora Festival in September. There's also whale watching and good diving on an ex-military ship, sunk as an artificial reef at Terrigal.
Hazards & hassles
Watch out for the guaranteed drop-ins, collisions and possible cuts on shallow reefs. Big wave spots require experience and humility. 13 shark incidents between Newcastle and Gosford but no fatalities.
Handy Hints
Any gear you want at bargain prices, shortboards from $450. Good shops are RMS near Shelly Beach, Wizstix in Long Jetty & Terrigal, Channel Surf Co and Oceanic Surf Co in The Entrance. Beginners can have a go with one of many surf schools.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.