Entrance NSW is one of my all-time favourite destinations on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Easily accessible from Sydney by one hour drive, The Entrance makes an ideal day trip location from Sydney. The central coast of NSW is popular for the coastal town, beautiful beaches, and laid-back lifestyle that suits visitors planning an extended stay in the region. A wide range of accommodations ranging from holiday homes and serviced apartments are easily available online in all price ranges.
What makes Central Coast NSW so popular with tourists?
The central cost is one of the most popular tourist regions in NSW for the following reasons:
- The Central Coastline has a number of amazing towns including Terrigal, The Entrance, Gosford and Shelly Beach. The unique layout of the region is marked by three massive freshwater lakes popular for fishing and water sports.
- The coastline is on the way to the seasonal migration of whales and dolphins that make Dolphin Watching Tours a very popular activity in the Nelson Bay Area on the Central Coast. A number of amazing patrolled beaches are available from Gosford all the way to The Entrance.
- For outdoor lovers, there are a number of scenic lookouts and walking tracks maintained by NSW Parks. The day walks or short walk circuits are designed to suit your activity level. A beautiful one-hour walk around the Entrance Waterfront area is a great way to explore some coastal artwork (sculptures), lakes, and breathtaking science views. Crackneck Point Lookout connects with Forresters Beach through Wyrrabalong Lookout covering a distance of 6km that can be covered in 3.5 hours.
- Enjoy watersports like Kayaking, Water scooters, boating, and SUP at the shallow waters near The Entrance Waterfront.
- Enjoy fishing charters or rent a boat and enjoy fishing in the freshwater lakes including Lake Tuggerah.
- Enjoy amazing seafood including local varieties of fish and rock oysters. The region has a number of quality restaurants serving a wide range of seafood dishes. Almost every suburb in the region has a number of Fish & Chips Shops.
- A wide range of accommodations is available ranging from beachfront properties, holiday homes (caravan parks), and serviced apartments catering to all travel styles.
The first stop along the way on Pacific Coast Highway is the Mooney Mooney Bay which links Hawkesbury River to the Ocean. The city of Brooklyn offers boat charters and tours on the Hawkesbury River. A boat docking station at Mooney Mooney bay makes it a popular spot for people with boats.
Stopping at Mooney Mooney Bay on the way from Sydney to the Entrance
With rising property prices in Sydney, young families are pushed out of the city towards the central coast, where cheaper houses and relatively affordable lifestyles make it a popular destination for people working in Newcastle as well as in Sydney.
How to travel to The Entrance NSW from Sydney?
There are two different ways of reaching The Entrance from the city of Sydney. Follow the Pacific Coast Highway near Hornsby all the way to the Gosford exit. This route is quite interesting as you will pass through the Gosford waterfront, Erina, Bateau Bay, Forresters Beach, and Shelley Beach before reaching The Entrance.
The second route is much quicker you will exit Pacific Coast Highway near Tuggerah and drive up to the Entrance. This route is a better choice during the busy holiday season.
The floating Island at the Gosford Waterfront
Gosford Waterfront offers picturesque views of the bay and Central Coast Aqua Park located at the Drifters Wharf. There are plenty of nice cafes and coffee shops located along A49 towards the Entrance.
Terrigal is one of the great locations for a day trip with a beautiful waterfront, coastal walk, and plenty of places to eat and stay. The boardwalk is a new addition to the beach and there are plenty of picnic tables and BBQ spots along the waterfront.
The rockpool at the Terrigal Waterfront, NSW
I took a walk to the top of the hill and enjoyed amazing views from the lookout along the rocky coastline. The Terrigal beach is a patrolled beach with plenty of parking and basic amenities.
The drive from Terrigal to The Entrance winds through beautiful locations with plenty of holiday homes and places to stay. Some great places to stay in Terrigal include:
The Clan is a great place to stay in Terrigal, NSW
What are some of the best things to do at The Entrance?
The Entrance waterfront is popular with families, with a kids' play area, Joyland, and a water splash area. The shallow water is ideal for swimming, SUP, boating, and kayaking.
Kid's play area at the Entrance Waterfront
The Entrance Waterfront is home to resident Pelicans. A pelican feeding is a regular attraction managed by the city council staff. The guests are requested not to feed the pelican.
The Entrance Waterfront on a warm summer day
A boating station near the bridge offers paddle boats and kayaks for rental. The water level is very shallow under the bridge and is also popular for fishing.
A beautiful bridge connecting The Entrance with Toukley
The Entrance Hotel is a regular hangout with the local crowds and stays busy till late. Enjoy live music and the great atmosphere and food. A couple of nice restaurants along the waterfront are popular for seafood.
SUP at the shallow waters of The Entrance Waterfront
What are some of the best places to stay at Entrance NSW?
The entrance is popular for family holidays and a number of serviced apartments, caravan parks, and holiday homes are great choices to stay in based on your comfort level. Some centrally located properties include:
Visiting Lake Tuggerah in the Entrance NSW, Central Coast
Lake Tuggerah is one of three main freshwater lakes in the region and is home to a large variety of migrating birds. The lake is popular for fishing and watersports.
A number of caravan parks and motels in the area offer budget but quality accommodation in the area. The Lake Tuggerah is within walking distance of The Entrance Waterfront.
Beautiful views of Lake Tuggerah
NORAH HEAD LIGHTHOUSE in Central Coast
Another popular tourist attraction on the central coast is The Norah Head Lighthouse located at a distance of 14 km from the Entrance. An easy 20-minute drive takes you to this beautiful neighborhood of Norah Head. 
The lighthouse perched on a top of a rocky hill overlooking the coastline. The area is also popular for rock fishing. This well-managed facility can also be booked for weddings and events. A guided tour of the lighthouse is available upon request.
Conclusion
A return trip from Norah Head to Sydney takes you down The Central Coast Highway passing through the towns of Budgewoi and Doyalson before connecting back to Pacific Highway 1 near Bushells Ridge. The city of Budgewoi is surrounded by Lake Budgewoi on one side and Lake Munmorah on the other side. There is plenty to explore in the central coast region and a 2-3 day trip is ideal to explore some hidden spots. I love this region as each time I visit Central Coast I find some new interesting places to visit.
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