Central Coast

Tucked between Sydney and Newcastle along the New South Wales coast, the Central Coast is a place where wild nature and relaxed beach life come together in the most spectacular way. It has the kind of laid-back, sun-drenched atmosphere that makes you want to kick off your shoes and explore — whether that means catching waves at Terrigal Beach, paddling across the glassy waters of Tuggerah Lake, or watching an enormous gathering of pelicans waddle in for their afternoon feed at The Entrance.

But the Central Coast is about more than beaches. Its coastal national parks are alive with wildlife, and lucky visitors might spot humpback whales breaching far out at sea or dolphins playing in the surf below clifftop walking trails. If you prefer your wildlife a little closer and a lot more scaly, the Australian Reptile Park will introduce you to crocodiles, Komodo dragons, and venomous snakes — all in one extraordinary afternoon. This region truly has something wild and wonderful around every corner.