The central coast owns some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches that Australia’s east coast has to offer. Over the last 10 years it has grown in a significant way and it is now a big magnet for tourism and a popular area to rest. Conventionally located midway between Sydney and Newcastle (1h from each) the central coast represents a perfect day trip to escape from the chaos of the city. On this coast we still find hidden treasures, unspoiled and secluded beaches, blooming facades of cliffs, rocky platforms in every corner. In the Central Coast there are many different spots, with a wide range of waves for all kinds of surfers, enjoying from fun to top quality reef breaks. This is the perfect place to start your surf holiday in Australia!
Coming from Newcastle, the first spot to check out if there is a small to medium swell from North and Southeast is Frazer Park: a stunning beach located in a small National Park. If the swell is too big and comes from the North and the Northeast, Norah Head will be the right spot. Its coral reefs, known as Little Bombie, will be perfect for more experienced surfers, while Boat Ramp’s right waves are great for bodysurfers. Nearby Soldiers Beach offers better protection from the summer Northeastern breezes. Its beaches offer constantly all kinds of waves (lefts are usually better). When the swell is small, Pelican Beach is the best option around. This great beachbreak works all year round, with abundant peaks often epic with northeastern swells. Shelly beach is a crowded but constant beachbreak ideal for beginners. The north side of the beach can offer very great waves. Crackneck is an island with fast lefts ideal for the more adventurous surfers. This spot works better with Northeastern and Eastern swells and low-medium tides. One of the first location with big waves is Forresters, capable of generating lefts and rights up to 16ft in swell conditions from the South. Wambaral is a beachbreak that gives excellent peaks if the sandbanks are well placed. Experts will head towards the famous overhanging rock that protects Terrigal Haven which usually works with winter waves. Avoca Beach is one of the most crowded spots on the central coast and it is a hotbed of talent, both young and old. Beachbreaks offer excellent peaks in many wave directions. The lineup is competitive but usually without violence. This crowded right-hand spot works with direction swells from the East to Southeast and it requires experience as it breaks very close to the rock. On the sides you can find Copacabana and MacMasters Point, the latter with wonderful waves with vertical takeoffs and powerful sessions above a shallow and rocky bottom. Powerful winter swells from the South and the East are for experienced surfers only. Outside the National Park is Box Head, a left-hand point that works very rarely but, when conditions are ideal, offers 1500m(0,9mi) long rides along the mouth of the Hawkesbury River. This area is very crowded, with sharks, currents, ships and jet skis… so it could be the best or the worst surfing experience of your life.
Tariff per person, starting from:
| Departure | The Clan Terrigal | El Lago Waters Motel | Jetty Motel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double | Double | Double | |
| From 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 | € 483 | € 389 | € 326 |
Notes
Being subject to both Southeast and Northeast swells, the central coast sends quite constant waves but perfect conditions are rare. The groundswells from the South and the Southeast are the safest (from April to September) but some spots need summer conditions from Northeast to start breaking. Waves are usually around 2-5 ft, but conditions with 10ft wave often occur! The prevailing winds are best in the winter (from Southwest) while in the summer they blow mostly from the Northwest (creating offshore condition) during the morning before the Northeastern sea breeze shows up. Most beachbreaks or reefbreaks work better with the incoming tide, even if the tide variation is small but crucial for some spots.
How to get there : A valid visa is required for all nationalities except New Zealand. Sydney is a national and international hub and it takes approximately 1h 45min by car.
Getting around : Renting a car is the best option. The train stops in all towns, Gosford is the main stop. Ferries are also a great way to get around and reach Sydney’s northern beaches.
Accommodation and Food : Caravan Parks like Dunleith have tent pitches for $ 25-45. The Ye Olde Miami Guest House in Terrigal offers double rooms priced at $ 60 per night, while Beach Hut at $ 180 per night. If you’re traveling with friends a great option is The Palm (4-person villas $ 80 to $ 170 per night) o Treetops (2/3 person villas for $ 100 per night): both located in Avoca Beach.
Climate : The climate is temperate, humid and mostly sunny. In summer, from December to February, temperatures range from 13 ° – 27 ° C with occasional highs up to 30°C. During the winter, from June to September, temperatures range from 4 ° to 23 ° C. The hottest days are tempered by the cool sea breeze during the day and moderated by the evening temperatures. The use of a 3 / 2mm wetsuit is recommended throughout the year, except in summer when a short wetsuit or a simple swimsuit is enough.
Nature and culture : The national park deserves to be visited. In September there is an interesting festival called Gosford’s Australian Springtime Flora. Whale watching and diving in a former military boat would also be options to consider.
Dangers and annoyances : Watch out for drop-ins, collisions and possible cuts with the reef. The locals have been sharing waves for decades, they are not aggressive but competitive. Big wave spots require experience and humility. There has been more than one shark attack.
Tips: There are great shops (RMS near Shelly Beach, Wizstix at Long Jetty & Terrigal, Channel surf Co and Oceanic Surf Co in Entrance) and beginner schools like Shane Powell Surf School in Avoca Beach.
Exchange rate 1 EUR = 1.38 AUD
Exchange rate variations (more than 3%) will lead to an adjustment of costs. They will be communicated within 20 days of departure.
The tariff does not include
Duration: 9 days / 6 nights
from € 389 - Voli esclusi
Duration: 9 days / 6 nights
from € 326 - Excluding flights
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