Looking for day tours from Sydney? The Central Coast is the ultimate getaway destination!
Updated: Oct 12, 2022
The Central Coast is loaded with attractions, restaurants and fun things to do, many of which we visit on the tour. If you have a bit of extra time, plan some day tours from Sydney to explore this diverse region.
Broken Bay Pearl Farm brokenbaypearlfarm.com.au
Cruise the scenic Hawkesbury River and discover how locally-grown Akoya pearls are farmed. Visit a pearl oyster lease, immerse yourself in a pearl grading experience, or take home a pearl.
This stunning location has to be one of the best kept secrets just outside of Sydney. The story behind these rare ocean gems is just as fascinating as the location.
glenworth.com.au
Feeling adventurous and love the great outdoors? If horse riding, glamping, kayaking or quad biking in a scenic valley is your thing, then Glenworth Valley is for you! Just an hour’s drive north of Sydney, deep in the unspoilt wilderness lies Glenworth Valley.
Boasting the largest horse riding facility in the southern hemisphere, this outdoor adventure centre is also perfectly suited to the occasional wine, food and music festival.
Be sure not to miss the "running of the horses", a daily afternoon event where up to 200 horses splash through a rainforest creek.
terrigalpacific.crowneplaza.com
Located in downtown Terrigal and across the road from the beach is the Crowne Plaza hotel. Beautiful views across the sea, formal eateries, restaurants, beer gardens and live music on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, the Crowne is the perfect escape from the chaos of Sydney.
Buffet breakfasts, lounging in the pool... embrace the ambience of this modern, comfortable hotel and then explore the seaside village at sunset.
Perfect!
centralcoastaustralia.com.au
Joining Terrigal Beach to Terrigal Haven is a spectacular walk along the coastal cliff edge. Completed in late 2021 this walk hugs the rugged coastline, perched just above the sea.
Start at the beach outside the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific and walk to the right-hand side of the beach. The footpath meanders along the coast where you can make your way up to The Skillion, the perfect vantage point for looking for dolphins or whales.
saddlesmtwhite.com.au
This popular coffee spot on the tour always leaves guests in awe at the setting and atmosphere of this gourmet eatery. The food is outstanding, the location is in a beautiful landscape and the building celebrates everything Australiana.
The dining menu showcases Australian native ingredients, and the bakery offers a wide range of pastries. Booking for breakfast or lunch at least a month in advance is highly recommended.
theboathousehotelpatonga.com.au
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays the tour stops at the Boathouse for lunch, but it’s also a great spot for dinner by the water! The food is fantastic with generous proportions, and the location is gorgeous.
Vegetarians are catered for here (yay!) but it’s all about the seafood at the Boathouse.
It can get very busy at this hotel, so it’s best to go mid-week.
You can stay here too… there are a few bedroom apartments with private balconies and water views of Patonga Bay. A private cottage that can accommodate up to 10 guests, complete with an outdoor barbecue and swimming pool is just next door.
11/10
woywoyfishermenswharf.com.au
Another favourite stop on the tour. Great food, great atmosphere and stunning location. If fresh seafood is your thing, this spacious waterside restaurant & fish market is for you.
Forget about the Sydney Fish Market, this unpretentious, laid-back restaurant offers a casual dining experience amongst the mangroves. Delicious seafood, and the best fish and chips in NSW, but bring your own chicken salt. :)
A must if visiting the area. Watch for the giant pelicans landing just outside the restaurant!
Days open: Thursday to Monday.
walkaboutpark.com.au
Without a doubt, this is the favourite stop on the tour. Why? You can get up close to a koala, hug an emu, have selfies with kangaroos and pat them!
But there’s a lot more to Walkabout than just having a great time with Australia’s favourite animals. There are short walks through the sanctuary where you can discover ancient Aboriginal sites.
Guided tours, animal feedings, bush tucker walks and all types of different animals. Walkabout Park is Heritage Listed to protect Aboriginal sites dating back more than 4,000 years.
You can also spend the evening there, after dark, or stay overnight in cabins. If you’re really game you can have a sleep out in a tent. Highly recommended for the whole family.
Open all year round.
distillerybotanica.com
A boutique distillery tucked away in the beautiful Central Coast. Set among 3 acres of tranquil gardens, this distillery is home to an array of award-winning spirits and liqueurs.
Smooth gins full of authentic flavour are inspired by the surrounding distillery garden. Great customer service and information on production and liquor tasting. Scrumptious gelato next door too!
Days open: Wednesday - Sunday.
firescreek.com.au
Firescreek Winery practises regenerative organic farming to make award-
winning wines from a wide array of botanicals. The winery produces 25 different wines on the property at any one time.
Natural flavours of the fruit and flowers are captured in the wine, in one of the most ultimate ways of preserving botanicals. Staff are extremely helpful and friendly.
Enjoy the sunshine and wine in the tranquil garden. Free tasting of delicious fruit wines, another all-round great experience hidden in the Central Coast. Their wines are also vegan-friendly.
Days open: Wednesday - Sunday.
To discover a whole lot more within the Central Coast region, click the official tourism and destination website below...
Photography credit: Destination NSW
