A day trip to the Central Coast from Sydney: What to see, eat & do

Morning

Depart Sydney and drive north along the M1, crossing the Hawkesbury River. Shortly after, turn off for Mount White and stop in at Saddles Mount White, a gorgeous bakery and restaurant set in a classic homestead. Grab a pastry from the bakehouse and eat it outside, enjoying the pond and garden. Then get back on the road for 20 minutes to reach Somersby Falls.

Located in Brisbane Water National Park, follow the 800-metre return track that runs through the rainforest to the falls. Along the way you can admire the falls from different lookouts and vantage points before arriving at the bottom of the falls.

Continue north to Wyong and pull in at Wyong Milk Factory. Stock up on gourmet cheese from Little Creek Cheese and handmade artisan chocolates from Luka Chocolates. While you’re here you can hire traditional row boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for a quick trip out on the Wyong River.

Hop back into the car for the final stop before lunch: Norah Head Lighthouse. You can take a tour and head up to the top of the lighthouse for 360-degree views of the ocean and the Central Coast, and learn all about the history of the structure that was completed in 1903. Then take the walking track down to Lighthouse Beach for a quick dip.

Afternoon

Drive south to Avoca Beach, one of the best beaches on the Central Coast, for lunch. Enjoy 180-degree beachside views alongside generous seafood platters – and plenty of other delicious menu items, from Sri lankan fish curry to garlic prawn linguine – at Avoca Beach House.

After fuelling up, spread your towel out on the sand for a rest or take a dip in the ocean. Avoca is a popular surf beach, so while you’re here, take a surf lesson with Central Coast Surf Academy or Central Coast Surf School , or if you’re already know how to take a wave, they also offer board hire. For something a little more relaxing, you can kayak, pedal boat or stand-up paddleboard on Avoca Lake, just behind the beach. Hire is available from Aquafun Avoca Lake.

Evening

On your way back to Sydney, stop at Bay Road Brewing in Gosford. Here you can sample a few (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) beers in their taproom and buy some to take home. They also have rotating food vendors, so you can grab a bit to eat before the final stretch on the road.