Maaike’s guidebook for Gosford & Surrounds
Sightseeing
Starting just a block away, this bushwalk will give you a new perspective on Gosford
Rumbalara Reserve
Donnison StreetStarting just a block away, this bushwalk will give you a new perspective on Gosford
Travelling with your dog? Strickland State forest is dog friendly and only a 15 minute drive from The Light Box. there are a number of walks including strickland falls and the arboretum. Pack a picnic and make a morning of it!
14 recommandé par les habitants
Strickland State Forest
Strickland Forest RoadTravelling with your dog? Strickland State forest is dog friendly and only a 15 minute drive from The Light Box. there are a number of walks including strickland falls and the arboretum. Pack a picnic and make a morning of it!
Somersby Falls
Somersby Falls Walking TrackAn easy walk with plenty of reward!
A scenic drive over the hill from Umina Beach, this tiny almost-island town is surrounded by water, and the Boathouse has bayside views over the old fishing wharf and the headlands. Great food, drinks and Tuesday night Trivia for the win!
114 recommandé par les habitants
The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
6-8 Patonga DrA scenic drive over the hill from Umina Beach, this tiny almost-island town is surrounded by water, and the Boathouse has bayside views over the old fishing wharf and the headlands. Great food, drinks and Tuesday night Trivia for the win!
This is a cracker of a walk, made easy for the most part by board walk. Stunning coastal views, great breeze, not a house in sight once you're off the beach. You can see all the way to Barrenjoey lighthouse. It is about a 40min drive from Gosford.
35 recommandé par les habitants
Bouddi coastal walk
Putty Beach RoadThis is a cracker of a walk, made easy for the most part by board walk. Stunning coastal views, great breeze, not a house in sight once you're off the beach. You can see all the way to Barrenjoey lighthouse. It is about a 40min drive from Gosford.
Neighbourhoods
The CBD of an area known locally as 'The Peninsula' Woy Woy is an often underrated subub of the Central Coast.
Only 20minutes drive from The Lightbox, take an hour to walk around the cycle path from the wharf to blackwall bay boat ramp. it's dog friendly and there are kids playgrounds at the wharf and lions park. Make it a round trip to have lunch at Fisherman's Wharf - The Seafood based menu includes less common dishes like Ceviche as well as the usual fare. Did I mention it's built out over the water and surrounded by Pelicans?
11 recommandé par les habitants
Woy Woy
The CBD of an area known locally as 'The Peninsula' Woy Woy is an often underrated subub of the Central Coast.
Only 20minutes drive from The Lightbox, take an hour to walk around the cycle path from the wharf to blackwall bay boat ramp. it's dog friendly and there are kids playgrounds at the wharf and lions park. Make it a round trip to have lunch at Fisherman's Wharf - The Seafood based menu includes less common dishes like Ceviche as well as the usual fare. Did I mention it's built out over the water and surrounded by Pelicans?
Umina has a lot to offer the day tripper!
A busy main street full of homewares, clothing boutiques and cafes only a few blocks from the beach.
A big sportsground, kids play equipment and local favourite Jasmine Greens Cafe areright by the beach, which stretches for miles.
Technically brisbane water, not open ocean, the waves are smaller and great for stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and younger kids.
You can book SUP or surf lessons at Umina beach, and The far end by pearl Beach headland is also Dog friendly.
Further around the peninsula you'll find Ettalong, home to Cinema Paradiso boutique cinema, Gallerias markets and resort conference centre and more homewares and restaurants.
You can hire a boat from Anderson's boat shed to explore the water surrounding the peninsula or even have a floating barbecue with friends!
64 recommandé par les habitants
Umina Beach
Umina has a lot to offer the day tripper!
A busy main street full of homewares, clothing boutiques and cafes only a few blocks from the beach.
A big sportsground, kids play equipment and local favourite Jasmine Greens Cafe areright by the beach, which stretches for miles.
Technically brisbane water, not open ocean, the waves are smaller and great for stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and younger kids.
You can book SUP or surf lessons at Umina beach, and The far end by pearl Beach headland is also Dog friendly.
Further around the peninsula you'll find Ettalong, home to Cinema Paradiso boutique cinema, Gallerias markets and resort conference centre and more homewares and restaurants.
You can hire a boat from Anderson's boat shed to explore the water surrounding the peninsula or even have a floating barbecue with friends!
Long hailed as the Capital of the Central Coast, Gosford is only 10 minues from the M1, and mid way between Newcastle and Sydney. It's the perfect place to break a longer trip up or down the coast, but it's also a great place to visit in it's own right!
Nestled in a narrow valley that opens out to Brisbane Water, Gosford has it's own racecourse, show ground and sports stadium. There are Weekend farmers markets, a monthly night food market, a sailing club, golf course and shopping centre.
Local Roasters Legend Coffee supply local cafes, which in turn supply freshly baked croisants and pastrys. Head to East Gosford for the best Mexican outside of Mexico, or just to browse the local boutiques and cafe offerings.
Dine out at Pinoccios, The Bon Pavillion or Saddles Restuarant in Mount White. Chill with a cocktail at The Lyons Den, and Dance at the Gosford Hotel or Drifters Wharf.
Take a hydrofoil surf lesson at The Sailing Club.
Hike Strickland State Forest or somersby Falls.
The gateway to the Central Coast,
Gosford is only 20 Minutes to famed Terrigal & Avoca, or Umina and Ettalong.
10 recommandé par les habitants
Gosford
Long hailed as the Capital of the Central Coast, Gosford is only 10 minues from the M1, and mid way between Newcastle and Sydney. It's the perfect place to break a longer trip up or down the coast, but it's also a great place to visit in it's own right!
Nestled in a narrow valley that opens out to Brisbane Water, Gosford has it's own racecourse, show ground and sports stadium. There are Weekend farmers markets, a monthly night food market, a sailing club, golf course and shopping centre.
Local Roasters Legend Coffee supply local cafes, which in turn supply freshly baked croisants and pastrys. Head to East Gosford for the best Mexican outside of Mexico, or just to browse the local boutiques and cafe offerings.
Dine out at Pinoccios, The Bon Pavillion or Saddles Restuarant in Mount White. Chill with a cocktail at The Lyons Den, and Dance at the Gosford Hotel or Drifters Wharf.
Take a hydrofoil surf lesson at The Sailing Club.
Hike Strickland State Forest or somersby Falls.
The gateway to the Central Coast,
Gosford is only 20 Minutes to famed Terrigal & Avoca, or Umina and Ettalong.
Possibly the most famous beach on the coast, Terrigal is a wide open beach with small waves good for families or a stroll on the boulevarde. A tourist paradise, there are loads of takeaway resturants, cafes and bars. It can be crowded and traffic laden, but the view from the skillion and the new boardwalk from the beach to the haven make it worth the trip. Head to the cold rock icecreamery with the family. Not so keen on day time crowds? book a special lunch or dinner at Yellowtail or The Cowrie Restaurant.
116 recommandé par les habitants
Terrigal
Possibly the most famous beach on the coast, Terrigal is a wide open beach with small waves good for families or a stroll on the boulevarde. A tourist paradise, there are loads of takeaway resturants, cafes and bars. It can be crowded and traffic laden, but the view from the skillion and the new boardwalk from the beach to the haven make it worth the trip. Head to the cold rock icecreamery with the family. Not so keen on day time crowds? book a special lunch or dinner at Yellowtail or The Cowrie Restaurant.
Avoca Beach is more separated from the township than Terrigal, helping it feel a little less crowded although it's still very popular.
It's a surfing beach, with bigger waves, and there's a rockpool for the kids. Explore the rock platform or setup for some fishing. There are sea caves further south east if you're game - watch the tides and the waves!
Avoca Surfhouse has a great view, and the kiosk under the surf club has plenty of takeaway options for the park or the beach.
Checkout the session times at the Historic Avoca Cinema - A one screen independant that has a rotating schedule of international and indie films as well as school holiday favourites.
Avoca Markets are also a Coast favourite with music, food and homewares on the first Sunday of the month. It's pet friendly too!
After a dog beach? Head to the lagoon between Avoca and North Avoca where you'll find plenty of furry friends.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Avoca Beach
Avoca Beach is more separated from the township than Terrigal, helping it feel a little less crowded although it's still very popular.
It's a surfing beach, with bigger waves, and there's a rockpool for the kids. Explore the rock platform or setup for some fishing. There are sea caves further south east if you're game - watch the tides and the waves!
Avoca Surfhouse has a great view, and the kiosk under the surf club has plenty of takeaway options for the park or the beach.
Checkout the session times at the Historic Avoca Cinema - A one screen independant that has a rotating schedule of international and indie films as well as school holiday favourites.
Avoca Markets are also a Coast favourite with music, food and homewares on the first Sunday of the month. It's pet friendly too!
After a dog beach? Head to the lagoon between Avoca and North Avoca where you'll find plenty of furry friends.
A commercial suburb on the Central Coast Highway, you'll drive through Erina on your way to Avoca, Terrigal and Copacabana.
Home to Erina Fair, The Central Coast's largest shopping centre, you'll find most stores you'd expect, including Myer, JB hiFi, fashion, homewares along with a food court, sushi train, Grill'd and Mad Mex here.
You'll also find Hoyts Cinemas and an Ice Skating Rink.
Beyond the mall, Erina can be hard to explore. If you're in the neighbourhood, stop in to Salt Pig Deli for house made foccacia, international charcuterie and other delicacies.
Down the road you'll find Ilya Restaurant with live music and a tempting menu.
On the way out of Erina, take a left to visit Distillery Botanica. Set among lush manicured gardens you'll find the Coast's own gin distillery, replete with Cafe and Mr Goaty Gelato.
Erina
A commercial suburb on the Central Coast Highway, you'll drive through Erina on your way to Avoca, Terrigal and Copacabana.
Home to Erina Fair, The Central Coast's largest shopping centre, you'll find most stores you'd expect, including Myer, JB hiFi, fashion, homewares along with a food court, sushi train, Grill'd and Mad Mex here.
You'll also find Hoyts Cinemas and an Ice Skating Rink.
Beyond the mall, Erina can be hard to explore. If you're in the neighbourhood, stop in to Salt Pig Deli for house made foccacia, international charcuterie and other delicacies.
Down the road you'll find Ilya Restaurant with live music and a tempting menu.
On the way out of Erina, take a left to visit Distillery Botanica. Set among lush manicured gardens you'll find the Coast's own gin distillery, replete with Cafe and Mr Goaty Gelato.
Food scene
A restaurant in the heart of Gosford with a lovely outlook over a quite street to kibble park, Pinocchios will also deliver.
The Quattro Formaggi pizza comes with candied walnuts for something a little bit different. The polpetti are mouth watering, as are the desserts and wine selection.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar
32 William StA restaurant in the heart of Gosford with a lovely outlook over a quite street to kibble park, Pinocchios will also deliver.
The Quattro Formaggi pizza comes with candied walnuts for something a little bit different. The polpetti are mouth watering, as are the desserts and wine selection.
Great for lunches with everything from brisket burgers to salmon seaweed bowls. Great coffee, a good selection of pastries and the occasional night time soiree - keep an eye on their instagram account!
6 recommandé par les habitants
South End Social
32 Mann StGreat for lunches with everything from brisket burgers to salmon seaweed bowls. Great coffee, a good selection of pastries and the occasional night time soiree - keep an eye on their instagram account!
Set in the historic old PO buidling in Gosford's South, Bouffant Gosford is the original patisserie, though there are now locations in Terrigal and Umina. Their selection of pastry is mouthwatering. Fortunately you can select a variety of 'minis' to try them all! Stay with coffee on the sunny deck or take away and picnic in the Leagues Club Park down the road.
Bouffant Gosford
38 Mann StreetSet in the historic old PO buidling in Gosford's South, Bouffant Gosford is the original patisserie, though there are now locations in Terrigal and Umina. Their selection of pastry is mouthwatering. Fortunately you can select a variety of 'minis' to try them all! Stay with coffee on the sunny deck or take away and picnic in the Leagues Club Park down the road.
Dark and brooding interior, vibrant and sophisticated dining. The menu leans heavily to steak but there are seafood options as well, and what looks like a succulent sunday roast for a long weekend lunch. Not up for dinner? Come for a cocktail in the bar, or an espresso in the cafe.
20 recommandé par les habitants
The Bon Pavilion
159 Mann StDark and brooding interior, vibrant and sophisticated dining. The menu leans heavily to steak but there are seafood options as well, and what looks like a succulent sunday roast for a long weekend lunch. Not up for dinner? Come for a cocktail in the bar, or an espresso in the cafe.
Recently renovated, the gosford hotel is the perfect place for a casual dinner, drink with friends or sunny sunday session with live DJs - keep an eye on their instagram for special events. We recommend booking a table if you're wanting to dine in Thurs-Sat evenings
Hotel Gosford
179 Mann StreetRecently renovated, the gosford hotel is the perfect place for a casual dinner, drink with friends or sunny sunday session with live DJs - keep an eye on their instagram for special events. We recommend booking a table if you're wanting to dine in Thurs-Sat evenings
An unbeatable location, Drifters is the latest venue to arrive in Gosford. Jutting out over Brisbane Water, the views are inescapable. The menu is strongly based in Seafood, but if that's not your thing there's always a cold drink and some chips to help you while away some time in one of the city's best locations!
Drifters Wharf
12A Dane DriveAn unbeatable location, Drifters is the latest venue to arrive in Gosford. Jutting out over Brisbane Water, the views are inescapable. The menu is strongly based in Seafood, but if that's not your thing there's always a cold drink and some chips to help you while away some time in one of the city's best locations!
The best croissants on the coast. Seriously. They're always golden, never brown. they're flaky, buttery, generous pastries with no hint of marzipan. Can't choose between almond and chocolate? They han an almond chocolate croissant. Or a pistachio and jam croissant. or a nutella Cruffin. Or a pumpkin fetta danish. They also do Breakfast and lunch with plenty of fresh tasty produce, and a wonderful coffee!
The Good Bits Co
107-109 Mann StThe best croissants on the coast. Seriously. They're always golden, never brown. they're flaky, buttery, generous pastries with no hint of marzipan. Can't choose between almond and chocolate? They han an almond chocolate croissant. Or a pistachio and jam croissant. or a nutella Cruffin. Or a pumpkin fetta danish. They also do Breakfast and lunch with plenty of fresh tasty produce, and a wonderful coffee!
Set in a historic garage, Lyons Den is a cocktail bar with live music and cultural events, a solid cocktail list and a South African Safari themed menu of bar snacks. Definitely not your average or expected menu offering, but fear not, it's very tasty, and there are plenty of non challenging options, including South african frybread with trio of dips, or nutella donuts!
Lyons Den Gosford
37a Mann StreetSet in a historic garage, Lyons Den is a cocktail bar with live music and cultural events, a solid cocktail list and a South African Safari themed menu of bar snacks. Definitely not your average or expected menu offering, but fear not, it's very tasty, and there are plenty of non challenging options, including South african frybread with trio of dips, or nutella donuts!
The Central Coast's own premium gin distillery set in gorgeous manicured gardens in Erina.
Also Here: Mr Goaty Gelato for the whole family!
55 recommandé par les habitants
Distillery Botanica
25 Portsmouth RdThe Central Coast's own premium gin distillery set in gorgeous manicured gardens in Erina.
Also Here: Mr Goaty Gelato for the whole family!
BEST GELATO IN NSW, GOURMET TRAVELLER 2020.
Made on the Central Coast from all natural ingredients - many of them grown on site.
Say more? How about
Butter Caramel
Fior di Latte (Italian Vanilla)
Double Chocolate Honeycomb
Belgian Chocolate
Roasted Hazelnut
Sicilian Pistachio
Stracciatella (Fine Chocolate Chip)
Tiramisu *
Peaches & Cream (seasonal)
Honey Salted Almond
Sorry/not sorry.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Mr Goaty Gelato
25 Portsmouth RdBEST GELATO IN NSW, GOURMET TRAVELLER 2020.
Made on the Central Coast from all natural ingredients - many of them grown on site.
Say more? How about
Butter Caramel
Fior di Latte (Italian Vanilla)
Double Chocolate Honeycomb
Belgian Chocolate
Roasted Hazelnut
Sicilian Pistachio
Stracciatella (Fine Chocolate Chip)
Tiramisu *
Peaches & Cream (seasonal)
Honey Salted Almond
Sorry/not sorry.
Activities
Soak up the serenity with a round of Golf. The course is a short walk from The Lightbox
Gosford Golf Club
22 Racecourse RdSoak up the serenity with a round of Golf. The course is a short walk from The Lightbox
Book a bbq boat for a group day on the water, or a tinnie for a quiet fishing Jaunt
25 recommandé par les habitants
Anderson's Boatshed
3A Petit StBook a bbq boat for a group day on the water, or a tinnie for a quiet fishing Jaunt
MANASUP - Standup Paddle School
Berrima CrescentTake a Stand Up Paddle Board class at Umina
Book a twilight sailing introduction session via Gosford Golf Course - Check their website for details
11 recommandé par les habitants
Gosford Sailing Club
28 Masons ParadeBook a twilight sailing introduction session via Gosford Golf Course - Check their website for details
Kayak Central Coast
6 Bowen CrescentHire Kyaks to explore Brisbane Water
Seasonal Inflatable themepark on Gosford Waterfront.
25 recommandé par les habitants
Central Coast Aqua Park
42 Masons ParadeSeasonal Inflatable themepark on Gosford Waterfront.
Checkout the local produce and artisanal preserves at the Gosford City Farmers markets - Mot sundays, see their website for more info. Sadly, no dogs.
14 recommandé par les habitants
Gosford City Farmers Markets
Showground RoadCheckout the local produce and artisanal preserves at the Gosford City Farmers markets - Mot sundays, see their website for more info. Sadly, no dogs.
First Friday of the month is Gosford Night markets - Food, music and rides for the kids - walking distance from The Lightbox and pet friendly
Gosford Showground
Showground RoadFirst Friday of the month is Gosford Night markets - Food, music and rides for the kids - walking distance from The Lightbox and pet friendly
Visit the Gosford Nougat & Chocolate Factory just 10minutes drive from The Lightbox. The Factory runs exciting and engaging confectionery production tours, along with immersive chocolate workshops for kids.
14 recommandé par les habitants
The Factory - Nougat & Chocolate
6 Jusfrute DrVisit the Gosford Nougat & Chocolate Factory just 10minutes drive from The Lightbox. The Factory runs exciting and engaging confectionery production tours, along with immersive chocolate workshops for kids.
Not a fan of sand? Want to keep up with your daily laps?
Gosford has a public pool right on brisbane water - it's a 5 minute drive from the Lightbox
6 recommandé par les habitants
Gosford Olympic Swimming Pool
42 Masons ParadeNot a fan of sand? Want to keep up with your daily laps?
Gosford has a public pool right on brisbane water - it's a 5 minute drive from the Lightbox
Meet a farm full of Alpacas - learn all about them and even share a breakfast. Iris lodge is a 30 minute drive up the Motorway.
7 recommandé par les habitants
Iris Lodge Alpacas
33 Dunks LnMeet a farm full of Alpacas - learn all about them and even share a breakfast. Iris lodge is a 30 minute drive up the Motorway.