Central Coast Info
Introduction
The Central Coast is an extraordinary destination for those seeking natural beauty and natural adventure. The miles of stunning coastline are ideal for surfing, diving, swimming, or just admiring. There are rainforests and nature sanctuaries where you can visit with some of Australia’s most fascinating creatures. The coast has a pleasant climate year round, and the wild terrain is full of lakes and rivers. The area is protected by many public parks, which are well worth visiting. The Central Coast is great for solo travelers looking to enjoy water sports and wildlife, or for families who want to safely enjoy exciting days of boating, fishing, and exotic nature walks.
Visiting the Central Coast
Getting to the Central Coast is especially easy because of its proximity to Sydney. From that capital city, the area is easily accessible by car, though traffic can get heavy. The largest town in the Central Coast is Gosford, so most transportation information is focused there. Many people commute to work between Sydney and Gosford, and also the area is very popular for Australians on holiday, so plan travel schedules accordingly. From Sydney it is also simple and economical to take the CityRail train to Gosford. From the North Coast, you can grab a quick boat ride on the Palm Beach Ferry down to Gosford or Ettalong.
Because this area is such a popular getaway, that there is plenty of solid tourist infrastructure in place. You can find anything from budget hostels to luxurious hotels, but an interesting alternative is to rent a house – many local homeowners have property that they rent out at daily, weekly, or even monthly prices. Staying in a home gives you comfort and freedom that you rarely find in a hotel. In addition to accommodations, there are also loads of great services for learning to surf, renting snorkel gear, or getting guided tours through the wild rainforests. Renting a car is a good way to get around if you want to visit many of the parks, or hop from beach to beach.
When it’s getting cold in the Northern hemisphere, treat yourself to some Southern summer. Swim, dive, surf, kite board, or just get a sun tan. These beaches are unbeatable for a sunny, summery vacation. You may come for the spectacular beaches, but you won’t want to miss out on the incredibly wildlife. Just outside of Gosford is Australian Reptile Park, which has a lot more than just lizards. The Reptile Park is home to many native Australian species, including wombats, echidnas, kangaroos, and even a platypus. A shy and retiring creature, the platypus is one of nature’s most miraculous. They are consistently a favorite, and there are very few opportunities to see them in nature or in zoos, so don’t miss the opportunity to see one in person!
Another option for getting out in nature is to take a visit to the Australian Rainforest Sanctuary. This area of natural rainforest operates as a park, with entrance fees and park rules. It’s an amazing place for a picnic or barbeque, or come on a weekend night in November or December to see the dazzling show of fireflies that lights up the night sky.
History and Points of Interest of the Central Coast
Despite its proximity to Sydney, this region developed very slowly at first. In 1825 Gosford had a mere one hundred residents, and half of these were convicts. However, in general the region was never a major penal location, partly because it was somewhat difficult to reach from Sydney due to wide rivers and impassable sandstone ridges. The early industry of timber harvesting and lime production was gradually replaced by farming, citrus orchards, and market gardens. It wasn’t until 1887 when rail transportation routes were completed between Sydney and Gosford that the area truly began to grow.
Since then, the Central Coast has been a favorite weekend getaway for Sydney city-dwellers, and a key vacation spot for people from all over Australia and the world. Even with all of this growth, the government has made admirable efforts to maintain some of wild areas, meaning that there is real rainforest less than an hour away from Australia’s largest city. Come enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the gorgeous beaches, and the pristine forests of Australia’s Central Coast.