Visit New South Wales

BLUE WATER WONDERLAND
Just an hour from Sydney is one of the State's most spectacular – and diverse – coast and country regions. Its pristine beaches, rugged National Parks and countless waterways have coaxed many travellers seeking a sunny escape. From the Hawkesbury River to south of Newcastle City, it's no secret that the Coast has a thriving population. But it's still easy to bag a strip of sand on one of the Coast's unspoiled beaches – or find your own set of waves.

Those not seduced by the sun-sea-surf mentality can fish or sail in the many waterways and inlets, and once on dry land, the state forests and National Parks in the region are great for hiking and camping.

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FAMOUS FOR...

Fishing in the region's inlets provides an opportunity to break away from the stresses of work.

Talented Aussie exports Rock/grunge band Silverchair are all ex-Newcastle High School students. Pint-sized singer/actress Natalie Imbruglia is also from the Coast.

And there's more stars... The ever growing list of country music singers who live on the Coast include Gina Jefferies and Casey Chambers.

Its waterways and inlets One of the region's most appealing drawcards are the countless waterways – Hawkesbury River, Brisbane Water, Tuggerah Lake, Lake Budgewoi and Lake Munmorah.

Get up close to our native animals Stroke a snake at the Australian Reptile Park and visit the new Spider World Exhibition.

DID YOU KNOW...?

The Central Coast is will known for its fabulous beaches.

The Coast's hidden secrets are just waiting to be discovered. Pearl Beach, for instance, is a lovely, quiet little paradise located south of Gosford.
The cosmopolitan hub of the coast is Terrigal, complete with beach, boutiques, B&Bs and brilliant restaurants. Other major centres on the 'Coast include Broken Bay, Gosford, Wyong and The Entrance. Smaller seaside communities include Avoca, Long Jetty and Bateau Bay.
Get acquainted with some of the region's more slithery attractions at the Australian Reptile Park, sample the peace and quiet in the Forest of Tranquillity or watch the daily pelican feeding at The Entrance.
There's an adventure out there with your name on it. Go horse-riding, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing or kayaking. Or, simply bush-bash through one of the region's twelve National Parks, where you can take a guided tour to discover unique Aboriginal carvings and rock paintings.

Images

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Climate

To take advantage of the Coast's great beaches, aim to visit in the warmer months of October through March. Or for a hinterland experience, visit in the cooler months of the year.

Distance from Sydney

The main centre of the Central Coast is Gosford, 83km (51miles) north of Sydney. That's about one and a half hour's driving north of Sydney, on the Pacific Highway and then F3 freeway from Wahroonga.

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