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28 Sep 2025
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10 best places for weekend getaway from Central Coast, NSW

Central Coast Weekend Getaway Itinerary Overview

Embark on an unforgettable weekend adventure from the Central Coast, NSW, exploring some of the region’s most spectacular destinations. Begin your journey by experiencing the lush vineyards and gourmet cuisine of the Hunter Valley, perfect for wine enthusiasts and food lovers. Continue on to the majestic Blue Mountains, where dramatic cliffs, ancient forests, and the iconic Three Sisters offer unbeatable scenery and walking trails.

Discover the aquatic wonderland of Port Stephens, known for its pristine beaches, dolphin cruises, and thrilling sand dunes. Indulge in the cosmopolitan vibrancy of Sydney, featuring world-renowned landmarks, diverse dining, and cultural treasures. The historic city of Newcastle awaits with its laid-back surf culture, coastal walks, and dynamic arts scene.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Barrington Tops National Park offers remote wilderness, spectacular lookouts, and rich biodiversity. Lake Macquarie invites you to unwind along Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, while the Hawkesbury River tempts with tranquil waterways and riverfront adventures. Avoca Beach is ideal for families and surfers alike, with golden sands and relaxed charm. Cap off your journey at Bouddi National Park, where scenic coastal trails, hidden beaches, and native wildlife provide a peaceful, nature-filled escape. This itinerary ensures a rich variety of experiences, making for an exhilarating and restorative weekend getaway from the Central Coast.


Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Hunter Valley

    Hunter Valley is renowned for its world-class wineries, gourmet food, scenic vineyards, and relaxing countryside atmosphere, making it perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Blue Mountains

    Blue Mountains offers dramatic scenery, bushwalks, waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like the Three Sisters, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and photographers.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Port Stephens

    Port Stephens is famous for its pristine beaches, dolphin and whale watching, sand dune adventures, and fresh seafood, offering a mix of relaxation and exciting outdoor activities.
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  • Sydney boasts iconic landmarks like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, diverse restaurants, and rich cultural experiences, making it a must-visit urban destination.
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  • Newcastle features beautiful surf beaches, a lively arts scene, great cafes and restaurants, historical sites, and easy access to coastal and nature attractions, providing a dynamic yet relaxed getaway.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Barrington Tops National Park

    Barrington Tops National Park is perfect for nature lovers with its lush rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for camping and bushwalking in an untouched wilderness.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Lake Macquarie

    Lake Macquarie is Australia's largest coastal saltwater lake, offering stunning water views, boating, fishing, lakeside cafes, and relaxing cycleways, making it perfect for water lovers and families.
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    Hawkesbury River

    Hawkesbury River features serene waterways, historic towns, river cruises, fishing, kayaking, and beautiful natural scenery, providing a peaceful escape with plenty of recreational activities.
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    Avoca Beach

    Avoca Beach is known for its golden sand, excellent surfing, relaxed vibe, beachfront cafes, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for both relaxation and outdoor fun.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Bouddi National Park

    Bouddi National Park offers spectacular coastal walks, secluded beaches, scenic lookouts, and abundant native wildlife, making it a haven for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    The Boatshed Cafe & Bar

    4.3
    $$$$

    The Boatshed Cafe & Bar

    A unique waterfront restaurant literally on the lake, offering fresh local seafood and stunning views over Lake Macquarie.
    4.3
    $$$$
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    The Press Book House

    4.7
    $$$$

    The Press Book House

    A quirky cafe-bar in Newcastle combining coffee, cocktails, and a curated bookshop inside a heritage building.
    4.7
    $$$$
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    Twine Restaurant

    4.7
    $$$$

    Twine Restaurant

    Located in the heart of a Hunter Valley vineyard, this spot features creative Australian cuisine and panoramic views of rolling vines.
    4.7
    $$$$
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    Echoes Restaurant & Bar

    4.3

    Echoes Restaurant & Bar

    Dramatically perched on the edge of a cliff in the Blue Mountains, Echoes offers modern Australian-Asian fusion cuisine with breathtaking escarpment views.
    4.3
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    The Cowrie

    4.7
    $$$$

    The Cowrie

    An elevated dining experience on the Central Coast, famous for its seafood and panoramic ocean views overlooking Terrigal.
    4.7
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    Spicers Sangoma Retreat

    4.8

    Spicers Sangoma Retreat

    An adults-only, eco-certified luxury retreat in the Blue Mountains, featuring African-inspired suites, bushland views, and gourmet dining.
    4.8
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    QT Newcastle

    4.6

    QT Newcastle

    A stylish, design-led hotel in a renovated heritage building, offering eclectic decor, a rooftop bar, and unique city views.
    4.6
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    Sleepy Hill Motel

    4.1

    Sleepy Hill Motel

    Quirky, family-friendly budget accommodation in Port Stephens, known for themed rooms and personalized service.
    4.1
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    The Woods at Pokolbin

    4.9

    The Woods at Pokolbin

    Boutique Hunter Valley cottages nestled among vineyards, each with unique wooden interiors and tranquil surrounds.
    4.9
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    Kims Beachside Retreat

    4.5

    Kims Beachside Retreat

    A historic collection of private beachside bungalows near Avoca Beach, known for their secluded luxury and rainforest settings.
    4.5
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Sunset Sounds

    Sunset Sounds

    Running Times: Gates - 3:00pm Start - 3:45pm Finish - 10:00pm Sunset Sounds heads to Gosford Starring Boy and Bear along with Josh Pyke, The Pierce Brothers, The McCredie Brothers and many more... Triple M presents Boy and Bear at the Entertainment G...
    Map IconThe Entertainment Grounds in Gosford (17.79 mi)
    Calendar Icon18 Oct 2025
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    Lassù Central Coast (Gosford)

    Lassù Central Coast (Gosford)

    The event will take place at Gosford Waterfront in Gosford.
    Map IconGosford Waterfront in Gosford (18.79 mi)
    Calendar Icon3 Oct 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Subreddit for the Central Coast in NSW, Australia. ... Looking for recommendations for a weekend getaway in the central coast for a wedding anniversary. Somewhere close to the...

    Weekend getaway

    Subreddit for the Central Coast in NSW, Australia. ... Looking for recommendations for a weekend getaway in the central coast for a wedding anniversary. Somewhere close to the...

    /r/centralcoastnsw
  • Reddit Icon

    American currently in Okinawa Japan heading to the central coast in September. Tryna find places to do before I get there. Would like some

    Things to do in the central coast

    American currently in Okinawa Japan heading to the central coast in September. Tryna find places to do before I get there. Would like some

    /r/centralcoastnsw
  • Reddit Icon

    My wife and I just bought a house in a few suburbs north of Gosford, and we will be relocating from Sydney. We are both in our early 30s with 2 small

    What are your top things to do/see in the Central Coast?

    My wife and I just bought a house in a few suburbs north of Gosford, and we will be relocating from Sydney. We are both in our early 30s with 2 small

    /r/centralcoastnsw
  • Reddit Icon

    Subreddit for the Central Coast in NSW, Australia. ... My girlfriend and I are staying near Wagstaffe this weekend and are in need of nice places to check out, good places to ...

    Places to check out/things to do around the central coast?

    Subreddit for the Central Coast in NSW, Australia. ... My girlfriend and I are staying near Wagstaffe this weekend and are in need of nice places to check out, good places to ...

    /r/centralcoastnsw
  • Reddit Icon

    Looking for a nice hotel or serviced appartments to take my partner away next weekend, any recommendations and experiences would be much appreciated

    CENTRAL COAST ACCOMODATION

    Looking for a nice hotel or serviced appartments to take my partner away next weekend, any recommendations and experiences would be much appreciated

    /r/centralcoastnsw

Music for Your Journey

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    Vance Joy - Riptide

    Vance Joy - Riptide

    A feel-good, upbeat tune perfect for driving along the coast.
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    ICEHOUSE - Great Southern Land

    ICEHOUSE - Great Southern Land

    An iconic Australian song that captures the spirit of adventure and discovery.
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    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home

    A folk-pop anthem that inspires road trip nostalgia and the joy of returning to familiar places.
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    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way

    Its optimistic melody makes it ideal for starting any journey on a high note.
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    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    A classic road trip song about independence and the freedom of travel.
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    Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls - To Her Door

    Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls - To Her Door

    A storytelling song deeply rooted in Australian culture, perfect for long drives.
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    fun. - Some Nights

    fun. - Some Nights

    A powerful and energetic track to keep spirits high on the road.
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    Men At Work - Down Under

    Men At Work - Down Under

    Celebrate Australian sights and culture with this crowd-pleasing anthem.
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    The Shins - Australia

    The Shins - Australia

    Captures a sense of longing and beauty associated with exploring the country.
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    George Ezra - Budapest

    George Ezra - Budapest

    A catchy and relaxed song that sets a carefree, adventurous mood.
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