Travel guide Central Coast & Lake Macquarie

Glenworth Valley is Australia’s largest horse riding and outdoor adventure centre and has been operating for almost 40 years. Escape amongst 3,000 acres of the finest unspoilt wilderness located in a deep valley in the hinterland region of the NSW Central Coast. Just 20 minutes from Gosford and one hour from Sydney and Newcastle Central Business District’s. Explore a diverse and interesting range of natural environments from lush green valleys and ancient rainforest areas through to tall trees and impressive rock formations. Experience the natural rock pools in the upper reaches of the valley or follow Popran Creek as it meanders its way down the valley towards the magnificent Hawkesbury River. Property Features• Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Kayaking and Abseiling• Mountain Biking, Laser Sk... Read more

It’s the kind of place where many people wistfully imagine growing up – a small town where everyone feels like they belong, alongside a beautiful beach with sparkling ocean continuing into what appears like an infinite distance. It’s a place where crime rates are low, but camaraderie is high; a place where people nod and smile as they pass each other by, unless they have time for a yarn. Avoca Beach is an awesome place for the lucky 5000 or so who live there, but for the rest of us – we get to capture a piece of the magic during the spring and summer months. Each year as the days become warmer, the population rises when families, couples, and friends travel to the area to enjoy a beach holiday without the hustle and bustle of popular tourist destinations. For man... Read more

TakeABreak Awards 2008 - Best Hotel/motel holiday accommodation Located on the beautiful NSW Central Coast, this privately rented, self-contained one bedroom apartment is situated within The Mantra (formerly Outrigger) complex at Ettalong Beach. Just 90 minutes (85kms) from Sydney, (located between Woy Woy and Umina), Ettalong Beach is the perfect destination for a weekend away or relaxing family break. The complex sits opposite Ettalong Beach with views of the pool and ocean from the large balcony. The charming beach town (population 4,100) is the perfect place to spend a relaxing long weekend with a host of activities available for the whole family. You can spend your Saturday morning browsing through the Ettalong Village Seaside markets (open 9-4 Saturdays, Sundays and public holi... Read more

18 Killcare Road Killcare Central Coast NSW Blue Moon on New South Wales’s Central Coast is a great retreat only one minute from the beach and close to the shops. Come and enjoy this beautiful cottage. Overall rating?           Excellent What makes Blue Moon different? This cottage in charming Killcare is a great escape from the city. There is so much to do with the nearby beach, national park, shops and more. Robyn makes you feel very well looked after and the house is beautifully prepared, the only thing you need to do is relax.   Accommodation overview This wonderful three bedroom cottage sleeps up to seven people. The upstairs area is a huge open plan expanse with large windows looking out to the view and access to th... Read more

Monterey Avenue Mannering Park NSW This is a large and well-priced property in a lakefront location, with fabulous views. Overall rating?      Excellent What makes Big 4 Lake Macquarie different? This is a caravan park, but once you are inside you feel as though you have your own space and privacy.  The park is in a waterfront lake location; with plenty of trees for shade and the local shops are only a stroll away. Accommodation overview The cottage has two bedrooms, there is a parents’ retreat upstairs, with a queen-size bed and balcony, air conditioning and fan. The second bedroom is downstairs and also has a queen-size bed, along with two bunks. Facilities overview This is a lakefront spa cabin, so the bathroom has a great spa bath and there is a lar... Read more

Bell Chapel B&B - Winner Best Accessible Accommodation Bell Chapel B&B in Carey Bay on Lake Macquarie was recently announced as the TakeABreak National Award Winner for best accessible holiday accommodation for 2008. The deserving recipients, Tricia Hunt and Tony Stephens, won this award for their charming refurbished old church, which offers an open plan space perfect for those with access issues and certified to AS1428 standards. The Lake Macquarie area is a quick 90 minutes drive from Sydney and is a perfect location for a romantic getaway. The abundance of attractions close to the cottage offer plenty of choice and the ambience of the cottage and tranquillity of the landscape will provide a perfect escape. The location is the ideal mix of lake, beach and village and ensures a... Read more

Lives are so busy these days that for many of us, long holidays are a thing of the past.  We seem to be taking shorter but more frequent breaks and one of the most important points in deciding where to stay is the distance between home and the property.  Count yourself lucky if you live in Sydney, as Tilba Cottage, nestled in the serene bush and national parks of the central coast, is only 90 minutes from Sydney – but miles away from the everyday. It is rare to travel such a short distance from the centre of a major city and find such a sense of peace and seclusion, but Tilba Cottage has all that and more.  Located at Pretty Beach near Hardy’s Bay, this gorgeous property seems to float among the treetops in its bushland setting, but is only moments from glorio... Read more

Terrigal Hinterland B&B 26 Lea Avenue, Wamberal, Central Coast, NSW A tranquil bush retreat that is perfect for those with romance in mind… This modern and private retreat is the perfect place for you and your partner to relax and re-connect away from the pace of everyday life.  Located just 10 minutes from Terrigal, you have the choice of the ocean or the bush. Overall rating? Excellent What makes Terrigal Hinterland B&B different? It is a modern luxury property with tranquil bush views and yet is easily in reach of brilliant beaches and the restaurants in Terrigal.  There is even a complimentary limousine transfer to selected restaurants.  A solar-heated lap pool is a great way to work off the incredible breakfasts. The hosts have perfected the art o... Read more

Covering a large expanse of coast about an hour south of Newcastle and an hour north of Sydney, the Central Coast region has something for everyone. Each of the towns and hamlets along the stretch have their own unique character and history, along with stunning beaches, lakes, rivers, galleries, boutiques, national parks, and friendly locals. It is an area of Australia well worth visiting – frequently. Things to do Here are a few ideas to get you started. 1. Stroll along a different beach every day. 2. Try your hand at fishing. There are so many great fishing spots along the Hawkesbury River, Pittwater, and Broken Bay to name a few. Take your own boat, or book a charter. 3. Sample some fine fruit wine and take a tour of the vineyard at Firescreek in Holgate, just ... Read more

  A delightful property where the name says it all!   This gorgeous property has three bedrooms and is absolute waterfront on Lake Macquarie – put the car in the drive and tie the boat up out the front!  The feeling as you walk into the cottage is exactly what the name implies … light, breezy and (depending on the weather, of course!) sunny.   Overall rating?                        Excellent   What makes Sunshine Cottage different?   Being absolute waterfront means that everything is on your doorstep – or jetty! – for a holiday that offers many choices, not just a wonderful waterland. Bring your boat (or hire one)... Read more