Why Central Coast is the Perfect Family Getaway
Looking for the best Central Coast itinerary for families with young kids? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway from Sydney or a short holiday with toddlers, the Central Coast offers kid-friendly beaches, family-friendly cafes, and fun outdoor activities that make it the perfect destination.
We took a 3-day Central Coast trip over the Australia Day long weekend, using our $200 Amex Platinum Edge travel credit before it expired. Wanting a relaxing beachside holiday, we stayed at The Quarters at Forresters Beach—a family-friendly motel with a resort-like feel, featuring an onsite pool, playground, and restaurant. It was perfectly located just:
✔️ 10 minutes from Terrigal Beach
✔️ 15 minutes from Toowoon Bay Beach
✔️ 20 minutes from Avoca Beach
In this Central Coast itinerary for families, I’ll share our day-by-day experiences, including:
- The best toddler-friendly beaches for safe swimming
- Where to eat (kid-friendly cafes & restaurants)
- Must-see attractions like pelican feeding at The Entrance
- Accommodation tips for a stress-free stay
If you’re planning a family trip to the Central Coast, this 3-day itinerary will help you make the most of your visit!
Day 1: Arrival & Beachside Dining in Avoca
We left Sydney late at 11 AM and arrived at Avoca Beach around 1 PM, just in time for lunch at Saltwater Bistro. This was a hidden gem for fish and chips! The barramundi was crispy, fresh, and perfectly cooked, much better than your average fish and chip shop. Even the kids’ meal was high quality, just a smaller portion of the regular dish.
After lunch, we checked into our family-friendly motel, The Quarters. This place had a relaxed resort vibe with a pool, playground, and great location—only:
- 10 minutes from Terrigal Beach
- 15 minutes from Toowoon Bay Beach
- 20 minutes from Avoca Beach
Benji couldn’t wait to jump into the onsite pool, which felt like a mini tropical oasis. We spent the afternoon relaxing before heading to Four Hands Pizza Bar in Terrigal for dinner.
- The prawn pizza and Hawaiian pizza were decent but not outstanding.
- Great customer service—staff regularly checked in and were extra helpful, which is always a plus when dining with toddlers.
After dinner, we took a beach stroll at Terrigal, where Benji got completely soaked trying to “catch the waves.” Walking through town, he spotted a huge lollipop sign at Sweet Surprises Candy Store. It turned out to be a fun little shop selling rare international candies and quirky energy drinks. The imported treats were pricey, but local sweets were affordable. Benji was thrilled with his giant lollipop, keeping him happy for the rest of the night!
Day 2: Toowoon Bay & Pelican Feeding at The Entrance
Breakfast at Cecilia’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Before heading to the beach, we stopped at Cecilia’s for a quick bacon & egg burger. At only $10, it was an affordable and tasty option.
Toowoon Bay Beach – The Best Toddler-Friendly Beach!
Toowoon Bay Beach was the perfect family beach:
✅ Calm waters – Ideal for young kids and beginner swimmers
✅ Soft sand & shaded picnic spots
✅ Nearby playground & BBQ facilities
✅ Onsite cafe for snacks and fish & chips
Since we visited on the Australia Day long weekend, it was busy but not overwhelming. Parking was tricky, so we had to find off-street parking—keep this in mind if you visit during peak times!
Lunch & Pelican Feeding at The Entrance
After a fun morning at the beach, we drove to The Entrance for lunch at a local fish and chip shop before watching the famous pelican feeding. This was a great activity for kids, as they could watch giant pelicans up close being fed by volunteers.
We returned to The Quarters for an afternoon pool session before dinner at their onsite restaurant, The Captain’s Table.
- Modern Australian & Italian cuisine
- Kids eat free on Australia Day weekend 🎉
- Benji had a simple chicken nuggets & chips meal, saving us $15 on the kids’ menu
Day 3: Exploring Terrigal Beach & Lagoon
For our last day, we had breakfast at Bellyfish Cafe. This was one of the busiest spots on the Central Coast during the long weekend, but for good reason!
- Classic Aussie breakfast – smashed avocado on toast, bacon & eggs
- Generous portion sizes
- Great coffee
Terrigal Beach (Lagoon Side) – Best Spot for Toddlers
We spent our morning at Terrigal Beach, but instead of the main beach area, we went to the lagoon side, which had:
✅ Calm, shallow waters – Safe for toddlers
✅ Less crowded than the main beach
✅ Perfect for splashing & wading
💡 Tip: If you’re bringing a beach trolley, enter via Ocean View Drive, not the main Terrigal Beach entrance. The main entrance has a long walk before getting to the lagoon, making it hard to carry heavy items.
To wrap up our trip, we grabbed lunch at Terrigal Beach Fish & Chip Co., which was much better than the average fish and chips shop at The Entrance.
- Perfectly crispy fish
- Great value at $16 per meal
After lunch, we drove back home to Sydney, ending a fun and relaxing 3-day getaway to the Central Coast!
Final Thoughts: Is the Central Coast Worth Visiting with Toddlers?
✅ YES! The Central Coast is one of the best family-friendly destinations near Sydney. Whether it’s calm beaches, fun activities, or great dining options, this 3-day itinerary is perfect for parents with young kids.
👉 Would we visit again? Absolutely! Toowoon Bay and Terrigal Lagoon were perfect for toddlers, and The Quarters at Forresters Beach was a great family-friendly stay. Next time, we’d explore more nature walks and maybe visit the Australian Reptile Park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To make your Central Coast itinerary for families even more helpful, here are answers to some common questions parents have when planning a trip.
1. What is the best time to visit the Central Coast with kids?
The best time to visit is during the warmer months (September to April) when the weather is perfect for the beach. Summer (December–February) is the busiest, especially over the Australia Day long weekend, so expect crowds at popular spots like Terrigal Beach and Toowoon Bay. For a quieter experience, consider mid-week visits or early mornings.
2. What are the best family-friendly beaches in the Central Coast?
Here are some toddler-friendly beaches with calm waters and easy access:
✅ Toowoon Bay Beach – Shallow, calm waters, ideal for young kids.
✅ Terrigal Beach (Lagoon side) – Gentle waves, perfect for toddlers to paddle safely.
✅ Avoca Beach (southern end) – Rock pools and a quieter swimming area for little ones.
3. Where is the best place to stay in the Central Coast for families?
If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to stay, here are some great options:
- The Quarters at Forresters Beach (where we stayed) – Resort-like motel with a pool, playground, and great location.
- Crowne Plaza Terrigal – A beachfront hotel with family rooms and a kids’ pool.
- NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort – Perfect for families who prefer holiday parks and cabin stays.
4. What are the best activities for toddlers in the Central Coast?
Besides the beach, here are some fun things to do with toddlers:
✔️ Pelican feeding at The Entrance – Watch these giant birds up close!
✔️ Australian Reptile Park – See kangaroos, wombats, and even a giant crocodile.
✔️ Playgrounds & picnic spots – Toowoon Bay has great BBQ areas and shaded parks.
✔️ Sweet Surprises Candy Store (Terrigal) – A fun stop for kids who love treats.
5. How do I avoid the crowds on a busy long weekend?
- Arrive early at popular beaches to get good parking and a shady spot.
- Visit lesser-known beaches like Forresters Beach or Spoon Bay for a quieter experience.
- Book restaurants in advance, especially in Terrigal and Avoca Beach, where dining spots get busy.
- Stay slightly outside main hubs to avoid heavy traffic, e.g., Forresters Beach instead of Terrigal.
6. Are there any stroller-friendly walks in the Central Coast?
Yes! Here are some easy, stroller-friendly walks:
👣 The Entrance Foreshore Walk – A scenic, flat walk along the waterfront.
👣 Terrigal Boardwalk – A short, beautiful coastal walk linking Terrigal Beach to The Haven.
👣 Norah Head Lighthouse Walk – A paved walkway with ocean views (slight incline).
7. What are some good family-friendly restaurants in the Central Coast?
Here are some great dining options for families:
🍽 Saltwater Bistro (Avoca Beach) – Excellent fish and chips with kid-friendly portions.
🍽 Four Hands Pizza Bar (Terrigal) – Pizza and tapas with great service.
🍽 Bellyfish Café (Terrigal) – Popular for breakfast with toddler-friendly meals.
🍽 Cecilia’s Restaurant (Toowoon Bay) – Affordable bacon & egg burgers ($10).
8. How many days should I spend in the Central Coast with kids?
A 3-day itinerary is perfect for a short trip, but if you want to explore more, 4-5 days allows extra time for wildlife parks, nature walks, and exploring smaller towns like Norah Head and Umina Beach.
Want to save money on family outings? See our guide to the best annual passes for attractions in Australia!
Looking for more fun attractions for toddlers? Check out our Dinos Alive Sydney Review to see if it’s worth visiting!