May 03, 2022
6 mins Read
This has been recognised by Ecotourism Australia, which recently certified the Central Coast as an ECO Destination – for its dedication to conscious tourism, development of sustainability, and for playing its part in preserving indigenous culture. Your next green getaway to the Central Coast will be made even better with a little help from these locals, who know and nurture this land so well. Here, they share their tips for travelling around the region, from soaking up nature to indulging in food and wine.
Amee Donohoe, ex-professional surfer and owner of Central Coast Surf Academy
Thanks to its incredible beaches, the Central Coast is home to an impressive group of surfing legends. That group includes Amee Donohoe, who was ranked fifth in the world during her successful 12-year surfing career. The owner of Central Coast Surf Academy now spends much of her time at her local break, MacMasters Beach, where she honed in on her talents as a child. Away from the waves, Amee straps on her walking shoes to explore Bouddi National Park, home to several amazing trails, including an eight-kilometre track that traces an ancient rocky headland above crashing waves. When it comes to fuelling up, Like Minds in Avoca is her pick for coffee, and Lady Copa Pizzeria e birra in Copacabana is the spot to enjoy woodfired pizzas and vinos from locally owned Upstairs Wines.
Laurie Pasco, NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service ranger
A true warrior of the planet, Laurie Pasco works as a ranger in Brisbane Water National Park, where she’s responsible for helping to protect native plants, animals and historic sites (she’s also a firefighter during bushfire season). It’s no surprise that her favourite national park is the one she spends most of her time in, describing its landscape of sandstone cliffs and escarpments, rainforest gullies, waterfalls and water views of Hawkesbury River and Brisbane Water as beautifully diverse. She spends her leisure time on two wheels, choosing Ourimbah State Forest and Awaba State Forest as her mountain biking playgrounds.
Kyal and Kara Demmrich, serial renovators and owners of K&K homewares store
This design super duo became well known for their stint on The Block many moons ago, and they continue to kick goals with their successful building and design company and online homewares store. These avid surfers usually start their day with sun, sand and sea, frequenting Shelly Beach, Toowoon Bay or Blue Bay, then pounding The Coast walking track in Wyrrabalong National Park. When it comes to caffeine, Flour & Co in Toowoon Bay is their firm favourite. Weekends may be spent enjoying long relaxed lunches with friends at the always packed Arc. Est or enjoying the fresh and eclectic flavours at hatted restaurant Yellowtail, both in Terrigal.
Tessa Thames, musician
One half of husband-and-wife musical duo Microwave Jenny, Tessa has performed on stages across the country but calls the seaside enclave of Ettalong home. She often pops into her local cafe Lords of Pour for a chai latte and croissant fix and Coast 175 for their corn fritters. Tessa also enjoys catching a flick at the characterful Italian-inspired Cinema Paradiso and browsing the stalls at Avoca Beachside Markets, where homegrown acts perform. If it’s an after-gig nightcap she’s craving, Tessa makes a beeline for The Boathouse Hotel Patonga, which oozes relaxed pub vibes in a chic coastal setting and has weekly live music.
Melissa Roberts, Justin Black and Ryan Barron, co-owners of Johnny Tapas
This local trio injected life into the languid town of Norah Head when they opened Johnny Tapas in 2020, and it’s been a much-loved restaurant and bar ever since. When they’re not serving up tapas and woodfired pizzas they love to spend time outdoors, naming Soldiers Beach as a favourite spot, Munmorah State Conservation Area’s unique cave system an adventurous place to explore, and the walk from Norah Head Lighthouse to Cabbage Tree Harbour the perfect way to stretch your legs while enjoying the Central Coast’s wide open spaces.
Grant Molony, artist
If you spend time around the Central Coast, chances are you’ll see one of Grant Molony’s colourful and detailed murals adorning a wall or interior. Spot the octopus looming overhead at Bay Road Brewing in Gosford, and see Michael Jordan at Long Jetty’s heritage cinema turned bar The Savoy. His latest venture with his partner Chloe, Rowsie Lane at The Entrance, combines art, florals and creative workshops.
Nadia O’Connell, Firescreek Botanical Winery
Running the 2.5-hectare organic Firescreek Botanical Winery keeps Nadia O’Connell busy, but when she’s not foraging in the garden for fruit for their award-winning botanical wines, or hosting her Winemaker’s Secret Garden Tour, she loves to spend time at Spoon Bay or Forresters Beach. Brunch is often on the menu at The Fat Goose in Hardy’s Bay or Kew Dining at Erina Heights. For a taste of other locally made produce and beverages, Nadia recommends the self-guided Scenic Sips trail that connects the winery to Six String Brewing (offering craft beer) and Distillery Botanica (specialising in gins and other liqueurs), and the Meet the Makers trail that connects Little Creek Cheese, Broken Bay Pearl Farm and confectionary wonderland The Factory.
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