Areas: where to base yourself
- Terrigal: the liveliest base, with restaurants and the beach.
- Avoca Beach: a quieter village by the surf.
- The Entrance and Toowoon Bay: family-friendly, with lake and ocean.
- Ettalong and Umina: close to Bouddi and the Palm Beach ferry.
Food and drink
Expect relaxed beach cafés, fish and chips and good brunch spots, with more upmarket restaurants in Terrigal. Local oysters come from the Hawkesbury River and Brisbane Water.
Money-saving tips
- Use the train on Opal fares for a cheap day trip.
- Beaches, walks and pelican feeding are free.
- Stay midweek outside the school holidays.
Safety and practicalities
Swim at patrolled beaches between the flags; some beaches have strong rips. Keep to the tracks on cliff-top walks.
Sample plans
One day
Train or drive to Terrigal, climb the Skillion, swim at Avoca, then lunch by the beach.
Two days
Add a section of the Bouddi Coastal Walk, then Norah Head and the pelicans at The Entrance.
On the way north
Stop for half a day on the drive to the Hunter Valley or Port Stephens.
