Romantic Getaways: The NSW Central Coast

Want some ideas for a short romantic getaway? We recently headed north from Sydney to the Central Coast to discover all the best things to do, and places to see, in the first of a new series of romantic getaway features. Here's our top six: 

1. Stay At An Amazing Romantic Resort 

It's hard to beat Kim's Beach Hideaway, a luxury resort on the beach front at Toowoon Bay with a long history dating back to 1886. It began life as a retreat with only a slab-timbered kitchen-cum-dining room, and paths through the sand and bush to tent accommodation. Fast forward to the present day, and Kim's is recognised internationally as one of the country's most famous couple's retreats, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and the place to go for a relaxing stay combining wonderful food and sublime accommodations. It has a mixture of luxury lodge style accommodation in bungalows and villas, each one with either an indoor spa bath for two, or an outdoor jacuzzi, or both. Some also have a private swimming pool, sauna, double massage shower temples, wood fire places, and separate lounge areas with bedrooms. To read our full review click here. 

2. Walking The Coast Track At Wyrrabalong National Park 

If you love scenery and walking, this is a great way to enjoy the local landscape, and walk off some of the fine dining you can enjoy on the Central Coast. This track runs through a narrow strip of forest between Forresters and Bateau Bay Beaches. You set out from Bateau Bay Picnic area, where you can park your car safely, meandering along the path which goes across some cliff tops. Depending on the time of year, you may be treated to spring wildflowers coming into bloom, including the local flannel flowers, or during the winter months, pause for some whale watching at Crackneck Lookout. The return walk is around six kilometres, taking around two to three hours, and it isn't terribly challenging unless it's very hot. Take water with you, wear plenty of sunscreen, and don't forget a camera with plenty of charge to enjoy all the stunning vistas along the way. 

3. Take Time Out At Terrigal's Surf Cafe 

This al fresco venue not only takes pride of place on Terrigal's beach front, but also takes its coffee very seriously. Sprawling out from beneath the surf club, it's a cluster of brightly coloured chairs, tables and umbrellas, serving top notch coffee of all types, and a menu of breakfast favourites and hearty lunches. The man behind the caffeine is Scotty Callaghan, an award winning barista who will deliver your cappuccino they way it should be served. But it's well worth staying for the food too, whether you fancy a late breakfast, or an exotic salad or hamburger. Just don't forget to thank them for serving real coffee as the staff appreciate it. 

4. Feed The Pelicans At The Entrance

It's one of the Central Coast's most popular tourist attractions, taking place daily at 3.30pm, and is a great way to learn about these huge birds, as well as the local marine life. The tradition started around 20 years ago when staff from a local fish and chip shop started throwing out scraps; whenever the staff were late, the pelicans started to cross the road and come up to the shop front waiting for their free feed. Today it's not only a tradition, but also a way for experts to keep an eye on the pelicans' welfare, as fish hooks and lines can become tangled up in the birds' gullets and wings. Pelican feeding takes place at the pelican pavilion on the foreshore, but if you don't fancy being a part of the melee, you can spot these majestic birds easily around the water front; they don't call The Entrance the Pelican Capital of the World for nothing. 

5. Enjoying The Beach, And the Surf 

Fortunately for guests at Kim's Beach Hideaway, a long stretch of unspoiled golden sand is at their doorstep. And nothing quite beats a walk on the beach at sunset for romance. From the resort at Toowoon Bay you have plenty of options. You can head north from Toowoon Point along Toowoon Bay to Blue Bay and up to The Entrance, or you have the option of heading south along the expanse of Shelly Beach to Bateau Bay. The best swimming spots are just outside the surf club at Toowoon Bay, or just north of the surf club on Shelly Beach; if the surf is up, there are also plenty of little breaks along the way. 

6. Indulge In A Spa Treatment 

If you fancy a spot of pampering, head north just past The Entrance to the Vie Spa at the Pullman Magenta Shores. Located downstairs below the main lobby in a quiet spot, highlights include an ultra-modern new decor of light green, pale purple and yellow, and a menu of spa treatments which can be offered to couples. Besides facials and massages, the two of you can also enjoy a ritual such as a White Flannel Flower treatment, which is 100 minutes of pure indulgence including a body polish, massage and facial, or Aroma-Fusion, a 90-minute treatment comprising a back exfoliation and massage, an aroma facial, and a foot treatment. To read our full review, click here.