Central Coast activities through summer
If you are looking for things to do on the NSW Central Coast over the summer months, we have you covered. Whilst beaches are a main draw for the Central Coast, they are not the only highlight. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy some of the other activities happening in the area.
The sunniest time of the year is perfect for outdoor activities and events. From biking and hiking to taking in the local culture, there is no shortage of activities to keep you occupied. We’ve hand-picked some of the best places to shop, get your culture fix or enjoy the outdoor lifestyle for which the Central Coast is renowned.
Some events may be off-limits and the information here may be out of date due to COVID-19 restrictions, so confirm details with event organisers before attending.
Summer markets
The Avoca Beachside Markets are one of the highlights of living on the Central Coast. Located on Avoca Beach, the market operates on the fourth Sunday of every month with slight variations over the school holidays.
Due to the pandemic, the number of vendors is limited this year, but it is still worthwhile if you enjoy bespoke items and a selection of food and beverages. To get your fix of locally grown produce, head to the Wamberal market at 865 The Entrance Rd Wamberal.
Follow The Avoca Beachside Markets Facebook page for more information about this and other events throughout the summer. Visit facebook.com/AvocaBeachsideMarkets
Art and culture
Interested in exploring the arts and Australian culture amongst the things to do this summer? Consider stopping by one of these amazing places.
Ken Duncan Gallery offers photography workshops for every level of photographer. Whether you are a beginner interested in figuring out how to use your camera or a seasoned professional looking to hone your skills, these seminars suit every need.
Visit: kenduncan.com/workshops-tours-photo-critiques
Under the Southern Stars brings three amazing bands together for one special night under the stars. Go to The Entertainment Grounds Gosford on 28 February from 3 to 10:45 p.m. to see Live+, Bush, and Stone Temple Pilots perform together for the first time in Australia.
Visit: theentertainmentgrounds.com.au
Summer physical adventures
It’s ‘the great outdoors’ that drew many of us to the beautiful Central Coast. Of course, the beaches and the NSW coastal lifestyle are the main attraction but there’s much more to this beautiful region.
Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures offers guests a full day of activities, from horse riding, quad biking and abseiling to laser skirmish. Camping and other accommodations are available, so visitors can take their time trying out all the fun outdoor adventures at Glenworth Valley.
Visit: glenworth.com.au
A tandem flight with CC Paragliding could be your introduction to this thrilling experience, with tandem flights from $185. Devotees of flying this way call it one of the purest forms of human flight. So if you’ve always fancied yourself soaring through the air with an eagle’s perspective of the land, this is your chance.
Visit: ccparaglding.com.au
Closer to the ground, summer is an ideal time to learn to surf (mainly because generally the surf isn’t as heavy over summer so busting out through the breakers won’t break you). Popular surfing schools include Pines Surfing Academy at Shelly Beach and the Central Coast Surf School that operates mainly in the Avoca, Terrigal and Umina areas.
Pines Surfing Academy (owned and operated by Tamati Tapara, a former elite competitive surfer) is geared towards kids, is ASI accredited and also accredited to work with NDIS recipients and disadvantaged youth.
Visit: visitcentralcoast.com.au/things-to-do
The Central Coast Surfing School has a range of lesson configurations and prices, from $50 per person in a group lesson to $100 for a private one-hour surf lesson. The kids aren’t forgotten, either, with school holiday courses available over the summer. Board and wetsuit hire included in the price.
Visit: centralcoastsurfschool.com.au
