The Central Coast region of New South Wales is just a step away from Sydney, which makes it an ideal driving holiday. When travelling from Sydney, cruise north along the F3 Highway out of the city, with the Gosford, Tuggerah and Toukley exits taking you to the many regions of the Central Coast.

The Central Coast is home to coastal and hinterland regions, boasting national parks, forests and reserves, along with spectacular, clear beaches. The natural beauty abounds in the scenic sights, picturesque backdrops and pristine waterways. While exploring the seaside towns and cities on the Central Coast, you may be torn between relaxing and taking it easy and getting active and adventurous. Luckily, the region offers ample activities for you to do both!

There is a wealth of attractions and activities for families of all sizes and ages. Get active on land by trying your hand at a round of golf at one of the local, meticulously maintained golf courses. Skate your way around the indoor ice-rinks or explore the prehistoric rainforest trails and lush green valleys. Take the kids horse riding on some charming bush trails or venture into one of the local tenpin bowling centres and strike through an afternoon of undeniable fun.

For a different approach, take part in some of the many water-based activities on offer. Learn how to surf at one of the 30 stunning beaches in the Central Coast region. Or for a more extreme beach experience, learn how to surf ski, under the guidance of a trained professional. Take a short drive to one of the region's lake's (Lake Macquarie and Lake Tuggerah are popular hot spots) and hire a kayak, canoe or paddleboat. This is sure to be a fun experience that the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy!

Experience nature and soak up the breathtaking coast line and unspoiled beaches on your drive to one of the many nature park attractions. The Australian Reptile Park is sure to offer an unforgettable experience in which you can learn about and interact with many of Australia's reptiles. The Australia Walkabout Wildlife Park introduces you to the original inhabitants of the land; the koalas, kangaroos and dingoes. Explore the other stunning flora and fauna on display in the park and learn to appreciate the true wonders of Australia's environment.

After all of this excitement, it's time to relax and soak up the distinctive character and magnificent surroundings. Explore the local art galleries and studios and find some treasures in one of the local markets. Stroll around the manicured gardens and nurseries, or venture up to the Norah Head Lighthouse and check out some of the local history while soaking up the superb ocean views.

The Central Coast offers many divergent regions, each with their own distinctive attractions. When driving along the freeway, take the Gosford exit, which will take you to Woy Woy, Avoca, Terrigal and Gosford. Gosford is the major commercial and administrative centre of the Central Coast and is also the home to several spectacular ocean beaches and evergreen bushland and forests. Gosford enjoys a mild climate, making it an ideal travel destination all year round.

Taking the Tuggerah exit off the freeway will bring you to The Entrance and Bateau Bay. I have many fond childhood memories of this area and it continues to be one of my favourite holiday destinations in Australia. This area captures the essence of Queensland's Gold Coast, without the hustle and bustle and commercialism. The ideal surfing beaches, lake recreational areas and foreshore boardwalks make it an ideal location for family holidays. Hand feed the pelicans or hike to one of the scenic lookout points for stunning views of the coastline. This destination is sure to make the whole family happy.

The Central Coast region prides itself on offering quality dining experiences, with glorious views from beachfront restaurants and alfresco cafes. Some of these restaurants even offer authentic Indigenous cuisine, giving you the opportunity to sample some traditions of Australian culture.

A jewel of New South Wales, the Central Coast continues to please time after time. The ease of accessibility, wide variety of regions and abundance of fun and adventurous activities keep people coming back for more!

Christine Barton