10 things to do in Ettalong Beach

Sep 30, 2018

If you’re after a holiday that combines sun, sand, bushwalking and even a spot of opera, look no further than Ettalong Beach. This hidden gem is located just 30 minutes by ferry from Sydney’s Palm Beach or 75 minutes by car and is the spot we’ll be booking for our next family vacation. We’ve rounded up our favourite ways to pass the time in Ettalong Beach, with something for every type of traveller:

Swim, stand-up paddleboard or kayak to your heart’s content! Once you spot the calm waters at Ettalong Beach, you’ll be busting to get straight out there. Kids can learn to surf at the Central Coast Surf School, or relax at any one of the beautiful spots just southeast of Ettalong Beach, including Ocean Beach Umina, Umina Beach and Pearl Beach.
Get a bit of culture at the annual Opera in the Arboretum event in March each year, a glorious combination of singing, the great outdoors and even a kookaburra or two.
Experience true waterfront dining (literally, right on the waterfront) at The Box on the Water. Take in the panoramic views over a cocktail or two.
Take a long walk along the 4km unbroken stretch of sand from Ettalong to Umina Beach.
Take a walk to one of the stunning outlooks or isolated beaches in Bouddi National Park. Try the Maitland Bay, Box Head or Coastal walking tracks.
Explore the local playgrounds which feature BMX tracks, flying foxes and skateboard ramps. Umina Beach and Ettalong playgrounds are our picks for the most climbing, swinging and biking fun.
Wolf down a pie at the Ettalong Beachside Pie Shop, which is renowned for it’s delicious offerings. If you like your meat pie a little fancier, the Bremen Patisserie in Umina has won awards for their pastry concoctions.
Hire or bring your bikes and take the Warrah Tri Cycling Loop which winds through the national park stopping at Warrah lookout. Make time for a spot of bird watching and a picnic amongst the wildflowers, keeping your eyes peeled for a koala or two!
If you’ve still got energy to spare, take the walking track between Pearl Beach and Patonga, a hidden local gem. This 3km bushwalk is a little more challenging, but the lookout at the end makes it all worthwhile.
If all that walking, swimming and cycling has made you hungry, head to the wharf at Woy Woy for fish and chips and watch the Pelican feeding at 3.30pm each day.