At just over an hour south of Newcastle, the Central Coast is a perfect weekend escape destination.

The sprawling vastness of the region ensures there is an experience for everyone, from stunning beaches, to pristine waterways, peaceful bushland walks, an ever evolving restaurant and bar scene, all wrapped up with the Coast's laid back vibe, that’s easy to feel at home in.

Whether you plan to stay overnight or for the weekend, you are spoilt for choice. From the budget conscious, to the ultra luxurious accommodation properties with private spas and pools, to beachside havens and romantic retreats, here's our list of the best places to stay on your next visit to the Central Coast.

Patonga Beach House

A little place that will leave you longing for more, the Patonga Beach House is humble in its street-side appearance, blending into the surrounds under Norfolk Pines and snug to the Boathouse Hotel Patonga. The small kitchen and living area opens to a large deck area with a firepit for the chilly evenings, and step down to a full-size BBQ and a seating area equipped with fridges and an ice machine.

Bells at Killcare

Nestled atop Killcare Heights, amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Central Coast, is a destination like no other. Bells at Killcare is a boutique accommodation, complete with a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, a cocktail bar, and an artisanal bakery. In February 2024, Bells announced the opening of their newest venture, The Lodges – four architecturally designed luxury tri-level lodges set within their very own eco-wilderness sanctuary, complete with panoramic ocean views and their very own heated magnesium pool – making for the perfect accommodation for a luxury small family escape, or small group getaway.

Kims Beachside Retreat

Steeped in history and tradition, the once fishermen's campsite, Kims Beachside Retreat has carved a niche for itself and stands out as a truly unique destination. Nestled on the absolute beachfront of the Central Coast’s Toowoon Bay, the 36 individual bungalows are situated across 10 acres amassed with tropical gardens, guarded by 134-year-old Norfolk Pine trees. It’s a rare treat along the New South Wales east coast to have a stand-alone bungalow with absolute beach frontage, with four of the bungalows having their own swimming pools, however, the beauty of these special eight is that you can run out of your bungalow and dive into the ocean.

Crowne Plaza Terrigal

Situated in the beautiful beachside location of Terrigal, the iconic Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific offers oceanfront deluxe accommodation. Relax beside the outdoor pool by day, before coffee or brews in Terrigal Beach House. Dinner can be spent at the the property's onsite restaurant, Meribella, where old-world hospitality merges with a season inspired menu, paired perfectly with their cocktails.

Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort

If you're looking for something on a budget, that's within walking distance of the water, and loads of cafes and restaurants, the quirky Ettalong Beach Tourist Resort is your spot. Offering a range of boutique accommodation to suit every budget, the accommodation shares the same space as the elegant, multi screen Cinema Paradiso complex, which boasts 7 screens including an outdoor screen.

Marramarra Lodge

Barefoot luxury accommodation nestled on the shores of the Hawkesbury River, Marramarra Lodge is a completely unique, authentic, and indulgent island escape. Transferring to the lodges by boat, all the accommodation are named after Dharug words for flora and fauna native to the area. Your luxury tent accommodation comes with canvas sides and roof - and non-tent-like facilities such as reverse cycle air conditioning, all-inclusive mini bar, and perfect wifi, you have all the comforts of a modern hotel combined with the perfect immersion of nature that you can enjoy without having to worry about being covered in insect repellent.

Pretty Beach

A 90-minute drive south of Newcastle, the lodge sits high above the village of Pretty Beach, nestled into the rugged bushland of Bouddi National Park. Considered one of Australia's most exclusive and secluded luxury lodges, the retreat is spread over two levels offering a separate living space upstairs and oversized bedroom downstairs. For those lucky enough to stay, your Pavilion rates are for two people and include all dining, an open bar with premium wines, beers and spirits (cellar list additional), pavilion mini-bar, unlimited WiFi on-demand movies and mountain bike hire.

Copacabana Beach House

Visit one of the Central Coast's hidden gems and most vibrant beachside villages, Copacabana, which is also home to the spectacular Copacabana Beach House. Enjoy the serentity of your bush setting surrounds, or relax and unwind by the outdoor firepit. Perched on a hill with views of Copacabana Beach, the four-level architecturally designed beach house is only 400m stroll to the beach, rockpools, village and Bouddi National park is only a 15-minute drive away.

The Greenhouse Retreat

A curated collection of privately owned holiday accommodation along the stunning Central Coast coastline. Each of The Greenhouse Retreat dwellings offers guests a space to retreat, unwind, reconnect and take time to recharge with family and friends.​ Each of the accommodation properties are situated in majestic locations, amazing facitlites and offer a unique first-class experience for any occasion.