Central Coast (New South Wales)

The Central Coast is a peri-urban region lying on the Pacific Ocean in northern New South Wales, Australia, just north of Sydney. The area is the third-largest urban area in New South Wales and the ninth-largest urban area in the country.

The Central Coast is generally considered to include the region bounded by the Hawkesbury River in the south, the Watagan Mountains in the west and Lake Macquarie, lying on the Sydney basin. The region is filled with subtropical national parks, forests and also encompasses the major coastal waterways of Brisbane Water, Tuggerah Lakes and southern Lake Macquarie. The region's hinterland has fertile valleys, rural farmland and wineries, and also includes the Watagan Mountains.

Gosford is the main commercial hub and gateway. The region is known for coastal towns like Woy Woy, Terrigal, The Entrance, Ettalong Beach, Budgewoi and Bateau Bay. They feature resorts, holiday parks and many expansive beaches and lagoons with surfing and coastal tracks, as well as scenic views.