Gosford

Restaurants, cafes & breweries 

There’s plenty to please foodies in Gosford, with restaurants and bars, stylish cafés, a chocolate factory and breweries. Indulge in a creamy latte at Lil' Bean, a long lunch at South End Social or an Italian dinner at Pinocchios Wine and Pizza Bar. Other highlights include delicious meats and Italian dishes from Carne & Cucina and steak from the Railway Hotel or waterfront dining at Drifter's Wharf. There is also a burgeoning craft beer scene. Enjoy a tour and tasting at Six String Brewing, Bay Road Brewing and Oak Haven Brewery. 

Gosford RSLs Oak Haven Brewery, Gosford - Credit: Galaxy Motel

Nature & wildlife 

Gosford is located a short drive from the beautiful Brisbane Water National Park, which has fantastic opportunities for walking, cycling, kayaking and fishing. Take the grade 3 Somersby Falls walking track through rainforest to the bottom of Somersby Falls or the 2km Girrakool loop track through bushland, featuring an Aboriginal rock engraving site and scenic waterfalls. Nearby, Staples lookout provides views across Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay. 

Somersby Falls, Gosford Area

The Australian Reptile Park is a marvellous wildlife experience. Get up close to koalas, kangaroos and wombats; watch a captivating reptile show; and see Elvis, the resident saltwater crocodile. The funnel web spider is considered the deadliest in the world; watch the arachnids being milked to produce antivenom. 

Australian Reptile Park, Somersby

Artistic & cultural experiences 

Art lovers will enjoy the Gosford Regional Gallery, where you can admire regional exhibitions and stroll through gorgeous Japanese gardens. Pay a visit to Henry Kendall Cottage, a historic property that was built by convicts between 1836-1840. The cottage is now home to a museum containing a wide variety of local memorabilia, as well as old farming equipment on the grounds.  

Within Brisbane Water National Park is the Bulgandry Art Site Aboriginal Place, where you can admire Aboriginal rock art. Learn more about the engravings and Indigenous culture on a tour with Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences.   

Gosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative Garden, Gosford East

Where to stay

Gosford has a number of Motels including Gosford Palms Motor Inn, The Galaxy Motel, The Select Inn and The Ashwood Motel. There are also holiday rentals and holiday parks in nearby Umina Beach.  

Gosford Palms, Gosford - Credit: Red Star hotel group

Getting there  

Gosford is just over an hour’s drive north from Sydney and one hour 20 minutes south from Newcastle. You can also catch the train direct from Sydney, with the trip taking around one hour 20 minutes. Buses connect from Gosford to other towns on the Central Coast.