The Entrance

Beaches & ocean pools  

The Entrance has two main beaches, either side of the channel leading from Tuggerah Lakes to the ocean, where the town takes its name. North Entrance Beach is long stretch of sand reaching all the way up to Magenta Beach and the northern section of  Wyrrabalong National Park. South of ‘the entrance’ there are two heritage-listed ocean baths at the southern end of the patrolled beach, one is child-friendly.  

Sunset over The Entrance channel, Central Coast

Parks, walks & cycling 

In Memorial Park, young children will love The Entrance Historic Carousel and nearby Vera's Water Garden, a fun splash pool with brightly coloured fountains in the shape of magical sea creatures. Head south from the park to The Entrance Beach and follow the delightful foreshore walk. 

Vera's Water Garden, The Entrance

Explore more of the area on the 7.6km Coast to Lake Walk, which takes you from lakeside Long Jetty to seaside Toowoon Bay. Bring your bicycle or hire a bike and pedal along the Tuggerah Lakes Cycleway. This 12km shared path winds around lovely Tuggerah Lake to either Chittaway Bay or across the bridge to Magenta. 

Coast to Lake Walk, The Entrance - Credit: Central Coast Council

Make sure you walk to the end of the iconic and aptly-named Long Jetty, which stretches out over the lake. There are free barbecue facilities by the lake at Picnic Point Reserve and Long Jetty Foreshore Reserve. 

Tuggerah Lake, Long Jetty

Food & drink 

Stroll the foreshore and high street and you’ll find plenty of relaxed cafes and restaurants serving a smorgasbord of cuisines, with fresh seafood a specialty. Don’t miss the The Savoy Long Jetty, housed in the original 1950s movie theatre, for pizza, cocktails and live music. Then stop by one of the ice-cream parlours for a sweet treat. 

The Savoy Long Jetty, Central Coast

Markets & events

The Entrance hosts a vibrant events calendar of festivals. There are weekly Sunday markets and monthly Saturday markets. Time your visit for Girrakool Blues in March, Rolling Sets Festival in December and The Lakes Festival in November. 

The Lakes Festival, The Entrance - Credit: Colony Creative/Central Coast Council

Where to stay 

There are some great holiday parks in The Entrance, including Two Shores Holiday Village and Dunleith Tourist Park. Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites offers studio apartments, one- and two-bedroom luxury loft apartments and executive one- and two-bedroom apartments positioned on the water's edge. Sapphire Palms Motel is a great budget option with a swimming pool, barbecue area and guest kitchen. 

Oaks The Entrance Waterfront Suites, The Entrance - Credit: Oaks NSW

Getting there 

The Entrance is a 1.5-hour drive north from Sydney and around one hour and 15 minutes south from Newcastle. You can also catch the train from Sydney to Gosford or Tuggerah stations and connect by bus.