16 Best Things to Do in Avoca Beach
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Avoca Beach is a favourite beach destination on the Central Coast NSW.
The 1.7-kilometre long beach stretches between two sandstone headlands. And the lake, which is sometimes open to the sea, is situated in the middle of the beach.
Enjoy surfing, kayaking on the lake and catching a movie beside the beach at the end of the day.
The name Avoca is Celtic for “great estuary” or “where the river meets the sea” and the town was named by the first resident John Moore.
Avoca Beach is located just south of Terrigal–it's as beautiful and family-friendly as Terrigal, but quieter.
The beach is situated at the end of a long no-through road. There are many cafes and restaurants and quite a few attractions.
Check out these best things to do in Avoca Beach!
Things to Do in and Near Avoca Beach
1. Swim at the Beach
The beach is the biggest attraction here.
Avoca Beach is situated along the southern half of the beach, and along the northern half is North Avoca Beach.
It’s an excellent place for the whole family.
You'll find a large rockpool for younger children at the southern end of the beach. And excellent surfing conditions and lifeguard patrol.
There's a large fenced playground right behind the surf club.
Find out more about the beach...
2. Glide Around Avoca Lake
Photo courtesy of AquafunHire pedal-boats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at Aquafun and glide around Avoca Lake.
You can swap boats as many times as you like. It's great fun for kids!
Aquafun is located at Heazlett Park. Bring a picnic rug and chairs. There's plenty of shade and space for the kids to run around.
No need to book. Just turn up.
Find out more about Aquafun...
3. Shop at Avoca Beachside Markets
Visit Avoca Beachside Markets, the locals' favourite markets.
There are over one hundred stalls.
They sell quality things like wood sculpted craft and recycled wood furniture.
You can also grab great food and drinks like freshly squeezed juices and Irish soda bread.
The vibe is excellent, too.
Visitors like to chill out and listen to live music. There are fun things to do for kids and it’s dog-friendly.
Find out more about the markets...
4. Catch a Movie at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre
Watch an independent film at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre. It's a historic single-screen cinema right beside the beach.
This cinema was nominated as one of the “ten most beautiful cinemas” in the world.
They often offer special evenings such as French or Italian. And you can enjoy a glass of wine with a movie.
5. Surf
Learn to surf with accredited surf coaches.
This beach has some of the best surfing on the Central Coast for both beginner and advanced surfers.
Check out Avoca and Terrigal Learn To Surf, Central Coast Surf School and Central Coast Surf Academy.
6. Visit Captain Cook Lookout
Enjoy panoramic views up and down the coast from Captain Cook Lookout.
You can see the Skillion in Terrigal to the left and Bouddi National Park to the right. It’s also a top spot for whale watching.
Located at the top of Del Monte Place at Copacabana Beach.
7. Walk the Bouddi Coastal Walk
Bouddi National Park is the best place to go for a bushwalk.
This small national park is situated on rugged cliffs and surrounded by water. So every walk has stunning views.
Bouddi Coastal Walk is a stunning 8-km coastal walk which offers spectacular ocean views and passes secluded beaches.
Find out more about Bouddi Coastal Walk...
8. Walk the 5 Lands Walk
The 5 Lands Walk is a very popular 10-kilometre walk along the coast from Macmasters Beach to Terrigal.
This popular walk is held during the winter solstice, which is the best time to spot migrating whales! This walk attracts a crowd.
The purpose of the walk is to connect “people to people” and “people to land”.
Along the walk you'll enjoy art and entertainment by Aboriginal and cultural communities.
A fantastic day out!
Find out more about the 5 Lands Walk...
9. Visit Terrigal
Terrigal is the most popular seaside town on the Central Coast.
It has a trendy cafe culture and several options for fine dining. All cafes, restaurants and shops are situated metres from the beach.
Terrigal is a 10-minute drive from here.
Find out more about Terrigal...
10. Climb The Skillion and swim at Terrigal Haven
The Skillion and Terrigal Haven are a great spot nearby to enjoy the outdoors and have a picnic.
Small children like to swim in the calm water of the Haven, and you can climb the popular Skillion to the lookout for panoramic coastal views.
Find out more about Terrigal Haven and the Skillion...
11. Swim or Surf at Copacabana Beach
Copacabana is located just south of here. It's a relaxing beach and much quieter than Avoca Beach.
Copacabana attracts many surfers and swimmers.
The beach is patrolled in summer.
Find out more about Copacabana Beach...
12. Picnic at Little Beach
Little Beach is a secluded cove in Bouddi National Park. It’s a fabulous spot to picnic and chill out on weekends.
The cove is at the end of an easy 750-metre bush track. Even small children can walk it.
Little Beach is also a camping spot, and there are picnic tables and barbecues.
Find out more about Little Beach...
13. Enjoy a Beer at Block 'N Tackle Brewery
Block ‘N Tackle Brewery is the place to go for a handcrafted beer. Grab a tasting paddle and tasty food, and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.
Block & Tackle is family-friendly.
Located unit 1, 11-13 Cochrone Street, Kincumber.
Find out more about Block 'N Tackle...
14. Spend a Day at the Australian Reptile Park
If you have kids or host overseas visitors, do not miss the Australian Reptile Park!
It has been a favourite attraction on the Central Coast for many years.
If you want to see deadly species of snakes and spiders, entertaining shows, a massive saltwater crocodile, and learn a thing or two, visit this zoo.
Read our full article on the Australian Reptile Park...
15. Dive the Ex-HMAS Adelaide
The Ex-HMAS Adelaide was scuttled 1.8 km off the beach to create an artificial reef and a diving site.
You can now book a scuba dive tour to this 138.1 metres long and 15.3 metres wide Australian Naval warship.
16. Have a Coffee at LooLoo's Coffee Warehouse
If you’re after an excellent coffee, visit LooLoo's Coffee Warehouse in Kincumber.
The cafe is in a weird industrial spot, but it has a pleasant chilled out atmosphere.
It’s always packed with visitors–the best sign of a quality hang-out.
Located unit 12, 11 - 13 Cochrane St, Kincumber.
Find out more about Looloo's Coffee Warehouse.
Where to Eat in Avoca Beach
There are so many restaurants for such a small town. Here are our favourite picks…
Point Cafe ($$) is right on the beach. They offer all-day breakfasts. 10 Vine Street.
Chijmes is a Singapore Malaysian restaurant with a little
playground. Maybe not a romantic choice, but kid-friendly and delicious. Located at the Bowling Club, Avoca
Drive & Townsend Avenue.
Avoca Beach Seafoods ($) makes delicious fish and chips, and it’s located right beside the beach. Take a picnic rug on a warm summer evening. 1/85 Avoca Drive.
Bombini ($$) serves delicious modern Italian food. The chef used to be the head chef at Bells at Killcare, an award-winning restaurant. 366 Avoca Drive.
Like Minds ($$) is one of the locals' favourite places because of the delicious coffees and breakfasts, the great vibe and the friendly staff. 352 The Round Drive.
You'll find several options for fine dining in Terrigal, a 10-minute drive away.
Where to Stay in Avoca Beach
Most visitors in Avoca Beach stay in a holiday rental—you can search on a site like Stayz or Airbnb.
Haven't used Airbnb before? Use our unique Airbnb referral link and receive from $20 to $70 discount on your first stay.
Great Airbnbs in Avoca Beach
(As an Airbnb Associate, I earn when you book through one of these links, at no cost to you.)
- Seaspray@Avoca is an architecturally designed home with beautiful coastal views and located a short stroll to the beach. It's a lovely home to share with family and friends. The house has 5 bedrooms and can accommodate 10 people. Check reviews, availability and photos here.
- If you'd like to stay in a holiday cottage a stone's throw from cafes and the beach, check out Sandy Corner. The location could not be better. The home is super comfortable and can accommodate 4 people. Check reviews, availability and photos here.
- Nirvana One...Avoca Beachfront is in a fantastic location. This newly renovated apartment is right on the beach and across the road from the shops, restaurants and cafes. The large balcony offers 180-degree views of the beach. This stylish Airbnb is perfect for 1 or 2 people. Check reviews, availability and photos here.
- Self-Contained, two bedroom, breakfast included – enjoy kayaking on Avoca Lake (the hosts provide kayaks) when the lake is full. This guest suite is family-friendly and located right on the lake. There’s a large fenced garden, 2 bedrooms and the place suits 4 people. Check reviews, availability and photos here.
- Avoca Beach Hideaway is a short stroll to the beach and the shops. The guesthouse has a bohemian style, is funky and has a peaceful garden with chickens. It suits 2 people. Check reviews, availability and photos here.
Getting There
1 hr 30 min north of Sydney or 1 hr 35 min south of Newcastle via the M1 Freeway.
Hi! I'm Christine.
When we moved to the Central Coast from Sydney 15 years ago, we struggled to find thorough information about the beaches, bushwalks and hidden gems, so we set out to explore as best as we could. Now that we have visited every town, beach and secret spot, I'll help you discover this stunning region!
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