16 Best Things to Do in Avoca Beach

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Avoca Beach is a favourite beach destination on the Central Coast NSW.

Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

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 and Surf

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.

2. Glide Around Avoca Lake

Photo courtesy of Aquafun

Hire 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.

READ MORE: 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 crafts 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.

READ MORE: Avoca Beachside 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.

Check current movies.

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:

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-kilometre coastal walk that offers spectacular ocean views and passes secluded beaches.

READ MORE: 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, the best time to spot migrating whales! This walk attracts a crowd.

The walk's purpose 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!

READ MORE: 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.

READ MORE: Terrigal

10. Climb The Skillion and swim at Terrigal Haven

The Skillion and Terrigal Haven are great spots 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.

READ MORE: Terrigal Haven and Skillion

11. Swim or Surf at Copacabana Beach

Copacabana is located just south of here, and it's a relaxing beach and much quieter than Avoca Beach.

Copacabana attracts many surfers and swimmers.

The beach is patrolled in summer.

READ MORE: 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.

READ MORE: 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.

READ MORE: Block 'N Tackle

14. Spend a Day at the Australian Reptile Park

Australian Reptile Park: feeding the crocodile

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 MORE: 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.

READ MORE: Ex-HMAS Adelaide dives

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.

READ MORE: Looloo's Coffee Warehouse

Where to Eat in Avoca Beach

There are so many restaurants in such a small town. Here are our favourite picks…

Avoca Beach Seafoods makes yummy fish and chips, and it’s located right beside the beach. Take a picnic rug on a warm summer evening. 1/85 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.

Avoca Beach House serves tasty seafood meals and platters, tapas and cocktails, accompanied by stunning ocean views. 3/85 Avoca Drive

Enjoy freshly baked sourdough bread, croissants, scrumptious pastries and desserts like almond croissants and vanilla slices at Ludo's Gourmet Kitchen. If you need a birthday cake, look no further! 8 Cape Three Points Road.

Avoca Sands Café serves great brunches, coffees and Mexican nights. Enjoy beautiful views of the beach from the terrace. 85 Avoca Drive.

Becker & Co serve delightful smoothies, toasties, pastries, breakfasts and lunches, and the coffee is delicious! 2/162 Avoca Drive.

Where to Stay in Avoca Beach

Most visitors in Avoca Beach stay in a holiday rental. You can search on a site such as Airbnb. The places below are fantastic:

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.

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, and the home is super comfortable and can accommodate 4 people.

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.

Avoca Beach Hideaway is a short stroll to the beach and the shops. The guesthouse has a bohemian style, is funky, has a peaceful garden with chickens, and suits 2 people.