16 Best Things to Do in Avoca Beach 

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

The 1.7 kilometre long beach stretches between two sandstone headlands. And the lake, sometimes open to the sea, is 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 just south of the popular town of Terrigal. It's as beautiful and family-friendly as Terrigal but quieter.

The beach sits 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. North Avoca Beach is along the northern half. 

It’s an excellent place for the whole family.

You'll find a large rockpool for younger children at the beach's southern end. And excellent surfing conditions and lifeguard patrol.

There's a large fenced playground right behind the surf club. 

2. Glide Around Avoca Lake

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. 

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 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. 

Find out more about Avoca Beachside Markets.

4. Catch a Movie at Avoca Beach Theatre

Watch an independent film at Avoca Beach 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 Central Coast surfing for beginner and advanced surfers.

Check out:

• Avoca Learn To Surf
• Central Coast Surf School
• 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 made up of rugged cliffs and surrounded by water. So every walk has stunning views.

Bouddi Coastal Walk is a stunning 8-kilometre coastal walk. You'll see spectacular ocean views and pass secluded beaches.

Find out more about the Bouddi Coastal Walk.

8. Experience the 5 Lands Walk

The 5 Lands Walk is a famous 10-kilometre walk. This walk attracts a crowd!

The route stretches along the coast from Macmasters Beach to Terrigal. This event happens during the winter solstice – the best time to spot migrating whales.

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!

Find out more about the 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 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 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 top for panoramic coastal views.

Find out more about Terrigal Haven and the Skillion.

11. Swim or Surf at Copacabana Beach

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

Copacabana attracts many surfers and swimmers.

Lifeguards patrol the beach 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.

Want to see deadly species of snakes and spiders? Entertaining shows and a massive saltwater crocodile? And learn a thing or two?

Then visit this zoo.

Find out more about the Australian Reptile Park.

15. Dive the Ex-HMAS Adelaide 

The Ex-HMAS Adelaide has been 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.

Find out more about diving the Ex-HMAS Adelaide.

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 has a 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 in such a small town. Here are our favourite picks…

• Avoca Beach Seafoods makes yummy fish and chips, and it’s 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. They serve delicious coffees and breakfasts, the vibe is great, and the staff is friendly. 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 and croissants. Or scrumptious pastries and desserts like vanilla slices at Ludo's Gourmet Kitchen. Look no further if you need a birthday cake. 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: 

• 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 when the lake is full. This guest suite is family-friendly and 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. 

Getting There

1 hr 30 min north of Sydney or 1 hr 35 min south of Newcastle via the M1 Freeway. Follow the directions on Google Maps. 

I hope you enjoy your visit to Avoca Beach!