12 Best Things to Do in The Entrance NSW

The first time I ever saw The Entrance NSW...

I was amazed by the natural beauty of the area. Beautiful beaches, pelicans, fishing & prawning and fun things to do for kids draw many visitors here each year. 

The Entrance is the English meaning of the aboriginal word Karagi. It means the ocean enters Tuggerah Lake.

Find out more below about our favourite things to do here and nearby and where to stay. 

Attractions In and Near The Entrance

1. Memorial Park

Memorial Park is great for families with children. A Ferris wheel is usually there during school holidays.

The place comes to life during weekends and school holidays. It transforms from a sleepy town into a buzzing place.

There's entertainment young children love: carousel, jumping castles, rides, a little train. Plus small children love to splash in Vera’s Water Garden, a wading pool.

Discover more family-friendly things to do at The Entrance >

2. Pelican Feeding

The biggest attraction here is Pelican Feeding. Feeding occurs every single day of the year at 3.30 pm at the foreshore next to Memorial Park. 

It’s your chance to get up close with dozens of pelicans.

Arrive between 2.45 – 3.00 pm to get a good seat and watch pelicans turn up one by one and congregate. I think it's the best part of the show.

In any case you’ll see plenty of pelicans in the channel at any time of the day. 

Find out more about Pelican Feeding >

3. The Entrance Beach 

The 300 m patrolled beach is just at the end of the boardwalk.

The beach is patrolled from the beginning of the September school holidays to the end of the April school holidays. It's also popular for surfing. 

Find out more about the local beach >

4. The Entrance Baths

The Entrance Baths are at the end of the beach. The baths are a great place to swim if you like calm water. You'll find a 50 m lap pool and toddler pool. 

5. Cycling Along Tuggerah Lake

This town is at the start of a 12-km shared walking and cycling track. The cycling track follows the edge of Tuggerah Lake, and it's one of the best bicycle paths on the Central Coast. 

Find out more about Tuggerah Lake Cycleway >

6. Walking Along the Channel

Walk along the waterfront and admire the view of the channel, the Tasman Sea, and Tuggerah Beach.

If you like history, read the signs along the boardwalk. 

The boardwalk is part of the Heritage Walk. The walk displays 75 signs and photos along Marine Pde and The Entrance Rd. 

7. Markets and Festivals

The Entrance Market is held every Saturday. 

Besides, many events and festivals happen in Memorial Park:

• July - Blues and Jazz Festival 
• Sept - Chinese Cultural Festival 
• Nov - Country Music Festival 
• Nov - Half-marathon 
• Nov - Tuggerah Lakes Mardi Gras Parade and Festival 
• Dec - Carols by Candlelight and New Year’s Eve 

Discover more events on the Central Coast >

8. Coast to Lake Walk

The Coast to Lake Walk is an interesting and varied walk...

The walk follows the beach from here to Toowoon Bay. Then goes through a town and along Tuggerah Lake back to The Entrance.

The walk takes 1.5 – 3 hours depending on your pace and it's well signed.

9. Beaches Nearby

There are beautiful beaches close by…

Toowoon Bay is perfect for young children because the water is calm and there’s lifeguard patrol.

For a sense of seclusion visit Blue Bay (not patrolled).

For surfing, head to Shelly Beach, North Entrance Beach, Forresters Beach or Soldiers Beach. 

10. Long Jetty

Visit Long Jetty if you like retro, vintage and second-hand shops and hipster cafes. It's on a noisy road but I like the shops. It's often referred to as a mini-Newtown. 

Find out more about Long Jetty >

11. Norah Head

Visit Norah Head Lighthouse. You can walk to the top of the lighthouse for a few coins. The guides are friendly and the stories are compelling.

Norah Head is a lovely village to hang out. It's located a few minutes' drive from The Entrance. 

Find out more about Norah Head >

12. Wyrrabalong National Park

Walk Wyrrabalong Coast walking track and visit Crackneck Lookout in Bateau Bay. It’s an easy but beautiful walk.

Two other walks in Wyrrabalong National Park are located in Magenta, on the north side of the bridge... The Lillypilly loop and Red Gum trails offer glimpses of Tuggerah Lake. 

Find out more about bushwalking in Wyrrabalong National Park >

Accommodation in The Entrance

The price and quality of accommodation here varies a lot, so it can be hard to find a great place to stay.

There are plenty of holiday rentals in The Entrance available on Airbnb. Check what's available for your dates here. If it's your first time using Airbnb, click here to get a $55 discount on your first stay. 

Below are some of our favourite places to stay...

Al Mare Beachfront Retreat is a lovely beachfront home for adults only. It makes for a very relaxing stay. The views are stunning and the beach, Blue Bay, is right at your door. Check photos and reviews. 

Sandy Cove Apartments are outstanding, spacious apartments located at walking distance to the beach and town. Many units offer fabulous ocean views. Check photos and reviews. 

Ibis Styles The Entrance is a great value hotel. Many of the rooms overlook Tuggerah Lake. It's located a short drive to town, The Entrance beach, Toowoon Bay and Long Jetty. Check photos and reviews. 

Getting There

Located on 1 hr 30 min north of Sydney via the M1 and 1 hr 10 min south of Newcastle via Pacific Highway. Follow the directions on Google map. The GPS will direct you to the free car park beside Memorial Park which is a central location.

You can also park beside Picnic Point, in the free car park on Duffys Lane, and beside the Surf Life Saving Club. 

I hope you enjoy your visit. 

More: The Entrance in photos