14 Best Things to Do in The Entrance NSW

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The Entrance is a coastal town on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia.   

The town is a popular holiday destination for Sydneysiders. It's well-known for the channel that runs along the northern edge of town.   

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

Here you'll see dozens of pelicans. And you can enjoy fishing and prawning, recreational activities in Tuggerah Lake, fun things to do with kids and plenty of surfing beaches.   

Find out more below about our favourite things to do at The Entrance. 

Things to Do In and Near The Entrance

1. Entertain the Kids at the Waterfront

The foreshore and Memorial Park are a great spot to entertain the kids and have a picnic. 

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

And 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.

Click here to find out more about fun things to do with kids at The Entrance.

2. Watch 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 assemble, which I think is the best part of the show.

In any case, you'll see plenty of pelicans in the channel at all times of the day. 

Click here to read our full article on Pelican Feeding. 

3. Swim at The Entrance Beach 

The 300-metre 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. You can also surf. 

Click here to read more about The Entrance Beach.

4. Swim at The Entrance Baths

The Entrance Baths are situated at the southern end of the beach.

The baths are a great place to swim if you like calm water.

You'll find a 50-metre lap pool and toddler pool. It's free to use. 

5. Cycle Along Tuggerah Lake

This town is at the start of a 12-kilometre shared walking and cycling track. It's one of the best bicycle paths on the Central Coast. 

The cycling track follows the edge of Tuggerah Lake and goes past playgrounds, picnic areas and the very long jetty. 

You can hire bicycles near Memorial Park. 

Click here to read our full article on Tuggerah Lake Cycleway.

6. Walk Along the Channel

Walk along the waterfront on the boardwalk 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 Heritage Walk displays 75 signs and photos along Marine Parade and The Entrance Road. 

7. Enjoy the Markets and Festivals

The Entrance Market is held every Saturday. There are 20-25 stalls selling clothing, jewellery, pet products and food.

Besides, many events and festivals happen here:

• 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 

Click here to find out more about events on the Central Coast. 

8. Walk the 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 it traverses town and continues along Tuggerah Lake back to The Entrance.

The walk takes 1.5–3 hours depending on your pace and is well signed.

9. Swim or Surf at a Nearby Beach

There are stunning beaches nearby.

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. It's calm but not patrolled.

If you want to surf, head to Shelly Beach, North Entrance Beach, Forresters Beach or Soldiers Beach. 

10. Shop at Long Jetty

Visit Long Jetty if you like retro, vintage and second-hand shops and hipster cafes.

People often refer to Long Jetty as a mini-Newtown. 

Click here to read our full article on Long Jetty. 

11. Visit Norah Head Lighthouse

Visit Norah Head Lighthouse in Norah Head.

You can walk to the top of the lighthouse for a few coins. The guides are friendly and the stories are fascinating.

Norah Head is a lovely village to hang out for a few hours.

It's located a short drive from The Entrance. 

Click here to read our full article on Norah Head.

12. Bushwalk in Wyrrabalong National Park

Walk the Wyrrabalong Coast walking track in Bateau Bay and enjoy magnificent views at Crackneck Lookout.

It's an easy but beautiful walk.

Two other walks in Wyrrabalong National Park are situated in Magenta, on the northern side of the bridge.

The Lillypilly loop and Red Gum trails offer glimpses of Tuggerah Lake. 

Click here to read our full article on Wyrrabalong National Park.

13. Enjoy Fishing and Prawning

The beaches, the channel, and Tuggerah Lake are popular spots on the Central Coast for fishing and prawning. 

You can catch fish like bream, flathead, blackfish, whiting and salmon. The best time to go prawning is in the summer months. 

You can hire a boat from the Entrance Boatshed under the bridge.

14. Relax at Sensory Gardens

Enjoy the peace, the well-maintained garden and the lovely views at Sensory Gardens. 

Have a relaxing walk and enjoy the fabulous sunset over Tuggerah Lake.

The garden is wheelchair-friendly and suitable for everyone.

Located at Terilbah Reserve, The Entrance North. 

Where to Stay in The Entrance

The price and quality of accommodation here varies a lot which sometimes makes it hard to find a suitable place to stay.

There are plenty of holiday rentals available on Airbnb. If it's your first time using Airbnb, you'll get a discount on your first stay. 

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 which offers a relaxing stay and is for adults only. It's located right beside Blue Bay.

Click here to read reviews and to check prices.  

Sandy Cove Apartments are outstanding, spacious apartments at walking distance to the beach and the town. Many units offer superb ocean views.

Click here to check photos and to read reviews. 

Ibis Styles The Entrance is a great value hotel. Many of the rooms overlook Tuggerah Lake and the hotel is located a short drive to town, beaches and Long Jetty.

Click here to check photos and to read 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