Living on the Central Coast
Halfway between Newcastle and Sydney sits the Central Coast, a region with beautiful waterways, national parks and coastal towns.
Discover the Central Coast
The Central Coast is known for its relaxed lifestyle, natural beauty and strong sense of community spirit. With a population of 350,000, it is one of the fastest growing regions in NSW. The Central Coast will soon be home to 3 campuses. The Ourimbah campus offers a broad range of study options, the Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute at Gosford Hospital offers world class facilities for the health disciplines, and in 2026, the new Mann St campus will open in the heart of Gosford.
Beautiful surrounds
With 80km of coastline, the Central Coast has an abundance of options for swimming, surfing and soaking up the sun. There are 41 stunning beaches to explore, including 15 patrolled beaches. In addition, there is also a great selection of rockpools including Pearl Beach, Norah Head and McMasters Beach as well as the patrolled Grant McBride Ocean Baths at The Entrance.
The Central Coast offers a diverse range of bushwalking experiences, from coastal tracks with breathtaking ocean views to lush rainforest trails teeming with native wildlife. Popular walks include the Bouddi Coastal Walk, which winds along rugged cliffs and secluded beaches, and the Somersby Falls track, where cascading waterfalls provide a serene escape. Brisbane Water National Park features trails like the Pindar Cave and Patonga to Pearl Beach walks, showcasing scenic bushland and Aboriginal rock engravings. Whether you're after an easy stroll or a challenging hike, the Central Coast has a trail to suit every adventurer.
Surrounding Areas – Sydney, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle
Shop, eat, art
Follow local eateries and food trucks on social media to catch announcements about mid-week specials, discounts, and events.
Great dining precincts on the Coast include:
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.