Winter brings a flourishing line-up of events to the Central Coast

5 Lands Walk

As the weather cools down and with winter firmly at the door, the Central Coast is heating up with a thrilling line up of events and winter experiences set to ignite the cooler months. From a food and wine extravaganza to a rare opportunity to catch majestic whales on their annual migration, there is something for everyone.

Destination Central Coast has pulled together a thrilling round-up of events set to get visitors out and about in the region this winter.

5 Lands Walk – 24 June 2023

The 5 Lands Walk sees the Central Coast come to life in a spectacular collaboration and celebration of inclusivity between the region’s Aboriginal peoples and the broader communities of Darkinjung Country. The day-long event spans a 10km walk (or drive for those more inclined), with a series of diverse cultural offerings along the way including connecting to Aboriginal culture and history, live music, art exhibitions, sculptural installations, and more. Shuttle buses are also available between MacMasters Beach and Terrigal Beach with activities scheduled at each land in between.

For more information visit www.5landswalk.com.au

Whale watching on the coast

Few animals on earth generate the wonder of whales in the wild and winter on the Central Coast offers a rare glimpse of these wonderous mammals as they journey through the coast on their annual migration. An estimated 33,000 humpback whales make the annual trip to warmer waters from the Southern Ocean up the east coast of Australia and is a spectacular sight to witness. Central Coast visitors can catch this journey from a range of coastal headlands, lookouts and vantage points across the region from Norah’s Head to the Captains Cook Lookout with mid-June to mid-July the best time to catch the whales en-masse.

For more information visit https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/news/where-to-catch-a-glimpse-of-whales-on-the-central-coast

Coastal Surge Film Festival - June 29

The Central Coast’s inaugural film festival, Coastal Surge, will land at the Avoca Beach Theatre this winter and showcases three new films by local filmmakers, including Kaye Harrison’s documentary, Music Central, Toni Houston and Sarah Beard’s documentary, Bouddi Wild Swim and Amelia Foxton and Glenn Fraser’s comedic-horror film, Mother Tongue. Film screenings will be supported by live music, red carpet moments and filmmaker Q&A’s including a mixer with the cast and crew following each film. Mother Tongue star, Stephen Hunter, most notably known for his role as “Bombur’ in The Hobbit Trilogy, will make a special guest appearance.

For more information visit https://www.avocabeachtheatre.com.au/films-and-events/coastal-surge-film-festival/

Avoca Beachside Markets –25 June, 23 July, 27 August

Every month, Avoca Beach sees over 100 hand-picked stalls take over its shores alongside a spectacular program of local live music, water rides, fresh produce zones and international food offerings. The multiple award-winning markets are held at Heazlett Park Foreshore Avoca from 9am-2pm and are a free community event showcasing the region’s flourishing makers and creators scene in a picturesque waterfront location.

For more information visit: https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/things-to-do/retail-shop/avoca/avoca-beachside-markets

Fruit Picking – June to August

Winter on the coast sees local orchards ripe with the vibrant sights and smells of citrus fruits, pecans and flowers ready for the picking; from navel oranges and mandarins to the sour goodness of lemons. Pop in for visits to local farms like Cedar Farm, Wyuna Farms, Meliora Farm to pick your own fruits or grab some pecans at Artisan Estate Farm Stay. For a beautiful selection of sunflowers and seasonal flowers visit The Giving Farm or grab some fresh, seasonal vegetables direct from source at Mustard Seed Small Farm.

For more information visit: https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/pick-your-own

Winter on the Central Coast is also the perfect time to discover the region’s many award-winning restaurants, vast community of local makers and creators including food and wine producers, local artisans and providores to winter warming accommodation options.

Enjoy the day discovering the behind the scene operations of an oyster farm before finishing with a glass of champagne and indulgent seafood lunch at Sydney Oyster Farm; tuck in to a gourmet selection of pies and handcrafted pastries lakeside at saddles Mt White; sample warming and unique fruit wines including coffee and chilli flavours at Firescreek or enjoy an indulgent stay at Bells at Killcare.

With a mild climate, diverse experiences and beautiful coastlines and hinterland, the Central Coast is an ideal winter destination, allowing visitors to get out and explore without the chill factor.

For more information on things to do in winter visit www.lovecentralcoast.com.

*Source: Nadine Ghanem  nadine@thisishelm.com.au