Best Family Activities on the Central Coast: Reptile Park, Beaches and the Lake

The Central Coast of NSW is a highly popular family holiday destination within 90 minutes of both Sydney and Newcastle, combining excellent patrolled beaches, a large coastal lake system and the outstanding Australian Reptile Park at Somersby. Australian Reptile Park on Pacific Highway at Somersby is one of Australia's most significant reptile and wildlife parks, the sole facility providing antivenom for many Australian snake species from its research program, and home to one of the world's largest crocodile collections alongside Galapagos tortoises, platypuses, spiders and a comprehensive Australian native fauna section. Entrance to the park is excellent value for family visits. The Central Coast beaches including Terrigal, Avoca Beach and The Entrance are patrolled, child-friendly ocean beaches with calm surf and strong surf club programs. Lake Macquarie to the north and Tuggerah Lake (Australia's largest saltwater lake) provide calm-water kayaking, sailing and paddleboard experiences for families on days when ocean conditions are unsuitable. The Entrance Pelican Feed at Memorial Park has operated for over 40 years and is a free daily spectacle with dozens of wild pelicans gathering for the 3:30pm feeding. Shelly Beach at Gosford has a protected harbour beach and good snorkelling on the reef.