The Entrance Hotel & Accommodation on the Central Coast

The Entrance’s most famous residents are hard to miss. The local pelicans have been drawing crowds to the waterfront for decades, and after watching the daily feeding, you’ll understand why.

Beyond the pelicans, The Entrance is loved for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, waterfront walks and easy access to both Tuggerah Lake and some of the Central Coast’s best beaches.

Also, it’s known for being a great getaway destination for locals and travellers thanks to its location just 90 minutes north of Sydney.

The Entrance has a mild coastal climate, which means warm summers, comfortable winters and plenty of sunny days throughout the year. It’s the kind of place where outdoor plans are usually the best idea.

Summers are especially great for swimming, paddleboarding and diving, while the cooler months are perfect for coastal strolls and long lunches by the waterfront. Not a bad forecast, really.

The Entrance Boardwalk is one of the town’s best-known spots, offering waterfront views across Tuggerah Lake and with plenty of cafés and restaurants to explore.

Nearby, The Grant McBride Baths (formally The Entrance Ocean Baths) are a local favourite for a swim with a sea view. Toowoon Bay and Blue Bay are both worth a visit if you’re chasing beautiful beaches, while Memorial Park sits at the heart of the waterfront and often hosts cultural events.

For a change of scenery, head to Long Jetty, where you’ll find colourful shops and lakeside walking paths. Stick around until sunset (you’ll thank us later). If you’re visiting during the weekend, stop by Lions Club Sunday Markets and grab a bite by the water.

The beauty of choosing a hotel at The Entrance is that most of the things to do are just a few steps away.

Life around here revolves around the water, so it’s no surprise that many of the most popular activities happen along the lake, beaches and the waterfront. Spend the arvo swimming at the Ocean Baths, hiring a paddleboard on Tuggerah Lake, cycling the lakeside paths or simply wandering the foreshore with a coffee in hand.

For the little ones, Vera’s Water Garden, Memorial Park and the famous pelican feeding every Saturday, Sunday and every day in the school holidays are great plans. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try your luck fishing, catch a few waves at The Entrance Beach or head to Wyrrabalong National Park (if you’re visiting between May and November) for a spot of whale watching.

This coastal town on the New South Wales Central Coast enjoys a food scene that includes the best of the sea, with local favourites such as prawns, oysters and freshly caught fish served across the waterfront.

But it’s not all about the seafood. This is Australia, after all, so a proper meat pie is never far away. Local institutions like Ken’s Humble Pie Shop have some of the best, so don’t miss it.

You’ll find everything from classic Aussie pub meals to modern Australian cuisine, often served with a pretty decent view. Honestly, fish and chips by the water just feels right around here. Bonus points if a seagull doesn’t try to claim a share.

The Entrance likes a good excuse to get people outdoors. Throughout the year, the waterfront hosts a mix of events, markets and family-friendly festivals that make the most of the town’s lakeside setting.

Some of the most famous events include The Lakes Festival, held each November, which celebrates Tuggerah Lake with live performances, outdoor activities and community events, and the Chromefest Classic Car Festival in October, a much-loved weekend of vintage cars, live music and retro fun.

Another crowd favourite is the Central Coast Country Music Festival, held each August. This weekend-long event features the best live music with performances from some of Australia’s favourite country music artists.

If you’re planning to visit during these events, it’s worth booking early, as places to stay in Central Coast tend to fill up quickly when the town is at its liveliest.

The town is located on the NSW Central Coast, a 90-minute drive north of Sydney and roughly an hour from Newcastle. The journey is part of the appeal. Before long, city streets give way to beaches, lakes and a much slower pace of life. Not a bad trade, really.

Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? Regular trains run from Sydney to Tuggerah Station, where you can connect to local buses or taxis for the short trip to The Entrance.

Truth be told, most days are best tackled at walking pace. It gives you more time to stop for a coffee, admire the water views or take a “quick look” at the beach that somehow turns into an entire arvo.

For longer adventures, local buses connect The Entrance with nearby Central Coast towns. Hiring a bike is also a great option if you’re keen to explore the lakeside paths around Tuggerah Lake.

For many travellers, staying near the waterfront is hard to beat. You’ll be within easy walking distance of Tuggerah Lake, beaches, cafés, restaurants and many of the town’s most popular attractions.

It’s also a handy base for exploring the wider Central Coast, whether you’re planning coastal strolls, beach days or a few lazy arvos by the water. The best bit? Most things are close enough that you can spend less time getting around and more time enjoying the view.

At our Central Coast accommodation, you can find a range of cosy studios and apartment-style rooms. Some of them come with kitchen and laundry facilities, private balconies and Tuggerah Lake views.

Our hotel in The Entrance has a privileged location by the waterfront, with everything just a short walk from your room.

There’s also a swimming pool, heated spa and dedicated kids’ wading pool waiting back in the resort. Safe to say, heading back won’t feel like a chore.