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Avoca Beach, NSW

About an hour and a half north of Sydney on the Central Coast, the town of Avoca is a combination of excellent surfing along a dazzling sandy strip with a swooping curve of brilliant blue sea.

Known for

  • Beautiful beaches and scenic coastal walks
  • Popular surfing beach
  • Laid-back coastal vibes

See some of the highlights of Avoca Beach in the short video below (duration: around 2 minutes).

About 95 kilometres north of Sydney, this laid-back beach town is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with many visitors coming to enjoy the beach, swimming, surfing, and other water activities. Additionally, Avoca Beach has a rich history and culture, with the local Kombumerri people having lived in the area for thousands of years.

It is known for its beautiful beaches, surf spots, and scenic coastal walks. The town also features a number of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as parks and playgrounds for children.
avoca beach

Contemporary architecture, lush tranquil landscapes which makes Avoca a delight to visit, with its charismatic charm and fabulous choice of entertainment. Avoca is perfect for a relaxing break and an ideal base from which to explore the Central Coast.

Avoca Beach is a delight to visit

Things To Do

The main attraction of the town is the beach itself, which offers a wide expanse of golden sand, clear water, and a picturesque headland. The beach is well-maintained and patrolled by lifeguards during the summer season, making it a safe and enjoyable place for visitors of all ages.

The scenic coastal walk from Avoca Beach to North Avoca offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.

Relaxing at Avoca Beach

Explore The Beaches

Avoca Beach (pictured below) is a popular spot for surfers, with a number of breaks suitable for all skill levels. Located just to the north of Avoca, North Avoca Beach is a smaller and more secluded beach, known for its good surf.

To the south Copacabana Beach is known for its sheltered swimming and calm waters. Terrigal Beach is located about 10km south of Avoca, offers a wide range of water sports, including swimming, surfing, and fishing. Located about 15km south of Avoca, Macmasters Beach is known for its calm waters and white sandy beaches, making it a perfect place for families.

Avoca Beach south

Take A Guided Tour

Hop on an organized guided tour and see more of the Central Coast area. Discover the beauty of the Brisbane Water and Bouddi National Parks. Relax by a waterfall or discover Ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Visit the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre

This historic theater is one of the oldest in Australia, and offers a unique cinema experience. It is one of the oldest continuously operating picture theaters in Australia and offers a unique cinema experience to visitors. The theater was originally built in the 1930s, and it still maintains much of its original architecture and decor.

cinema

The theater has a single screen that shows a mix of new releases, indie films, and classic movies. The theater also has a small museum area that displays artifacts and memorabilia from the theater’s history. It’s a popular destination for movie lovers and history buffs, who can enjoy a film in a vintage setting.

The theater is also a community hub, regularly hosting events and special screenings, such as live music, comedy shows, and festivals. The theater also has a small café where visitors can enjoy snacks and drinks before or after the show.

Explore the Avoca Beachside Markets

The Avoca Beachside Markets are a popular event that takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month. The markets feature a wide range of local produce, crafts, and art, and are a great place to find unique and handmade items.

beachside markets

The markets are held in the Heazlett Park, which is located next to the beach and offers a beautiful setting for the market. Visitors can browse the stalls of local vendors, which offer a variety of products such as fresh produce, handmade jewelry, clothing, homewares, and more. There are also food stalls that offer a variety of cuisines and snacks, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, cheese, and gourmet treats.

The markets also offer a great opportunity to meet local artisans and producers, and to learn more about the local area and its culture. It’s a great place to find unique and locally made gifts, and to support the local community.

The Avoca Beachside Markets are a popular attraction among visitors to Avoca Beach and the Central Coast region, and are a great way to spend a Sunday morning, enjoying the beautiful setting and browsing the unique and handmade items on offer.

Take a Dive

Avoca Beach has many diving spots that you can explore.

The HMAS Adelaide is a former Australian naval warship that was purposely sunk to create an artificial dive reef. It is located approximately 1.8km off Avoca Beach, in 32 meters of water. The ship was decommissioned and scuttled in 2011. The ship provides an exciting diving experience as it sits upright and is relatively intact, providing a vast array of penetration opportunities, including the engine room, bridge, and galley.

It’s a unique diving spot that offers a glimpse into the life of a naval ship, and a chance to see the marine life that has taken up residence on the wreck. Diving the Ex-HMAS Adelaide is a challenging dive and requires advanced diving skills and experience.

Paddle Around

While it is not known for swimming, Avoca Lake is a popular spot for recreational activities such as boating, fishing and picnicking.

Paddle boarding

Pedal boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards are all available to rent at Avoca Lake. Stand-up paddle boarding are a popular activity on the lake, as it provides a unique perspective on the lake and the surrounding landscape.

Rental services are typically available during the warmer months, usually from September to May.

Captain Cook Lookout

Captain Cook Lookout is a scenic lookout located near Copacabana Beach offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and the coast. The lookout is named after Captain James Cook, the famous British explorer who mapped the east coast of Australia in the late 18th century.

The lookout is accessible by car and offers a picnic area and parking facilities. It’s a popular spot for visitors to enjoy the views of the ocean, the beach and the surrounding landscape. The lookout is a great place to watch the sunset and to take in the natural beauty of the area.

Captain Cook Lookout

Visitors can also take a short walk from the lookout to Copacabana Beach. Copacabana Beach is known for its sheltered swimming and calm waters, making it a great spot for families, it’s also a popular spot for fishing and picnicking.

Captain Cook Lookout is a popular attraction among visitors to the Central Coast region and offers a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a panoramic view of the coast.

Eat and Drink

Avoca Beach is home to a variety of cafes and restaurants, each offering their own unique atmosphere and menu. Most of the cafes are clustered around the northern end of the beach, with a few more near the southern end.

Point Café is located in the Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club and offers a great view of the ocean. They have a menu that features a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including fresh seafood and salads.

cafe at the beach

Becker& Co café is located in the heart of Avoca and offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere. They have a menu that features a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including homemade pastries and sandwiches. They also have a great selection of coffee and other beverages.

Like Minds cafe is known for its delicious coffee and breakfast options. It has a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating and is a great spot to start your day in Avoca Beach.

Avoca Beach Pizza and Pasta Cafe is a cozy pizza place is located in the heart of Avoca Beach and offers delicious wood-fired pizzas, salads, and antipasti. It’s a great spot for a casual dinner or takeaway.

Avoca Beach House Restaurant & Bar is a popular dining spot located in Avoca Beach. It’s situated in a heritage-listed building that was originally built in 1947 as a surf club, and it has since been transformed into a modern restaurant and bar. The menu at Avoca Beach House features contemporary Australian cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced produce. The interior of the restaurant is modern and stylish, with an open kitchen and a spacious dining area that overlooks the ocean. There’s also a bar area where you can enjoy a drink before or after your meal.

Getting To Avoca Beach

Avoca Beach is approximately 95 kilometers (56 miles) north of Sydney, and there are a few different ways to get from Sydney to Avoca Beach.

One option is to drive, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. You can take the M1 motorway north, and then exit onto the Central Coast Highway towards Gosford. From there, you can follow the signs to Avoca Beach.

Another option is to take public transportation. You can catch a train from Sydney’s Central Station to Gosford, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From there, you can take a bus to Avoca Beach, which takes about 15-20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus from Sydney to Avoca Beach, which takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. The bus departs from the Central Station and travels along the Pacific Highway before arriving at Avoca Beach.

Nearest Airport: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, Mascot

Where to stay?

Experiences

  • Active
  • Nature based
  • Relaxation

Popular Activities

  • Bush Walking
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Sightseeing
  • Swimming
  • National Park
  • Fishing
  • Scuba-Diving
  • Fishing - Beach
  • Beach
  • Surfing
  • Seakayaking

About Avoca Beach

  • Locality: Suburb
  • Avoca Beach Postcode: 2251
  • State: New South Wales
  • Region: Central Coast
  • Latitude: -33.46494
  • Longitude: 151.43239
  • Elevation: 10m
  • Population: 4584
  • Median Income: $39728
  • Area (Sq/km): 4.442
  • Timezone: Australia/Sydney

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