Some of the Most Idyllic Getaways You Can Book on the Central Coast

Fancy a stylish beachside escape where you can unwind with the help of salty air and stunning views? A trip to NSW's stunning Central Coast will tick all those boxes, no long-haul flight required.

Located just over an hour north of Sydney, the region is peppered with designer beachfront abodes and charming coastal resorts promising holiday vibes on tap.

We've done the hard work for you and pulled together 11 of the Central Coast's finest places to stay, each of which can be found on Concrete Playground Trips. Book your spot, pack a bag and get set for an indulgent weekend by the water.

MANTRA ETTALONG BEACH

Each and every one of the apartment-style accommodations (including studios, one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses) look out over the Central Coast's picturesque Broken Bay, Brisbane Water and Lion Island. Expect large light-filled living spaces, fully equipped kitchenettes, an outdoor pool, heated spa, day spa and gymnasium all within the property's confines. This spot's got the lot.

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BLUE LAGOON BEACH RESORT

You'll struggle to find a location as good as this one. Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is right on the water — just walk down a short path to find the Central Coast's Shelly Beach. Either opt for some of the large cabins — big enough to fit a large family or bunch of mates or bring your own camping gear to enjoy the area on a budget. Then all you have to do is enjoy this quiet area, spending days swimming at the beach or hiking up around the surrounding bushland.

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RAFFERTYS RESORT

Raffertys Resort lies within a 38-acre parcel of land right on the shores of Lake Macquarie, just a 90-minute drive from Sydney (or 30 minutes south of Newcastle). Accompanying the various styles of self-contained accommodation (large houses, apartments and cottages) are four tennis courts, four pools, a boat ramp and resort jetty and access to a number of dining options on-site. It won't be hard to carve out your own personal patch of paradise.

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BEACHCOMBER HOTEL & RESORT

The Beachcomber Hotel & Resort is an iconic waterfront destination located in the heart of the Central Coast, Toukley. With sweeping waterfront views, Hamptons-inspired ambience, boutique-style accommodation, an exclusive pool club and multiple eateries and bars, it's a damn good place to switch into holiday mode. Be sure to also check out its list of weekly events for live gigs, DJ sets and food and drink deals — taco and tequila Tuesdays are not to be missed.

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AVOCA BEACH HOTEL

Avoca Beach Hotel is a small family-owned property that lies within 15 spacious acres of land nestled into the tree-covered hillside. Only 2km off Avoca Beach and the rockpool, and five minutes from some of the Central Coast's much-loved national parks, it's great for those looking to explore the region. And when you need some downtime, simply dip into one of the two onsite pools, grab some food on the newly renovated terrace, play a few sets on the tennis court and cook up some dinner at one of the barbecues — beer or spritz in hand.

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FORRESTERS BEACH RESORT

This coastal property has recently had a big makeover and has now been transformed into a contemporary Hamptons-style retreat. The 34 guest rooms come with king-size beds, large two-person spas and private balconies, which either look out over the property's swimming pool with heated spa, waterfall, tropical native gardens or one of the lush courtyards. While here, you should also check out the rolling series of events taking place in the entertainment space and hit up the restaurant, bar and salon — it's treat yourself time.

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CROWNE PLAZA TERRIGAL

Terrigal is a popular spot during summer, filling with out-of-towners seeking to escape the city without going deep into the wilderness — you've got great surf, plenty of restaurants and cafes, a few really good rooftop bars and streets filled with boutique stores for when you feel like a little late afternoon shopping. And Crowne Plaza is one of the most sought-after places to stay in town. The 4.5-star hotel has 199 guestrooms and boasts a bunch of luxe amenities, including an outdoor pool overlooking the beach, a day spa, two restaurants and its own cocktail bar.

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NRMA OCEAN BEACH HOLIDAY RESORT

You've heard of glamping in safari tents, but have you heard about glamtainers? Now, this might just be a totally made-up word only used by NRMA, but we are all for it. The team here has turned shipping containers into small holiday homes, decked out with all the essentials — guests will have aircon, a kitchenette with a connected lounge and dining area, their own private bathroom and an outdoor deck with barbecue. But if that's not your vibe, these guys do have a bunch of cottages available, too.

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LASCALA HOLIDAY HOUSE

This seven-bedroom home is made for big groups of mates or a couple of families who are looking for a glam getaway on the Central Coast. You can squeeze up to 22 people on beds. And it still doesn't feel cramped. That's thanks to the large rooms, plenty of common areas and the stunning pool that overlooks the water. It even has its own bar, billiards room, squash court and tennis court. This is the kind of place you'll remember staying at forever.

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GLENWORTH VALLEY ADVENTURES

This huge property, set a few kilometres back from the beach, is known for being the place to go for horse-riding, quad biking, kayaking, abseiling and just about any other adventure activity. But there are also a whole host of accommodations — in the form of glamping tents and eco villas. Our favourites are the villas, especially the deluxe version that has its own woodfired hot tub. Escape to the country (even though you're just an hour or so out of Sydney) and either join in on the activities available or simply relax and enjoy nature. Choose your own adventure here.

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CAVES COASTAL BAR AND BUNGALOWS

Stay at these bungalows, villas or the four-bedroom beach house to get direct access to the famous Caves Beach. It is but a few steps from the property. You can also wander in the opposite direction to find Lake Macquarie. Some of the best parts of the Central Coast are right here. And the accommodations are a bit alright, too. Expect contemporary Hamptons-style rooms with luxe amenities and access to the outdoor pool. Plus, if you book one of the bungalows, you'll get access to the adults-only part of the property. That means you'll be totally free from noisy kids.

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