The Boathouse Hotel Patonga

Overview

In the historic fishing town of Patonga, located along the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay, you'll find the recently renovated Boathouse Hotel. The Boathouse Group's eighth venue, it now offers all-day dining, seaside views and a large outdoor deck overlooking the water

It's the first Central Coast venue for the Boathouse Group, which originated in Palm Beach back in 2008. The stunning new interior is similar to the group's other beachside venues and resembles the inside of a luxury yacht, while the large outdoor deck offers prime seating for the warmer months.

The menu spans breakfast through dinner with a focus on quality produce and fresh fare. For brekkie, there are healthy options like the granola ($17), bircher muesli ($17) and green bowl (avocado, kale, broccoli, seed loaf and cashews, topped with a poached egg — $21), along with more decadent eats like the croissant french toast ($21) and sausage sangas with manchego, caramelised onions and chilli ($16).

For lunch and dinner, classic pub grub, including parmas ($24), pork ribs ($39) and burgers ($26), sit alongside more refined fare — think snapper ceviche with cucumber and sesame ($23) or yellowfin tuna pasta with capers and herbs ($31). A takeaway shop turns out finger food like fish and chips, too.

The classic cocktail list continues the beachside vibes, with a frozen watermelon margarita, cucumber cooler and pomegranate mojito all making the list at $18 a piece. Other drink specialties include a rare magnum offering and 17-strong beer list. Non-alcoholic options range from cold press juices and smoothies to tonics and kombucha.

As of January, the hotel's accommodation will also reopen and include one-to-three bedroom guest rooms, each with waterfront balcony views. Located a 90-minute drive from Sydney, or 30-minute ferry trip from Palm Beach, it's the perfect spot to build a weekend getaway around. If you do, here are a few more Central Coast spots to check out while you're there.