Overview
With its idyllic beaches and verdant national parks, the Central Coast might not be the first place that springs to mind when you're dreaming of a winter escape. However, the picturesque region boasts an array of intriguing experiences sure to spark your creativity and taste buds.
The Central Coast Makers Trail allows you to meet local producers through tours, workshops and tastings around the area. Whether you're only up from Sydney for a few hours or have the whole weekend to spare, you can choose which activities and venues take your fancy to create your own itinerary.
In partnership with Destination Central Coast, we've highlighted a few standout adventures on the trail, so you can hit the road and discover something new on your next getaway up the coast.
Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Culinary Curiosity
Sampling oysters, cheese and chocolate while enjoying views of the coast sounds like an ideal time but you can go a step further by venturing behind the scenes to learn how your favourite foods land on your plate.
Dial up the romance at Broken Bay Pearl Farm, where you'll learn about pearl and oyster farming at the only pearl farm in NSW. Broken Bay offers a range of experiences from an oyster shucking demonstration and tasting to pearl grading, a cruise through the Hawkesbury River and a grazing lunch with fresh oysters.
Little Creek Cheese, credit Destination NSW
Visit the family-owned Little Creek Cheese Factory in Wyong to try some of its award-winning cheese, including a gin cheddar, haloumi and sundried tomato fromage. As part of the 2.5-hour Cheese Experience, you'll get a tour of the factory and a tasting of 10 cheeses before learning to make your own ricotta and paneer.
The Chocolate Factory in Gosford caters to the whole family, with high tea for kids and adults, factory tours and a Junior Chocolatier Workshop for kids between the ages of five and 14. Little ones can also create their very own chocolate bar, choosing from milk, dark or caramel chocolate and selecting their own toppings.
Firescreek Botanical Wines
Tipple Tours
Whether you're a fan of whisky, beer, wine or coffee, the Makers Trail has an experience to suit all types of libation lovers.
You'll find more than wine at Firescreek Botanical Winery in Holgate. Winemaker Nadia O'Connell uses organic native botanicals, fruits and plants to create seasonal, vegan-friendly wines on-site. Drop by to sip on some of her wines and participate in experiences like a wine and chocolate pairing, foraging and mixology workshop, or Aboriginal storytelling and wine-tasting tour.
Beer buffs should head to Block 'N Tackle Brewery in Kincumber for unconventional brews and food trucks. After tagging along for a 30-minute brewery tour, which includes a paddle of four beers, spend some time in the taproom for snacks and live music on Sundays.
Amber Lane Distillery
Award-winning whisky producer Amber Lane Distillery invites visitors to step inside its facilities at Wyong for an open day once a month. Book in for a 30-minute session between 12–4pm on a Saturday to meet the team, sample some whisky and explore the distillery.
If beer isn't quite your type of brew, West Gosford's Legend Coffee and Culture has you covered with public cupping classes at 10am on every second Friday. Taste some of its signature blends and chat with the team about any of your burning coffee queries.
Centred Ceramics
Ceramic Creations
With such stunning scenery on display, it's no wonder that the Central Coast's creative scene is flourishing.
Bring some of the region home with you by picking up a piece by Snowflake Ceramics. Artist Mads Smith sells delightfully sweet and practical works at the monthly Avoca Beachside Markets, including colourful trinket dishes, incense holders, plant pots, bells and ring holders.
If you'd like to try your own hand at creating, Centered Ceramics at Umina Beach hosts several classes, from wheel throwing for beginners and mug-making to Wine and Clay nights and Sip and Spin. There are also longer eight-week courses available if you'd like to continue developing your skills, including a hand-building course for kids.
Discover more about the Central Coast Makers Trail and start planning your trip at the website.
Top Image: Broken Bay Pearl Farm