Just an hour or so south of Newcastle is the Central Coast, which is fast becoming a foodie destination designed to appeal to Sydneysiders and Novocastrians alike.
Pearl Beach Cafe has re-opened with new owners, a new look and a new menu from culinary director Paul MacDonald. On the beach at Copacabana there's Burnt Honey Bakery, owned and run by Joanna Fairall and Hayley Thorncraft. Their unique range of pastries and breads are made onsite using quality, ethical supplies sourced locally if possible. Also worth a visit is The Bakery East Gosford, where Spanish pastry chef Markus Kunz presents treats that look almost too pretty to eat.
Drifter's Wharf in the heart of Gosford was brought to you by the team behind Terrigal's Mumbo Jumbo's and Avoca's Shady Palms. A wharf-style bar, restaurant and live music venue, it has incredible Brisbane Water views. It's another welcome addition to the changing face of Gosford alongside The Bon Pavilion, Lyons Den, Bay Rd Brewery and Hotel Gosford.
The wild flower bar and dining is a must-visit at Killcare, either to dine at or stay the night. Try to grab a ticket to the venue's first Trip to the Mediterranean dinner for 2022 on April 27. The four-course experience is being designed by wild flower's culinary director Sean Connolly and Mafalda Moutinho, co-owner of Casa De Cha at Ettalong Beach.
Also at Ettalong Beach is Bar Toto, known for its cocktails, wines, and its charcuterie, formagio and cichetti plates.
Woy Woy Fisherman's Wharf is always popular, as is The Lucky Bee at Hardy's Bay, a reincarnation of chef Matty Bennett and Rupert Noffs' much-loved New York eatery of the same name and serving Asian street-food.
If you're staying for a night or two, there are a number of Central Coast operators that deliver fresh food boxes direct to the door. Grace Springs Farm, Full Circle Farm and The Food Farm, for example, are small family-run operations farming grass-fed meats, eggs, vegetables, garlic and honey. If you fancy pecans, try The Pecan Lady at Somersby. They have a farmstay guest room, too.
Meet the Makers Trail from coast to hinterland is the brainchild of a collective of Central Coast makers and creators who open their doors for tastings, tipples and a variety of tours, intimate workshops and events. Experiences include:
- Broken Bay Pearl Farm: Start the journey at Mooney Mooney, stopping in at the new "Shellar Door" right on the Hawkesbury River. Take to the water on a hosted tour with third-generation pearl farmers who harvest Akoya pearls.
- Little Creek Cheese: Meet the family of cheesemakers at the historic Wyong Milk Factory, or get your hands dirty at a cheesemaking workshop.
- The Chocolate Factory: A confectionary wonderland in West Gosford that houses Nougat Limar, Bon Bon Fine Chocolate and The Sydney Marshmallow Co. Book a factory tour and tasting, or a Junior Chocolatier Workshop.
- Firescreek Winery: Sample botanical fruit and flower wines at the Holgate cellar door, or book in for a meet the winemaker tour. Alternatively, try the luxurious chocolate and wine experience for two, a rewarding bush tucker and wine experience with a local Darkinjung elder, or a foraging and mixology experience.
Port Macquarie
Families are well-catered for here. Head to Ricardoes to pick your own strawberries or purchase fresh oysters directly from growers in Laurieton and North Haven. The town of Port Macquarie is jam-packed with cool cafes, restaurants and bars, from the cute tiki-style Little Shack cafe to Little Fish Cafe and the chef's hatted The Stunned Mullet.
Tamworth
Goonoo Goonoo Station is home to the impressive (and award-winning) Glasshouse Restaurant which showcases produce from the north-west and is a destination in itself. You can pick up some award-winning trout and smoked meat products from Arc-en-Ciel Trout Farm, Nundle Smokehouse and The Drunken Trout Cafe at Hanging Rock, or head to the historic Pig and Tinder Box in Tamworth for casual dining with an urban bar vibe. Also in the city and worthy of a visit is Safari Club Bar & Grill's African-themed steakhouse, owned by head chef Elliot Sube, Deco Wine Bar and Restaurant at CH Boutique Hotel, and The Workshop Kitchen at Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges.
Blue Mountains
Leura village is a great place to dine, with everything from quirky cafes to classic restaurants. Leura Garage, set inside an old mechanic's workshop, serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu that focuses on seasonal produce and small regional suppliers. The Carrington Hotel at Katoomba is stunning and the Wintergarden Restaurant at the Hydro Majestic Hotel, with its views across the Megalong Valley, is a great place for high tea.
List compiled with the assistance of Destination NSW
