Central Coast hit list

Not sure how to fill a weekend on the NSW Central Coast? Take some inspiration from lastminute lovely, Nicole.

I haven’t stopped raving to anyone who will listen about how fabulous my recent weekend on the Central Coast was. It wasn’t just the amazing Bells at Killcare that made this a weekend to remember. The food, shopping, pampering and outdoor adventures Mr LML and I enjoyed, rocketed this NSW region up my list of holiday faves.
My list of faves will show you why…

 

Hardy’s Bay favourites

Outdoor action: kayaking
When it comes to spending time on the water, kayaking has to be one of the most cost effective ways to do it. For the bargain basement price of $25 an hour, Mr LML and I take our brightly coloured kayak and hit the water in pretty Hardy’s Bay.

The peaceful surrounds are the perfect playground for our water adventure.

It isn’t without drama though. An unexpected gust of wind knocks a life jacket and along with it, Mr LML’s $500 sunnies, into the water. Eeek! We ask the very friendly staffer at Killcare Marina for a fish net to try and retrieve them. “Good luck,” he said, “I dropped an orange screwdriver around that spot not long ago and never found it. Get that while you’re there too, would you?” he laughed.
It’s third time lucky but they find their way into the net (the sunnies, not the screwdriver that is). All’s well that ends well!

 

Eat: The Fat Goose

If you’re looking for a local cafe with good food and coffee, The Fat Goose is your pick. Make sure you get there early though! This place isn’t a secret and you’ll be competing with eager locals and day trippers alike to score a spot.
We enjoy one of their award winning pies for lunch and return the next day for a delicious fresh juice.

 

Avoca favourites

Eat and drink: Rojo Rocket
What a find! I admit, the thought of Mexican food doesn’t usually appeal to me. Maybe too many experiences with greasy, relatively tasteless nacho.

 

I’m pleased to report that the much hyped Rojo Rocket is the exact opposite and I’m craving their authentic Mexican menu as I type! I’m getting ahead of myself though…

The first thing that strikes us as we arrive at the multi-levelled and multi-coloured Rojo Rocket is that they do things a little bit differently here. From Mexican fighting films being screened out the back to the cigar tin the bill arrives in later, this is seaside town dining with a definite twist.

Just a couple of years young, and situated a few minutes from Avoca Beach on a spacious amount of lush landscaped grounds, one of Rojo Rocket’s owners is Ken West, owner of the Big Day Out (if that doesn’t automatically give it some street cred, I don’t know what does).

On our way to our reserved dinner table, we note the buzzing vibe in the air with party lights and unique additions (like Buffy the Buffalo) adding to the appeal.

Starting with a lychee martini (the cocktail list is a good ‘un), we peruse the menu. While there are plenty of choices including a dedicated tacos section, we’re told by our super helpful waitress Natalie that the tapas is where it’s at. Who are we to argue?

Guacamole – An oldie but a goodie, this was the perfect way to begin our feast. Simple, fresh, delicious.

Tostadas de atun fresco – This didn’t originally make our shortlist but Natalie informs us that it is in fact their star dish. Lucky we listened because it is our fave of the night! Comprises of three fresh sashimi tuna tostadas, garnished with onion, avocado, coriander, creamy chipotle, soy sauce and a touch of chilli, I’ve never tasted anything quite like it.

Jalapenos – Filled with mince and sultanas and served with a creamy walnut sauce, these are really delicious (one of our three was on the superhot side so look out if you’re sensitive to heat).

Rollos de Cangrejoon] – This dish is definitely not what comes to mind when I picture Mexican: deep fried crab rolls stuffed with cream cheese and chilli served with a soy, orange and lemon dipping sauce. Superb.

And then of course, there is dessert. The Mexican style Churros with a salted caramel style dipping sauce is heavenly and the traditional budin de eliote (or corn pudding) with berry compote is all kinds of delicious.

I’m already trying to find an excuse to come back here soon. The upstairs courtyard would be ideal on a sunny Sunday afternoon (during summer they hosted $5 tacos and $10 Margaritas which is an absolute bargain).

Outdoor action: Avoca Beach

This popular patrolled beach is definitely worth a visit.

The cute kiosk, surf club and cafes make this the ideal spot for setting in for the day.
Just around the corner is the historical Avoca Picture Theatre, definitely worth a look.

 

Terrigal favourites

Pamper: Tea Tree Day Spa
What better way to start a Saturday than with a massage?

Our therapists at the Tea Tree Day Spa, located in the Crowne Plaza Terrigal, welcome us and I sink into the head rest on my side of the shared couple room. One word to describe it: bliss. I choose the aroma-Swedish massage (the oils smell divine) while Mr LML goes for the remedial and is a self-described ‘space cadet’ after his 50 minutes, floating out the door.

Shop: Retail therapy
Post massage, the boutique shops of Terrigal beckon.
Within the Crowne complex is Gabanzo a jewellery and gift shop with a unique array of exotic goodies. Definitely worth a visit.

Another favourite is Montaze. Half clothing, half homewares, there are plenty of items to tempt you (I may, or may not have purchased shoes and a jewellery box).

Eat:The Cowrie
Set high in the hills of Terrigal, The Cowrie provides panoramic views over the beach. It proclaims to be one of the best seafood restaurants in NSW and the food doesn’t disappoint.

Aside from the seriously spectacular view, the first thing to strike us is the reasonable pricing of the menu (not something you often say about fine dining seafood restaurants!) The three course seasonal fixed menu with four choices each for entree, main and dessert and a glass of wine is great value at $55.

Here are our top picks:
• From the set menu, my entree of Meredith goats’ cheese and caramelised onion tart with wild herbs, fig, balsamic and walnut dressing is absolutely delicious (the deconstructed style ensures it isn’t too heavy like many tarts can be).

• From the al a carte menu, Mr LML chooses the ‘Sea treasures’ comprising of lobster in golden noodles with chilli lime caramel, ocean trout terrine with squid ink jelly’, sea scallop and sand crab sashimi with salmon pearls, and blue fin tuna with ginger and wasabi. It tastes just as good as it looks, I am reliably informed.

• The chips receive a 10 out of 10 from us (big call, I know).

• Caramelised Fig, Plum and Cherry Crumble with Sour Cream Ice Cream is simple delicious goodness.

Drink: Florida Beach Bar
Other than the day spa and shops, the Crowne Plaza Terrigal is also home to Florida Beach Bar. On a sunny afternoon, it is the place to be for a lazy beverage or two with beach views, salty fresh air and chilled out tunes.

So there you have it, my Central Coast hit list. Close to Sydney yet it feels a million miles away making it THE location for a rejuvenating short escape.