Do the CENTRAL COAST like a local

There’s no better way to EXPERIENCE a destination than to ask a local for their best tips. So we’ve done the WORK for you: here, four locals share their favourite places to go and things to do around the BEAUTIFUL NSW Central Coast.

Sun, sea and award-winning cuisine: Kyal and Kara Demmrich, serial renovators and owners of KK homewares store This duo became well known for their stint on The Block and now kick goals with their building and design company and online homewares store. The avid surfers usually start their day at BEACH, or BAY, then hit SHELLY TOOWOON BAY BLUE the in COAST WALKING TRACK WYRRABALONG NATIONAL PARK. When it comes to caffeine, in Toowoon

FLOUR & CO Bay is a favourite. Weekends may be spent enjoying lunches with friends at the always packed or enjoying ARC. EST eclectic flavours at hatted YELLOWTAIL, both in Terrigal.

Follow the creatives from local markets to live gigs: Tessa Thames, musician One half of husband-and-wife musical duo MICROWAVE JENNY, Tessa has performed around the country but calls seaside Ettalong home. She pops into LORDS OF POUR for a chai latte and for the COAST 175 corn fritters. Tessa enjoys films at the characterful Italian-inspired CINEMA and browses the stalls at PARADISO, while AVOCA BEACHSIDE MARKETS homegrown acts perform. If it’s an after-gig nightcap she’s craving, Tessa makes a beeline for THE BOATHOUSE PATONGA, which oozes relaxed HOTEL pub vibes in a chic coastal setting and has weekly live music.

Find the murals of the area’s best-known street artist: Grant Molony, artist If you spend time around the Central Coast, chances are you’ll see one of Grant’s colourful and detailed murals adorning a wall or interior. Spot the octopus looming overhead at BAY in Gosford, and see Michael Jordan at ROAD BREWING heritage-cinema-turned-bar SAVOY. His latest venture THE with his partner Chloe, at The Entrance, ROWSIE LANE combines art, florals and creative workshops.

Sip and savour with local providores: Nadia O’Connell, Firescreek Botanical Winery Running the organic Firescreek Botanical Winery keeps Nadia busy, but when she’s not foraging in the garden for fruit for her awardwinning wines, or hosting a Winemaker’s Secret Garden Tour, she loves visiting SPOON or Brunch is often at BAY FORRESTERS BEACH. in Hardy’s Bay or THE FAT GOOSE KEW at Erina Heights. For other local DINING treats, Nadia suggests the self-guided SCENIC that connects the winery to SIPS TRAIL SIX (craft beer) and STRING BREWING DISTILLERY (gins and other liqueurs), and the

BOTANICA that connects

MEET THE MAKERS TRAIL LITTLE CHEESE, and

CREEK BROKEN BAY PEARL FARM confectionary wonderland

THE FACTORY.