As people make plans for the long weekend and July school holidays, Council is sending the message loud and clear – the Central Coast is open for business for both visitors and residents.

Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, many of the region’s major attractions have re-opened or will do so in the next few weeks, with adjustments to ensure they can meet current health regulations.

On Monday 1 June, the Coast’s five holiday parks at Budgewoi, Canton Beach, Norah Head, Toowoon Bay and Patonga re-opened for business with strong support from visitors booking for the peak holiday periods.

Additionally, the popular Gosford Regional Gallery and Edogawa Commemorative Garden will reopen from 15 June.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said Council is taking a staged approach to reopening its facilities and is taking its responsibility to community health seriously.

“We are excited to see our facilities reopening as government restrictions begin to ease and we have implemented a number of changes to help keep customers and staff safe while at our facilities - the safety of our customers and staff in our facilities has and always will remain the highest priority for Council,” Ms Vaughan said.

“When the Gosford Regional Gallery opens, all visitors will need to book prior to visiting, to enable contact tracing should NSW Health deem it necessary.”

Mayor Lisa Matthews said it’s heartening that local businesses are looking at innovative ways to meet their COVID-19 responsibilities and this will bring huge economic benefits to the region ahead of the holiday periods where tourist numbers are likely to surge as Sydneysiders plan travel within NSW.

“We would like to thank our community for their efforts in following the guidelines of NSW Health and Federal authorities to slow the spread of COVID-19 on the Central Coast,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Our region has shown its resilience during this extremely challenging time and we now warmly welcome visitors attracted by the very best that the Central Coast has to offer.

“I also encourage local residents to consider ‘holidaying at home’ and support local attractions and businesses as they recover from a difficult few months.”

Things to do, to explore the Central Coast

The Central Coast offers an abundance of beaches, waterways, hinterland, walking tracks, trails and cycleways. Experience spectacular views, national parks, rainforest and waterfalls, native wildlife, products and produce from local makers and creators, and so much more.

Some of the key attractions that have reopened their doors include:

• Australian Reptile Park – meet their newest addition, a baby koala named Ash after the recent bushfires.
• Bells of Killcare – enjoy the new ‘The Wildflower Bar and Dining’ headed up by Culinary Director chef Sean Connelly.
• Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures – abseiling, quad biking, horse riding, glamping and eco cabins all back in operation.
• Norah Head Lighthouse – open for foot traffic and an ideal spot to catch a glimpse of the whales during their annual migration north for the winter. Accommodation in the newly renovated Keepers Quarters has also reopened.
• Pearls of Australia’s Broken Bay Pearl Farm tours – NSW’s only pearl farm, home to the Akoya pearl. Tours of the Broken Bay Pearl Farm are now running for private group bookings.

See visitcentralcoast.com.au for further information.