Like all of Australia the Central Coast has taken a hit due to COVID-19 but the region is also showing remarkable resilience.

Key tourism measures have shown significant year-on-year spikes for the Central Coast in June and July and a number of new businesses have also emerged across the region.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the Coast had achieved impressive tourism numbers across winter.

“Our region has moved from one emergency to the next in recent months so it is very heartening to see that the Coast continues to grow as a tourist destination of choice,” Ms Vaughan said.

“Indicators for June and July show very positive signs for the Coast – for example AirBnB occupancies were up by approximately 20 percent compared to the same time period last year*.

“Occupancy rates for our Holiday Parks were also up, along with retail and restaurant spending in our key tourist destinations.

“Despite COVID we’ve also seen some exciting new businesses pop up across the Coast and a number of established businesses have undertaken makeovers.”

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the appeal of the Coast and the resilience of the community are unparalleled.

“It is wonderful to see tourism growing on the Coast despite incredibly challenging circumstances,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Our region is hard to beat as a place to live, work and visit – stunning beaches, incredible bushwalks, picturesque hinterland, adventure activities, great locally produced food and cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants, bespoke shopping experiences – there’s something for everyone.

“We’re encouraging all Central Coast businesses to ensure they have COVID-safe plans in place and for local community members to get out and about to discover some of the new gems our region has to offer and to rediscover old favourites.”

‘Visit Central Coast’ have identified a number of exciting new places to explore across the region including:

• The Pecan Lady, Somersby – farmstay accommodation
• Slowwell, Ettalong – café and wellbeing practice
• Daily Dough Co. Wyong – café
• Bouffant Gosford – café
• The Island Café, Norah Head – café
• Coffee Port, Gosford (also at Terrigal) – café
• Malibu, Wamberal – café
• Hot Chook Shop, Ettalong – restaurant & bar
• Juicy Lu’s Restaurant & Bar, Wyong – restaurant & bar
• Arc Est, Terrigal – restaurant
• Sweet Caroline, East Gosford – café & bar
• Johnny Tapas, Norah Head – restaurant & bar
• Plan Bee, Hardys Bay – café
• Beach Parade Café, Canton Beach – café
• Rhonda’s Deli, Terrigal – café/deli
• Young Barons Food Store, Woy Woy – café/deli
• Cakes by Kayla, Gosford – bakery/cake shop
• Lords of Pour, Ettalong – craft beer & wine store
• Nest at Blue Bay – accommodation
• Clare de Lune Point Clare (Airbnb / Belle Property) – accommodation
• Booker Seaside + Le Booker Beachfront at Booker Bay (Airbnb / Belle Property) – accommodation
• Hong Kong Chef, Westfield Tuggerah – restaurant
• ‘Glamtainers’, NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort – accommodation (coming soon for Spring)

For a full list of where to eat, stay and play on the Central Coast, head to visitcentralcoast.com.au

*Airbnb: AllTheRooms, Inc.

*Retail spend: Mastercard Retail Location Insights