Brilliant beaches and incredible family adventures – that’s why the Kennedy family thinks the New South Wales Central Coast is the best place for families.
Mum, Michelle, and Dad, Michael, both grew up on the Central Coast. Now their kids Charlotte, 12, and William, 9, know the coast like the back of their hand.
Read on for their expert recommendations for anyone visiting the Central Coast with kids.
Meet the Kennedy family as part of our Families of Australia web series
What are your top must-sees in the Central Coast region?
1. The Australian Reptile Park
Lots of hands-on interaction with the animals, Kids Keeper programs and open space for picnics and BBQs.
2. Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures
Here you can abseil, go horse riding, quad biking, kayaking, play laser skirmish and even go camping.
3. The Beaches
We have so many beautiful beaches on the Central Coast. Our favourites are Umina Beach, Toowoon Bay and Terrigal Beach.
4. TreeTops Central Coast
Really fun rope courses for the whole family.
5. The Entrance
Plenty to do here, fish n chips, ice cream, restaurants, children’s playground and splash pad, boat hire, pelican feeding, fishing and more.
Watch more of the Kennedys’ adventures with our Families of Australia web series.
What do you enjoy doing as a family on weekends?
We’re lucky the beach is a short walk from our home. The kids love taking their bodyboards out and they’ve both recently had their first surfing lesson.
We have some really great spots around the Central Coast for kayaking, such as Brisbane Water, Patonga and Wyong Creek. Nice calm spots that make it really easy for the kids. We’ve also recently introduced the kids to the Drive-In movies, just north of the Central Coast at Heddon Greta.
A day on the Central Coast with the Kennedy Family
Where do you like to go for weekends away?
We’ve really been enjoying weekends away in Dubbo. We have annual passes to Taronga Zoo, which can also be used at Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, so we load our bikes on the back of the car and head to either Dubbo City Caravan Park or Discovery Parks Big 4 Dubbo. It’s a great day riding our bikes around the zoo, then heading back to the caravan park for a swim.
Read more: Dubbo Zoo: everything you need to know for a great family visit
We also recently enjoyed a weekend in the Blue Mountains as a family. The kids loved the Scenic Railway and the two cable cars at Scenic World.
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