The Central Coast Region of New South Wales, north of Newcastle and Sydney, extends along the coastline north of Lion Island and the Hawkesbury River estuary (northern beaches area) in the south to the southern shores of Lake Macquarie in the north. Lake Macquarie and the associated coastal areas are included in separate region called the Lake Macquarie Region. The Central Coast has been a favourite beach holiday spot during the summer school holiday period and school vacations for people from Sydney and Newcastle, and inland NSW communities for more than 100 years. The area has also become very popular place with retirees. The Central Coast, with Gosford and other regional townships is renowned for its friendly and welcoming lifestyle. It is also well known for its beautiful
National Parks, nature reserves and State forests, its spectacular coastline fringe with picturesque bays, stunning sandstone cliffs and headlands and its huge expanse of waterways and pristine beaches. This region has excellent facilities for all sorts of water sports including kite surfing, boating, fishing, swimming, surfing, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and other types of boating. There are excellent boat hire, cruise and fishing charter operators and houseboats for hire. This area is simply ideal for delightful family holiday and couple vacations with a large variety of recreational and entertainment facilities and many fine attractions and activities.