The Aussie version of cliff diving

I’ve been a huge fan of the NSW Central Coast since childhood when I spent summer weeks at my granparent’s beach shack.  In January we discovered a hidden nook of the Central Coast, Ettalong which earns two gold stars – one for being only an hours drive north of Sydney, and another for having possibly the safest beach for very young children.

Ettalong Beach

Ferries travel between Palm Beach and Ettalong making this seaside village both a memorable day trip destination or holiday spot.

As far as this mumma is concerned our own holiday in Ettalong was exactly as beach holidays should be.  We stayed at Mantra Ettalong, directly opposite the beach and benefited from spectacular ocean views, as well as inspiring sun sets.  We took advantage of the location to enjoy MWT (Maximal Water Time) with our young kids on Ettalong Beach which fronts the Brisbane Waters.  There was no surf, hence no fear of rogue waves toppling little people.  Low tide uncovers a huge sandy shelf covered in shallow water which is perfect for crawling babies and toddlers.

Ettalong waterside

Local council has recently invested significantly in Ettalong’s waterfront making it a glorious place for perambulations, cycling (pack the kid’s bikes) and people watching.  There is a substantial playground opposite the Mantra hotel waterside.

Ettalong has a retro feel (think 1980s Australia) and the shops were a short, shoe-less walk from our Mantra accommodation.  The retro vibe is a winner as far as I’m concerned as it reminds me of simpler times when the most challenging decision of a beach day was whether or not to have chips and gravy for dinner.  Dining options in the town were better than we had anticipated however and there was no chips and gravy for us.  Our own dining tips – Coast 175 is a modern beach themed cafe which served a pumping breakfast.  Extra points from me for having toys to keep the kids happy. Coast 175 is found at 1/175 Ocean View Road.   Thien Thai, located upstairs at 19 Broken Bay Road opposite the Mantra served authentic and delicious Thai food and was a family friendly place.

Mantra Ettalong

We all fit onto the one paddle boat on the Terrigal Lagoon

Great things to do on the Central Coast:

• Have very young kids? Enjoy beautiful Ettalong Beach at low tide when they can splash safely in the shallows, chase whiting and build sandcastles.  There is a kiosk on site for the beach day essential paddle-pop.
• Are you kids old enough to try stand up paddleboarding?  SUPs can be hired at nearby Umina Beach.
• Don’t let wet weather get you down.  Perhaps one of the quirkiest and classiest cinema complexes I have been to, Cinema Paradiso located in Ettalong Village.
• The Ettalong Seaside Market runs every weekend from 9-4 Saturday and Sunday and can be located near the Cinema Paradiso.
• A half an hour away from Ettalong, at the Terrigal lagoon you can hire paddle boats and canoes.  I used to love riding in these boats as a youngun and was thrilled they are still there.  They provide infant life vests so we felt safe taking our baby out on the water.
• Take the ferry to Palm Beach for a day.
• The shallow waters of Ettalong Beach and Terrigal Lagoon are both perfect for teaching young kids to fish.  Bream, flathead and whiting are all catchable.

Stand up paddle boarders, Ettalong

A first for this kid – jumping off a pier at Ettalong

We LOVED Ettalong

Love the beach and wondering how to manage it with a baby?  Have a look at my other post  “Tips for visiting the beach with a baby.”

Bubs on the Move provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews. I’d love for ya’ll to join us on our adventures by either signing up for the newsletter, joining us on Facebook,  Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to receive updates.
Disclaimer:  We received media rates for our stay at Ettalong Mantra.

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