Top things to do in Umina Beach

Planning a coastal escape to Umina Beach? We’ve rounded up the top attractions and nearby experiences to add to your holiday itinerary.

Tucked along the southern end of the Central Coast, Umina Beach is a laid-back favourite for families and couples. Think calm beaches for the kids, scenic bushwalks, buzzing local restaurants, and close-up wildlife encounters.

Here are 15 of the best things to do in Umina Beach and the Central Coast.

Umina Beach is the star of the show for good reason. This long stretch of golden sand offers patrolled areas in the warmer months, gentle waves for bodyboarding, and plenty of space for a full family beach day.

Feeling peckish? Grab a bite at Umina Beach Cafe, a family-friendly spot located under the Umina Surf Life Saving Club.

Ocean Beach sits right next door to Umina Beach and is much-loved for its calm waters along the Brisbane Water side. These gentle conditions make it ideal for family-friendly swimming. Better yet, it’s a dog-friendly beach, so your furry friend can join in on the fun.

TreeTop Adventure Park Central Coast features high ropes courses, zip lines and aerial challenges set among the trees. It’s active and a great way to burn off holiday energy. There’s also a junior course designed for younger adventurers, so the whole family can join in on the fun.

My NRMA Rewards members can save 15% on the Tree Ropes Course.

With the ocean as your backdrop, Margarita Daze is perfect for long lunches and sunset drinks. Expect fresh flavours, a share-style menu and cocktails, all served with a side of sea breeze and sweeping coastal views.

Brisbane Water activities are a must while you’re in Umina Beach. Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and glide across the calm estuary waters. It’s active without being intense, making it perfect if you’re after a gentle outdoor adventure with plenty of time to soak up the scenery.

Brisbane Water National Park brings together natural beauty and fascinating cultural history. Whether you’re keen to hike, spot native wildlife or simply soak up the peaceful bushland surrounds, there’s plenty to explore.

Australian Reptile Park is one of the Central Coast’s most popular wildlife attractions and around a half hour drive from Umina Beach. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids, offering up-close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, reptiles and even crocodiles.

My NRMA Rewards members can save 15% on Australian Reptile Park tickets.

Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. The Wharf Restaurant at Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf is all about fresh catches in a beautiful waterfront setting. Open for lunch and dinner, this family-owned Central Coast favourite is well worth a visit.

Only minutes from Umina, Ettalong Beach has a relaxed vibe, shallow swimming areas and waterfront cafes that are perfect for a post-swim ice-cream stop. The calm conditions make it another great option for families, while the foreshore is a beautiful spot for a stroll by the water.

Want to add a little adventure to your itinerary? The Palm Beach Ferry departing from Ettalong is a fun activity for kids and serves up incredible views across Broken Bay. Once you arrive, explore beaches, boutique shops and picturesque coastal walking tracks. Consider it a mini escape within your holiday.

The Umina Beach cycleway turns a simple bike ride into a scenic coastal adventure. The shared path hugs the shoreline, with water views and easy pit stops along the way. It’s a great confidence booster for new riders and keeps the holiday fun rolling between beach swims. You can even hire bikes onsite at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort.

Pearl Beach is a peaceful coastal village just a short 10-minute drive from Umina Beach. Loved for its quiet shoreline, bushland backdrop and relaxed feel, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay awhile. Pack a picnic, explore the rock pools or tackle part of the bushwalk to Patonga for a rewarding coastal view.

Make your way up to Mount Ettalong Lookout for one of the best views on the Central Coast. The easy 1.4km return track rewards you with sweeping panoramas across Umina, Pearl Beach and Broken Bay, along with a picturesque picnic spot where you can slow down and soak up the sunshine.

For absolute waterfront dining on the Central Coast, The BOX on the Water is hard to beat. Overlooking Ettalong Beach, it serves up modern Australian flavours with a front-row seat to the ocean.

After something more casual? Outside the Box Beach Kiosk & Bar keeps beach days rolling with coffee, snacks and grab-and-go lunches.

If the weather turns, Cinema Paradiso in Ettalong is a cosy and character-filled escape. With six themed screens inspired by art deco glamour and Mediterranean charm, it shows the latest releases in a beautiful setting. Grab the popcorn and turn a rainy afternoon into a holiday treat the kids will love.

If you’re planning a family getaway in Umina Beach, NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort makes the perfect base. Just 90 minutes from Sydney, you’ll have calm waterways, surf beaches and some of the Central Coast’s best waterfront dining right on your doorstep.

Families love the resort-style facilities, including:

• A resort-style pool and splash park

• Year-round kids club

• E-bikes and pedal karts for hire

• On-site cafe and relaxed dining options

• Camp kitchens and BBQ areas

• Comfy cabins and glamping, plus spacious caravan and camping sites

• Pet-friendly stays and electric vehicle charging

Plus, My NRMA Rewards members enjoy 10% off accommodation, 5% off sale rates and savings on selected local attractions.

Ready to lock in your Central Coast getaway? Book now at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort.