Valentine’s Day: Romantic escapes to the Central Coast, NSW

Roses are red, violets are optional—what really wins hearts is a well-planned escape. Luckily, the Central Coast makes romance ridiculously easy. Just an hour from Sydney, this coastal playground delivers everything from luxe retreats with gourmet dining and spa bliss to cosy tiny houses, private yacht charters with bubbles and seafood, scenic hikes that end in swoon-worthy picnics, or the timeless charm of fish and chips by the beach. No judgment, only great options.

Valentine’s Day might be the prompt, but the rules are flexible. Don’t fancy the crowds? Plan a trip for later and gift your favourite person something far more exciting than chocolates: a countdown to quality time together. With more than 40 beaches, pristine waterways, lush hinterland and a celebrated food and arts scene, the Central Coast is big on choice and low on effort. These last-minute ideas prove romance doesn’t have to be complicated—just well located

For luxe lovers

If your chosen one has a taste for the finer things in life, check out beautiful Bells at Killcare, which boasts cottages, suites and luxe lodges with an award-winning fine dining restaurant and Day Spa to treat your partner to a spot of pampering. At Pretty Beach House, a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, choose from four elegant pavilions in serene Bouddi National Park. Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, take your lover on a romantic picnic in a secret location, or just kick back by the pool and enjoy having nothing to do. Bliss.

The newly opened voco Gosford is the ideal spot for those who like things a little more lively – the Astra rooftop bar dishes up curated Japanese cuisine alongside cool cocktails – and there are six on-site restaurants to choose from.

For a memorable meal, try the iconic Saddles at Mount White, a homestead restaurant, bakehouse and nursery which is hosting a special ‘Love Bites’ Valentine’s Dinner. For $145 per person, couples will enjoy an intimate four-rouse dining experience beginning with a glass of French champagne.

In Terrigal, picturesque picks include The Cowrie, renowned for its fine sustainable dining with ocean views, or L’Isle de France, a chic French venue with an intimate, candlelit ambience . Of course, a seaside stay wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the daily catch, so add an in-water shucking and dining experience at Sydney Oyster Farm to your itinerary, or try an oyster tasting flight then shop for bespoke pearl jewellery at Broken Bay Pearl Farm.

If being on the water floats your boat then book a private yacht charter with Sail Central Coast and enjoy a glass of bubbly in a tranquil bay, watch frolicking seals, dolphins and fairy penguins, or mix a private afternoon sail with a meal and cocktail at Anchor on Hardys restaurant.

For nature lovers

Couples who love nature as much as they love each other will enjoy a slow stroll along the 8.5km Bouddi Coastal Walk is the ideal way to reconnect with your lover – bring your simmers for a refreshing dip at sheltered coves along the way.Couples’ kayaking on serene Avoca Lake is another popular pick, as is horse riding through the forest at Glenworth Valley Adventures – you can add an overnight in a glamping tent.

Outdoor dining options include sundowners at Avoca Beach House, a seafood platter on the deck at Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf or combine a meal with riddles on a Mystery Picnic where you’ll have to solve clues to find your meal in one of the region’s prettiest spots.

Surrounded by gorgeous gardens, Distillery Botanica is the ideal place to indulge your love of nature with your love of romance. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with pink champagne on arrival and a hands-on cocktail class where you’ll learn to make a Strawberry Margarita and French Martini whilst sharing a cheese platter and sweet treat.

Spend the night at the cosy Deck and Spa tiny house in Matcham, complete with outdoor spa, rainforest walks and resident wallabies, turtles and ducks, or pitch a tent at one of the Coast’s hidden absolute beachfront campgrounds, such as Putty Beach or Tallow Beach.  Want a little more luxury? Go Glamping can set up a stylish bell tent in a choice of Central Coast locations to take the effort out of your escape.

Laidback lovers

Fancy a waterfront stay, great food, buzzy bars and a laidback pace? Then check into the Hamptons-inspired The Beachcomber Hotel & Resort in Toukley, which offers sweeping waterfront views, boutique-style accommodation and an on-site pool, eateries and bars. Continuing the Hamptons vibe, The Boathouse Hotel at Patonga is famous as the spot where long lunches turn into long evenings by the sea thanks to the elegant on-site accommodation.

Situated within sub-tropical rainforest, Kim’s Beachside Retreat in Toowoon Bay is a treasured adults-only beachside destination offering private timber bungalows with an on-site day spa, restaurant and cocktail bar with ocean views.

The popular Encore by Mingara hotel in Tumbi Umbi is inviting lovers to book its one-night Valentine’s Day package which includes a bottle of premium sparkling wine, breakfast for two in The Roasted Berry, 10% off dinner in Hadley’s Restaurant and late Sunday checkout.

Feeling peckish? Check out Kefi in the Koolewong Marina for sublime seafood with Brisbane Water views, enjoy golden hour sunset sips with Spanish tapas at the new Amarilla in Terrigal, try the grazing feast at Ettalong’s The Box on the Water, or check out the multiple venues at the new Terrigal Pavilion including a seafood restaurant and rooftop bar with sensational views (and vibes). Indulge your sweet tooth with a wine and chocolate pairing experience at Firescreek Winery in Holgate, which includes four botanical wines served in gorgeous gardens alongside handmade Belgian chocolates – talk about an afternoon delight!