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Beaches

The Central Coast offers a stunning 80-kilometre coastline with 41 diverse beaches, including 15 patrolled beaches, accessible options and dog-friendly areas, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

The Central Coast boasts a stunning 80-kilometre coastline, dotted with 41 unique and beautiful beaches. Whether you're seeking a tranquil escape or a vibrant coastal experience, you'll find the perfect beach to suit your needs.

Beach safety and patrols

The 2025-26 beach patrol season concluded 27 April 2026 and will resume late September 2026 (date to be announced). 

Although the patrol season has ended, water safety remains important year‑round. The Grant McBride Baths will remain open throughout winter and are patrolled daily by Council lifeguards from 8am to 1pm, seven days a week. Gosford Olympic Pool, Peninsula Leisure Centre and Toukley Aquatic Centre also remain a safe option for a swim.

Beach patrol and safety information

In an emergency, please call 000.

Accessible beaches

Beach wheelchair hire and beach matting is operational during the Central Coast beach patrol season, which typically runs from late September to end April. Accessible beach brochure and information. 

Dog-friendly beaches

Looking to take your furry friend for a beach day? Check out our dog-friendly beaches and let them enjoy the sand and surf.

Beach pollution

For daily beach pollution forecasts, go to the NSW Government’s Beachwatch web page. Report pollution to 131 555. 

Beach events and bookings

Book activities or events on Council managed beaches.

For Surf Club bookings, contact Surf Life Saving Central Coast on 4353 0299 for the contact details of your local surf club. 

FAQs

  • From north to south, the patrolled beaches on the Central Coast are:

    1. The Lakes Beach, Budgewoi
    2. Soldiers Beach
    3. North Entrance Beach
    4. The Entrance Beach
    5. Toowoon Bay Beach
    6. Shelly Beach
    7. Wamberal Beach
    8. Terrigal Beach
    9. North Avoca Beach
    10. Avoca Beach
    11. Copacabana Beach
    12. MacMasters Beach
    13. Killcare Beach
    14. Ocean Beach, Umina
    15. Umina Beach

    Council lifeguards will also monitor The Grant McBride Baths seven days a week and The Entrance Channel during school holidays. For more information, visit our beach safety page.

    The beach patrol season typically runs from late September to April. 

  • Accessible beaches offer accessibility features, such as beach matting, free beach wheelchair hire, continuous pathways, nearby public transport points and accessible toilets that make it easier for people living with a disability and access challenges to plan and enjoy a trip to one of our Central Coast beaches. 

    For more information, visit our accessible nature page and Accessible Beaches Central Coast brochure

Last updated: 08/05/2026