The Central Coast is located in New South Wales (NSW) within 90 minutes of both Sydney and Newcastle, situated along more than 80kms of coastline. It is one of the largest Local Government Areas (LGAs) by both population and area in NSW with a population of more than 350,000 across a total land area of 1680km2.
The Central Coast is Darkinjung Country. Our First Nations People have been custodians of this land for at least 60,000 years. The local waterways provided fish and shellfish, while the land offered mammals, reptiles, native fruits and edible roots for food and medicinal healing. There are many significant sites of cultural heritage, with spectacular rock artworks found around the region providing connection to the past inhabitants and valuable insight of their traditions and lifestyle. Today, the Central Coast is one of the largest and fastest growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia with many moving here to embrace connection to family, the environment and take advantage of opportunities.
The Central Coast is a region of outstanding natural beauty ranging from beaches to ridgetops and wetlands to woodlands. Early industries included shell gathering for lime burning, ship building, timber, cattle and crop farming. Since the 1960s, the Central Coast has seen exponential growth in population and housing development. Today, the region consists of rural and residential areas, with commercial and industrial land use, with a population expected to reach 412,000 by 2046 and continued demand for residential development within the region– particularly Gosford, Woy Woy, greater Warnervale and greater Lake Munmorah. Young families, retirees and migrant communities are increasingly moving to the region as it offers more affordable housing opportunities, access to Sydney and Newcastle, alongside a wide range of lifestyle activities and places to enjoy from, sports and recreation, natural spaces, arts, culture and community programs. Our lakes and beaches are a great way to get out and enjoy a range of water sports and activities, with many community events and festivals (such as the Lakes Festival) held in celebration of these natural wonders.