Central Coast, NSW

About the Central Coast region

This region of NSW is located at the centre of the state's fastest growing corridor, Sydney to Newcastle. Known for its pristine beaches, numerous waterways, national parks, lush hinterland and rich cultural heritage, the Central Coast is an attractive place to live, work and play.

The region has a skilled workforce and a diverse economy with sector expertise in healthcare and social assistance, food manufacturing, tourism, logistics, agriculture and construction. The Central Coast’s convenient access to major markets makes it an ideal location for both business and industry.

The Central Coast is the traditional home of the Darkinjung, Guringai and Awabakal people. 

Climate information

The climate of the Central Coast is fairly uniform, though the region is somewhat drier and cooler inland than it is on the coast.

Average temperatures sit at about 20–22 °C in summer, dropping to 12–14 °C in winter. Meanwhile, average annual rainfall ranges from 1200 to 1600 mm near the coast to between 800 and 1200 mm further inland.

Population

The population of the Central Coast region was estimated as 343,968 as of June 2019.

Education

For families who have decided to move to the Central Coast of NSW, the region offers a great range of education choices. Private schools as well as public are available throughout the region, offering your family the options it needs to make the move easy on the kids and ensure them a quality education.

For those hoping to pursue higher education, the Central Coast region offers several universities. These include campuses of the University of Newcastle (at Ourimbah) and UNSW (at Noraville) along with TAFE campuses in Wyong, Gosford, and Ourimbah. 

Employment and local businesses

Central Coast NSW's Gross Regional Product is estimated at $14.33 billion. The region supports 24,188 businesses and 158,280 local jobs. The region's top five industries by number of people employed are healthcare & social assistance, retail, construction, accommodation & food services, and education & training. 

Although they are not major employers, the sectors of tourism, food manufacturing and agriculture are also significant to the Central Coast's economy. With its proximity to major markets and exemplary road and rail infrastructure, the region is an ideal location for both business and industry.

Housing

The median house price in the Central Coast Council region was $690,084 as of 2018, moderately below the state median of $740,444. Median weekly house rental sat at $425 per week for the same period, also below NSW's $465 median. 

Events

• Bouddi Coastal Trail Run

Where: Killcare Heights, NSW

When: Annually, in February

What: Just 1.5 hours north of Sydney lies the picturesque Bouddi National Park, home to statuesque trees, pristine coastline, and this iconic annual running event. With both 14 km and 21 km courses available for runners to tackle, there is something on offer for all skill levels. This run is the perfect way to experience the great outdoors, taking runners through a diverse range of landscapes including cliff tops, sandy expanses, stretches of forest and rocky landscapes. 

• Gosford Waterfront Carnival

Where: Gosford, NSW

When: Annually, in January

What: Make the most of the Central Coast's beautiful summer weather by enjoying a family day out at this huge pop-up theme park. For over a decade the fair has been lighting up the region with thrilling rides, kid-friendly activities, live entertainment and classic carnival food on offer, and if you are in the area during summer it is not to be missed. 

• Harvest Festival Central Coast

Where: Various locations along an event trail that runs across the Central Coast

When: Annually, in June

What: This event celebrates the culture and local produce of the Central Coast. Farms and locally-owned properties open their gates to both residents and visitors to the region, inviting them to experience a slice of country life through picking their own fruit, mingling with farm animals and chatting to growers & producers.