Destination's Journey

Category: Central Coast

  • Wyong Milk Factory and Tavern

    Wyong Milk Factory and Tavern

    Wyong Milk Factory

    Located at Wyong on the New South Wales Central Coast, the Wyong Milk Factory is an unusual but fun setting for a tavern and café complex. Not only does this old industrial zone have a tavern, but also contains a chocolate factory, cupcake shop, café, gym and playground.

    Parking

    Parking is available in several areas, immediately outside the entrance; inside the complex and in a car park just past the main entrance. We parked in the last option, because the others were full. It is still close to the tavern, so parking here is convenient.

    The Tavern

    Our visit was to enjoy a meal at the tavern, but we also had a walk around the whole area. Near the entrance is a playground, so the kids will be entertained. A colourful walkway leads into the area, showing you the way to go. At the front you will find a candle shop where you can buy something to take home.

    The main tavern has two levels, and we were seated on the upper one, which we appreciated because there was less traffic from people moving around. The only disadvantage was the bar being on the lower level, but this was a minor issue. Once we had ordered, the food was ready very quickly. You are given a buzzer and when ready you go and collect it. The menu had a nice variety of food and desserts.

    Other Activities at the Milk Factory

    After lunch, we walked down to the Wyong River, where There is a barbecue and a picnic area, which is well set out and looked very nice. You can also hire boats or a canoe to take a paddle down the river. An information board provides details on the wildlife found in the area.

    Walking around we came across some interesting cow sculptures and artwork, so keep a lookout as you walk around

    A really fun afternoon and a worthwhile place to visit for couples and families.

    • Entrance to the Wyong Milk Factory
      Entrance to the Wyong Milk Factory
    • Rainbow Walkway
      Rainbow Walkway
    • Chocolate Factory
      Chocolate Factory
    • Wyong Milk Factory Tavern
      Wyong Milk Factory Tavern
    • Cow Skeleton Statue
      Cow Skeleton Statue
    • Rusty Cow Statue
      Rusty Cow Statue
    • Pink Cow Statue Wyong Milk Factory
      Pink Cow Statue Wyong Milk Factory
    • Minion
      Minion
    • The Smoking Area Wyong Milk Factory
      The Smoking Area
    • Wyong River, Weir and Fish Ladder
      Wyong River, Weir and Fish Ladder
  • Terrigal on the Central Coast

    Terrigal on the Central Coast

    Terrigal

    Located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Terrigal is a coastal town situated halfway between Sydney and Newcastle (90 minutes from both). Public transport connects via the train to Gosford and a connecting bus to Terrigal.

    We parked near the skillion, because it allowed easy access to the places we wanted to see.

    The Skillion

    Overlooking Terrigal and the surrounding coastline, the Skillion provides amazing views of the surrounding coastline and town. A walkway runs up the left side, making access easy, or you can walk on the grassed surface. At the top, a fenced lookout provides a safe place for viewing, because the nearby cliff is very high.

    At the base of the Skillion is a rock platform where the waves constantly splash and look amazing. Signs warn of the danger of walking in the area, not only from the waves, but from rocks falling off the cliff. A great way to see the rock platform is from Kurrawyba Lookout, which is safe and also gives a good view.

    • The Grassed Surface of the Skillion Terrigal
      The Grassed Surface of the Skillion
    • Looking Down From the Skillion Towards Terrigal
      Looking Down From the Skillion Towards Terrigal
    • View From the Skillion Towards Terrigal Lagoon
      View From the Skillion Towards Terrigal Lagoon
    • View From the Skillion Over Kurrawyba
      View From the Skillion Over Kurrawyba
    • View From the Skillion Towards Avoca
      Looking Towards Avoca From the Skillion
    • View From the Skillion Towards Avoca
      View From the Skillion Towards Avoca
    • Rocks at the Base of the Skillion
      Rocks at the Base of the Skillion
    • Rocks at the Base of The Skillion
      Rocks at the Base of The Skillion
    • Waves Crashing Over Rocks on the Rock Platform
      Waves Crashing Over Rocks on the Rock Platform

    Kurrawyba Lookout

    Situated on the headland opposite the Skillion, Kurrawyba Lookout is an easy five minute walk from the car park. This is the best place to get a safe view of the Skillion and the rock platform, because the platform itself is subject to falling rocks.

    • The Skillion and Rock Platform
      , The Skillion and Rock Platform
    • The Skillion and Rock Platform
      The Skillion and Rock Platform

    Terrigal Boat Harbour

    We bought a coffee at the Cove Cafe and sat on a bench in the park next door, watching the boats in the harbour and a group of swimmers while we drank it. It was very relaxing, as everyone else there was relaxing and enjoying the morning as well.

    On our walk around the area, we noticed a lot of pelicans, including some on the powerpoles, watching everyone else.

    • The Harbour at Terrigal
      The Harbour
    • Pelicans
      Pelicans

    Terrigal Lagoon and Beach

    The Terrigal Lagoon, is a safe place where families can enjoy the day near the water. Protected from the surf, this tidal area had people paddle boarding, swimming, or just relaxing.

    At the end of the lagoon, was an interesting sculpture, adding to the interest in the area.

    Past the lagoon is the magnificent sandy Terrigal Beach. The beach is patrolled every day from October long weekend until the end of the April school holiday break, but remember to swim between the flags.

    • Terrigal Lagoon
      Terrigal Lagoon
    • Sculpture in Terrigal Lagoon
      Sculpture in the Lagoon
  • Strickland State Forest is Unique and Wonderful

    Strickland State Forest is Unique and Wonderful

    Strickland State Forest

    Located on the Central Coast of NSW, less than an hour’s drive north of Sydney, south of Newcastle, or a 10-minute drive west of Gosford, Strickland State Forest is a great place to visit.

    The forest is only five square kilometres but contains an impressive variety of flora and fauna species, along with extensive walking tracks. These wander through varying forest types, past waterfalls, under cabbage tree palms and along creeks.

    The forest has excellent picnic facilities including an all-weather shelter, picnic tables and toilets.

    Banksia Picnic Area

    We parked at the Banksia Picnic Area, as it was close to the walk we wanted to do, as well as having toilets and picnic facilities. There is also an information board showing the walks available, which is great if you are not sure what you want to do. The walks are clearly sign posted and easy to follow.

    Strickland Falls Trail

    We chose the Strickland Falls Trail for this visit, because it passes through cool forest areas, full of ferns and passes a waterfall. The trail is well sign posted and generally easy to walk, although it does have steps in many places. The return trail was far easier and passed through tall eucalypts on the ridge.

    Lower Trail

    The trail towards the waterfall led downhill through a valley where we were surrounded by ferns and trees. On a hot day it felt nice a cool, making us appreciate it even more. The track varied from steps made of stones to flat dirt tracks. On most of the trail, we were surrounded by the plants and trees that the forest is famous for.

    • Start of the Strickland Falls Trail
      Start of the Strickland Falls Trail
    • Steps Going Uphill Strickland Falls Trail Strickland State Forest
      Steps Going Uphill
    • Strickland Falls Trail
      Strickland Falls Trail
    • Strickland Falls Trail Strickland Falls Trail
      Strickland Falls Trail
    • Ferns and Palms on the Strickland Falls Trail
      Ferns and Palms on the Strickland Falls Trail

    Strickland Waterfall

    The weather had been very dry prior to our visit, so the waterfall was little more than a trickle, but the surrounding area was wet and damp, giving it a wonderful atmosphere. Although we didn’t see the waterfall at its best, it was still a great place to stop and look around.

    From here, the track leads up to the ridge and dry forest above.

    • Strickland Falls Strickland State Forest
      Strickland Falls
    • Ferns and Palms on the Strickland Falls Trail
      Ferns and Palms on the Strickland Falls Trail
    • Ferns and Palms on the Strickland Falls Trail Strickland State Forest
      Ferns and Palms on the Strickland Falls Trail

    Upper Return Trail

    The return trail starts with steps leading up from the waterfall, but once you have climbed to the top, most of the remaining track is flat. It passes through dry eucalypt forest, where you can also see Gymea lilies. These were in bloom when we went in spring, with their two to three metre flower stems and bright red flowers making a great display.

    The return trail ends near the Banksia Picnic Area, which was near where we had parked.

    • The Return Track Strickland State Forest
      The Return Track
    • Gymea lily
      Gymea lily
    • Gymea lily
      Gymea lily

    What Did We Think of the Strickland State Forest?

    We loved the Strickland Falls Trail because it wandered through different forest types and was fun to walk. We will be going back to do some of the other walks in the future.