Top 5 Things to do - The Entrance

Blessed with some of the most pristine beaches in all of New South Wales The Entrance is a beach lover's dream come true. The locale's patrolled beachscape is a popular stopover for locals and tourists as the venue is within a stone's throw of engaging beachfront attractions. Lined with a shoreline boardwalk ideal for long strolls and exercise the beach also features a verdant park and kid's playground. Picnic facilities and BBQ amenities are also found here along with a number of cafes and eateries. Weekend markets are also a common fixture at the beach where sailboards, catamarans, aqua bikes and surf skis are also available for rent.

Beach lovers can also head down to Tuggerah Beach as this stunning beach is among the most expansive in the central coast with its white, sandy shores extending across 6km. tranquil and private Tuggerah Beach is situated near North Entrance Beach as well.

Conducted on the first weekend of the last month of the year The Entrance hosts its very own Mardi Gras f Festival to hark in the season of summer. With an illustrious history that dates back to 1950 when the first ever Mardi Gras celebrations were held here this colourful event full of music and revellery is no less spectacular than its New Orleans counterpart. As one of the most highly anticipated events of The Entrance's cultural calendar this annual celebration of a summer is a not to be missed event that also kicks off the beginning of the tourist season in the town. The main attraction at Mardi Gras is of course the colourful parade and The Entrance's own incarnation of the European festival does not disappoint as vibrant floats from various organizations decorate the streets on the day of the parade. Other highlights include fireworks, musical showcases and fun runs while the Margi Gras Queen and Prince as well as Princess are also selected and crowned during the festivities. The Entrance hotel bookings hit an all time high this time of year and visitors would be wide to reserve their bases at establishments such as the Oaks Waterfront Resort well in advance.

As a year round activity that is unique to The Entrance visitors can feed the pelicans of the Central Coast any day of the week at 3.30pm. All visitors must do is head down to the Memorial Park and engage in one of the most popular activities for families touring this lush tourist hub. Information and local know how on the behaviour and habitat of pelicans and other aquatic bird and marine life are also part of the experience. With a 20 year history feeding the pelicans initially started with the employees of Clifford's Fish and Chips Shop who divided the day's leftover scraps among the birds. Jimbo's Seafood restaurant followed suit soon after and the pelicans began to frequent both diners to demand their daily feed. The Pelican Plaza feeding platform has been operational since 1996 when the feeding of fresh fish to the winged beauties began in earnest and the platform was constructed.

Renowned as a unique attraction on the Central Coast the ocean pools at The Entrance are one of a kind in the region. Built between the period of 1938 -1965 the ocean pools are in fact a 50 metre swimming pool with a children's pool as well. What began as a rustic pool made of rock now serves as an example of human ingenuity and a bath in The Entrance's ocean pools is a must-have experience for tourists.

Constructed between 1901 and 1903 the Norah Head Lighthouse is an iconic landmark in The Entrance. Offering visitors panoramic views across the Central Coast the venue surrounded by a walking track also has a flight of stairs that leads to Lighthouse beach. Open to visitors from 10am to 1pm daily other highlights at the venue include the Head Keepers room, the flag locker, stables and living spaces of assistant light keepers.