Aerial sunset view of The Entrance where Tuggerah Lake meets the ocean, with the bridge, beach and town

The Entrance, NSW 2261

The Entrance, NSW local news and suburb guide

Discover The Entrance, NSW 2261: what's on and events, food and drink, services, plus things to do across the Central Coast.

Approx. population
4,244 · 2021 Census
Schools
1 within the suburb · The Entrance Public School
Known for
Tuggerah Lake channel, Pelican Time and ocean baths
Median house price
$1,000,000 · Data: Jul 2025–Jun 2026 · Last checked 13 Jul 2026

Local Guide & Services

048Plumber

Central Coast plumbers (NSW Lic. 360180C) based in West Gosford: 24/7 emergency, blocked drains, hot water, gas fitting and leak detection, with $0 call-out fees.

1300 048 048

About The House

Central Coast asbestos removal and demolition specialist (20+ years; EPA registered, SafeWork NSW compliant): residential roofs, garages, sheds, fences, bathrooms and kitchens.

0414 012 747

All Area Tree Service

Tuggerah arborists (Cert II & III Arboriculture & Horticulture): tree removal, pruning and trimming, stump grinding, arborist reports, tree health assessments and 24/7 emergency work.

0450 002 282

Buildcert

Central Coast private building certifiers issuing Complying Development Certificates, Construction Certificates and Occupation Certificates, plus Principal Certifier and BCA report services. Central Coast office in Tuggerah.

02 4391 0222

Central Coast Air Conditioning

Fountaindale family air-conditioning business serving the Coast since 1973 (NSW Contractor Lic. 352141C; ARCTICK AU 45515): supply and installation, diagnostics, repairs, maintenance and cleaning for homes and businesses.

02 4365 2677

Central Coast Cleaning Co

Central Coast Cleaning Co: tiered residential home cleaning, Airbnb, end-of-lease and commercial cleaning, plus lawn & garden maintenance, across the Central Coast.

02 8024 5944

Things to Do

The real ocean pools and coastline at the Grant McBride Baths in The Entrance

Swim at the Grant McBride Baths

88 Ocean Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

The oceanfront complex has a 50-metre pool, a 22-metre lap pool and a shallow children's wading pool, with change rooms, showers and toilets on site. Entry is free; check the current cleaning and maintenance notices before making a special trip.

The real sandy shoreline and ocean at The Entrance Beach

Swim and walk at The Entrance Beach

The Entrance Surf Club, Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

The suburb's ocean beach sits beside the surf club and Marine Parade, with seasonal patrols and a long stretch of sand for swimming and shoreline walks. Check the current patrol status, flags and beach conditions before entering the water.

The real colourful water-play area at Vera's Water Garden in The Entrance

Cool off at Vera's Water Garden

Memorial Park, Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

This free family play space in Memorial Park combines a shallow wading pool with fountains and water sprays, plus shaded seating for carers. It is most useful in warm weather, so check current access or maintenance notices before travelling.

The real accessible playground at Picnic Point Reserve in The Entrance

Play and picnic at Picnic Point Reserve

Tuggerah Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

The lakeside reserve has a fully fenced, accessible district playground with swings, slides, multi-level climbing, an obstacle course, flying fox and shade. The adjoining foreshore also connects to a skate park, fishing spots, boat ramp and shared pathway.

A real coastal section of the Coast to Lake Walk beginning around The Entrance

Start the Coast to Lake Walk

Memorial Park, Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

The signposted 7.6-kilometre circuit can be joined in The Entrance at Memorial Park, the ocean baths or the waterfront playground. The wider route continues through neighbouring Long Jetty and Toowoon Bay, linking beaches, lookouts, parks and public facilities rather than staying wholly inside The Entrance.

Central Coast Visitor Centre entrance on Marine Parade with its visitor information sign

Plan a local day at the Visitor Centre

46 Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

Staff and volunteers can help with local maps, directions, accommodation, dining and things to do, while the shop carries souvenirs, locally made products and artwork. The centre is normally open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm with stated public-holiday closures, so check before travelling on a holiday.

Food & Drink

Real savoury pies prepared and sold by Ken's Humble Pie Shop in The Entrance

Ken's Humble Pie Shop

32 Coral Street, The Entrance NSW 2261

A long-running Coral Street bakery known for savoury pies alongside sausage rolls, Cornish pasties, quiches and sweet pastries such as profiteroles. It is a practical takeaway stop close to Memorial Park and the waterfront.

The real counter and seafood display at Big Tuna Fish Co. in The Entrance

Big Tuna Fish Co.

131 The Entrance Road, The Entrance NSW 2261

A casual seafood shop serving both fresh seafood and cooked-to-order fish-and-chip favourites, with dine-in and takeaway options. Its central location makes it an easy lunch stop between the town centre and waterfront.

Real gelato made and displayed by Ciao Bella Gelato Bar in The Entrance

Ciao Bella Gelato Bar

Shop 4, 35–37 Coral Street, The Entrance NSW 2261

A small Coral Street dessert bar specialising in house-made gelato, with rotating flavours and cold treats suited to a waterfront visit. Check the current flavour selection and trading hours before travelling late in the day.

The real interior and service counter at Usui Café + Gallery in The Entrance

Usui Café + Gallery

Shop 1, 4 Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

A Marine Parade café combining breakfast and lunch with a compact local-art gallery. Its current offering highlights locally roasted and blended coffee plus produce sourced locally or organically where practical.

A real pizza prepared and promoted by Theo's at The Greens in The Entrance

Theo's at The Greens

10 Warrigal Street, The Entrance NSW 2261

A Mediterranean-influenced restaurant at The Greens, serving a seasonal coastal menu across lunch and dinner. The venue also offers patio dining and takeaway pizza, making it useful for both a sit-down meal and a simpler family option.

The real refreshed public areas of The Lakes Hotel in The Entrance

The Lakes Hotel

201 The Entrance Road, The Entrance NSW 2261

A heritage pub operating in The Entrance since 1940, with a contemporary casual bistro and public bar. The menu spans Australian pub classics, burgers, seafood, snacks and share plates, while the venue also screens sport and hosts live entertainment.

Events

Official The Entrance Connect school-holiday event banner

The Entrance Connect

2026-07-04 to 2026-07-19T16:30:00+10:00

Central Coast Visitor Centre, 46 Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

This free school-holiday town-centre game runs from 4 to 19 July 2026. Collect a card from the Visitor Centre, find participating businesses and collect stamps, then return a completed card by 4.30pm on the final day for the stated prize while stocks last.

A real The Entrance Market event with stalls beside the foreshore

The Entrance Market

2026-07-18T09:00:00+10:00 to 2026-07-18T14:00:00+10:00

Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

The monthly foreshore market brings together makers, produce and food stalls from 9am to 2pm. The next NSW Government-listed date is Saturday 18 July 2026, with later third-Saturday dates also published; check the event page before travelling in poor weather.

The real Picnic Point Reserve, start venue for The Entrance parkrun

The Entrance parkrun

2026-07-18T07:00:00+10:00

300 Tuggerah Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

The free timed five-kilometre community walk, jog or run starts at Picnic Point Reserve each Saturday at 7am. First-time participants should register through parkrun and bring their scannable barcode; volunteering and walking are welcome as well as running.

Real pelicans gathered beside Pelican Plaza in The Entrance for Pelican Time

Pelican Time

2026-07-15T15:30:00+10:00

Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast volunteers present a free educational talk about the local pelicans at 3.30pm. The current schedule covers Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and every day in the school holidays, subject to wildlife and operational conditions.

Official ChromeFest 2026 classic-car festival artwork

ChromeFest 2026

2026-10-23T11:00:00+11:00 to 2026-10-25T16:00:00+11:00

Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

The three-day retro motoring festival returns from 23 to 25 October 2026 with more than 450 pre-1979 cars, live music across five stages, a classic-car cruise, market stalls, dance and pin-up events. The published program runs from 11am to 4pm each day across The Entrance town centre.

A real community event at Memorial Park in The Entrance, venue for the January 2026 event

Australia Day 2026 community event

2026-01-26T16:00:00+11:00 to 2026-01-26T21:00:00+11:00

Marine Parade, The Entrance NSW 2261

This dated local-history listing records the free Memorial Park community event held on 26 January 2026 from 4pm to 9pm. Its published program combined live music, family activities, food trucks and fireworks in an alcohol-free event area.