The Central Coast of NSW is a very popular area for beach holidays and restful weekends. It's beside the Pacific Ocean, lakes, beautiful National Parks and day trips to Sydney and the Hunter Valley. It is about 1 1/2 hours drive or train trip north of Sydney. It is a very picturesque area with many activities from swimming, surfing, scuba diving, boating, bush walking and fishing to relaxing by the sea, perhaps spotting whales or dolphins in the right season. There are various tourist outings such as The Australian Reptile Park, a ferry trip to Palm Beach (the location for filming Home and Away) and visiting the beautiful Hawkesbury River. While within easy distance for day trips to the large city of Sydney it is a small and peaceful local community. The climate is suitable for a holiday at any time of the year although winter would be cold for swimming without wetsuits.