If you’ve been following us on Instagram we’ve made no secret of the fact we’ve recently moved to Long Jetty, on the Central Coast (approximately an hour and a half from Sydney CBD).
Lessened traffic, a slower pace of life, while also scoring much bigger bang for buck when it comes to housing all played a factor in our decision. Add to that the morning beach strolls just a few blocks away, you can imagine it wasn’t a really difficult decision.
But Long Jetty, now that’s an interesting one.
Rather than turn up to Terrigal, the longtime Sydney-sider staple, we opted to balk tradition and turn our sights to an unassuming suburb that’s swiftly garnering a name for itself.
It’s a place with perfect proximity between Shelly Beach and Tuggerah Lake but has spent decades overlooked due to a more than slight rough and tumble reputation. Old school locals claim they’d speed through rather than stop by on the way to The Entrance.
However those days are well and truly gone, replaced by a sense of community and creative buzz that can only come from an influx of cool young entrepreneurs and savvy store owners. Let’s just say they don’t call it ‘The Newtown of the Central Coast’ for nothing.
Need a little more convincing? Here’s a guide on some of the must-see spots in town, proving that Terrigal might have a little competition on her hands…
PS: If you want to know more about people and places on the Central Coast visit thisisthecentralcoast.com.au
@thisisthecentralcoast #thisisthelife #thisisthecentralcoast
Boutiques
Founded by two sisters Amelia and April and inspired their wanderlust spirits, it’s our favourite spot for scouring international designs while staying local.
Shadow Bang Apothecary & Supply
Even when you’ve eaten into next month’s budget, it’s hard to resist the charms of Shadow Bang. Its pink door, its beautiful storefront typography, and its commitment to curating their store with ethical fashion and beauty goods crafted by women. What’s not to love?
Record collectors travel wide and far to pay a visit to the vinyl mecca, The Sound Exchange. The biggest record store on the Central Coast is known for housing rare vinyls and hosting a regular rotation of community events.
You can definitely consider yourself lucky on arrival at this Long Jetty destination. We like to think of it as every bloke’s dream, as it combines as men’s fashion store with a surf shop, a gallery and a coffee stop. Talk about a one-stop shop.
For rockabilly vibes, vintage Daisy Dukes, and Harley Davidson tees with just the right amount of holes, look no further than Dapper Darlings. And don’t forget to take a snap against their Insta-worthy street art facades while you’re at it.
Services
Its ammonia-free salon products and stellar customer service may define Moxie and Muse right now, but plans to expand it into a space that brings people together through workshops, ladies lunches and who knows what else, will turn it into so much more.
El Reapers Barbershop & Shaving Parlour
For a traditional cut that rivals the fades of Darlinghurst institution, Ziggy’s, then check out El Reapers. Here, it’s all about the experience. Enjoy sweet tunes, hot towels and good old-fashioned customer service.
Also, ladies, don’t forget to stroll next door to Rhy Rhys Hair Salon. It’s like the slightly more feminine version of Reapers but just as cool.
Bars, Cafes and Restaurants
The Glass Onion Society
@theglassonionsociety
Boasting a menu of wholesome and honest food, this Long Jetty cafe is a one of a kind venue where colourful smoothie bowls, spoken word poetry nights and rare cacti all sit under the one roof.
Common Ground Canteen and Kitchen
While the southern fried chicken burger keep us coming back, there’s another reason why we feel so connected to the Common Ground. Parallels in our journey and that of chef Nic Barrett and his wife Kath Austen who, too, traded hustle and bustle of Sydney.
Stop by this little cafe for baked treats and cups of liquid gold. Its 22-year-old apprentice chef Jake Allen bought it about a year ago — and whatever he’s doing, he’s doing it right.
Long Jetty’s home of yoga and makers of the best vegan taco you’ll ever taste.
Turns out the new kid on the block isn’t actually so new after all. Housed in a historic cinema and entertainment complex which last rang the registers in 1976, The Savoy boast a long craft beer list, live entertainment, art installations, and movie nights to keep everyone in the family happy.
Things To Do
Walk the Jetty
Ever wondered where Long Jetty gets its name? It’s pretty simple. It’s home to three jetties, the largest of them, the Long Jetty, spans 351 metres and celebrated its 100th birthday in 2015. We think it (and it’s view) hasn’t aged a day.
Walk, Cycle & Skate Around Tuggerah Lakes
Balancing the picturesque and the physical, the Tuggerah Lakes trail is a great way to pass time anytime of the day, but it’s hard to beat the view at sunset. The cycleway starts at The Entrance and goes all the way to Chittaway Bay, but the most scenic is the stretch between The Entrance and Saltwater Creek.
Swim at Toowoon Bay Beach
One of the Central Coast’s best-kept secrets and among our favourite spots to go for a dip. But Toowoon Bay Beach isn’t just a local hangout, look hard enough and you might catch a glimpse of a migrating whale or dolphin from the coastline.
Take a Swing at Shelly Beach Golf Club
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an amateur, there’s no better place to put your putting skills to the test than Shelly Beach Golf Club. Worked up a hunger? Head over to the restaurant Aqua to feast on seasonal produce while overlooking the course and the beach below.
