What's On in December & January on the NSW Central Coast

    Your summer guide to markets, live music, festivals, New Year fireworks and family days out — with Forresters Beach as your base.

    Is summer a good time to visit the Central Coast?

    Yes — December and January are the Central Coast's peak season. Days average 26–28°C, the ocean sits around 21–23°C, beaches are patrolled through the school holidays, and the events calendar is at its fullest: twilight markets, outdoor live music, carols, New Year fireworks and summer festivals from Gosford up to The Entrance. Book accommodation early — summer weeks sell out first.

    Christmas & New Year on the Coast

    Expect carols in the park around Gosford, Terrigal and The Entrance in the lead-up to Christmas, packed waterfront dinners on Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve fireworks over Terrigal and Ettalong. Restaurants take bookings months ahead over this period — see our dining guide and book early.

    Summer live music & twilight venues

    Beer gardens, surf clubs and pub decks run their busiest live-music programs of the year through December and January — Terrigal, Long Jetty, Bateau Bay, Gosford and Wyong all host regular Friday-to-Sunday sets. Our pubs, bars & live music guide maps the rooms closest to Forresters Beach. Line-ups change weekly — always check the venue's own page before heading out.

    Markets, festivals & family events

    Summer brings twilight and weekend markets at The Entrance, Ettalong Beach, Long Jetty and Avoca, plus school-holiday programs at the Australian Reptile Park, Central Coast Stadium events and holiday activities at Erina Fair. Our kids activities guide lists 16 family favourites, and the live What's On calendar shows this week's dates.

    Beaches, surf & early-morning walks

    Forresters, Wamberal, Terrigal and Avoca are patrolled through the summer holidays, and Shelly Beach rock pool suits younger kids. Walk early — the Terrigal-to-Forresters coast track and the 10 best coastal walks near Forresters Beach are at their best before 9am in January heat.

    Where to stay — use Forresters Beach as your base

    Forresters Beach sits centrally on the coast — easy driving distance to Gosford, The Entrance, Erina and Terrigal. Base yourself at Forresters Beach accommodation at Forries Beach Cottage (sleeps 10, 300 m to the surf) and see our December & January summer stays before the peak weeks go.

    Quick FAQ

    How hot is the Central Coast in December and January?

    Average summer days run 26–28°C with sea breezes, and the ocean sits around 21–23°C — comfortable swimming all season.

    Are beaches patrolled over the summer school holidays?

    Yes — Forresters, Wamberal, Terrigal and Avoca are patrolled through the NSW summer school holidays. Always swim between the flags.

    How far ahead should I book summer accommodation?

    Christmas and New Year usually book 3–6 months ahead, and January school-holiday weeks 2–3 months ahead. Enquire early for the dates you want.

    Where can I see current events near Forresters Beach?

    Check our live What's On calendar and always confirm details with the venue — summer line-ups and dates change week to week.

    Event details change year to year — for current listings, see our live What's On calendar and Love Central Coast. Always confirm with the organiser before you go.

    Ready to explore Forresters Beach?

    Book your stay at Forries Beach Cottage — the Central Coast's best holiday rental, sleeping up to 10 guests across 4 bedrooms. Pet friendly. Just over an hour from Sydney.

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    Planning a December or January stay?

    Central Coast summer holidays

    Where to stay at Forresters Beach

    Planning the trip? These pages cover rates, bedrooms, pets and how to book direct.

    Forresters Beach accommodation

    Forries Beach Cottage — the pick of Forresters Beach accommodation: 4 bedrooms, sleeps 10, pet-friendly, 300m to the surf, from $630/night. Rates, photos and live availability.

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    Central Coast holiday rental

    Pet-friendly beach house just over an hour from Sydney, with room for two families.

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    Explore More Guides

    Discover everything the Central Coast has to offer during your stay at Forresters Beach Cottage.

    Attractions

    Top things to see and do on the Central Coast

    Read guide

    Coastal Walks

    Scenic trails and whale watching spots

    Read guide

    Cafes & Dining

    Best restaurants and cafes near Forresters Beach

    Read guide

    Kids Activities

    Family-friendly fun for all ages

    Read guide

    Forresters Beach Holiday Rental — Forries Beach Cottage

    Forries Beach Cottage is a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom pet-friendly Forresters Beach holiday rental on the NSW Central Coast. It sleeps up to 10 guests, sits 300 metres (a 3-minute walk) from the beach, and is priced from $630 AUD per night. The cottage is about one hour north of Sydney by car and is personally managed by Kim, an Airbnb Ambassador, Superhost, Guest Favourite and Airbnb Community Leader.

    At a glance

    Your host

    Forries Beach Cottage is personally managed by Kim, an Airbnb Ambassador, Superhost, Guest Favourite and Airbnb Community Leader. Kim looks after every guest stay herself and brings years of hospitality experience to ensure a seamless Central Coast holiday.

    Location

    Located at 3 Peter Avenue, Forresters Beach, NSW 2260 — a quiet, leafy pocket of the NSW Central Coast between Terrigal (10 minutes south) and The Entrance (15 minutes north). View on Google Maps / Google Business Profile.

    Amenities

    Frequently asked questions

    How far is Forries Beach Cottage from Sydney, and how do I get there?
    Just over 1 hour from Sydney via the M1 Pacific Motorway — one of the closest true beach escapes on the Central Coast. Take the Tuggerah or Wyong exit, then follow signs toward The Entrance and Forresters Beach. Free off-street parking for two vehicles. No tolls after the M1. Forries Beach Cottage is also on Google Maps — simply search 'Forries Beach Cottage' and follow the directions.
    Is Forries Beach Cottage pet friendly?
    Yes — fully pet friendly. Forresters Beach has a designated off-leash dog area just a 3-minute walk from the cottage, and the surrounding native bushland trails are perfect for morning walks. Please notify us when booking.
    How many people does the cottage sleep, and is it suitable for groups?
    Designed to sleep 10 guests comfortably across 4 bedrooms — ideal for extended families, two families travelling together, or a group of friends. With eight bunk beds in total, you could squeeze in a couple more if everyone is happy to share the facilities — perfect if you want to recapture the magic of childhood sleepover parties. Open-plan living and outdoor entertaining areas are designed for large groups.
    Is it suitable for a couples' romantic getaway?
    Absolutely. The cottage offers a quiet, unhurried retreat away from the crowds — wake up to kookaburras in the paperbark canopy, enjoy morning coffee on the deck, and take a 3-minute barefoot walk to one of the Central Coast's most peaceful beaches. The ensuite bedroom opens to the beauty of the open decking and garden wonderland outside.
    What are the best things to do near Forresters Beach?
    Surfing on excellent reef breaks; the Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk to Bateau Bay through national park; the Bouddi Coastal Walk from Putty Beach to Macmasters; Crackneck Lookout; the Terrigal Skillion; whale watching from May to November; kayaking and snorkelling at Shelley Beach and Macmasters; family dining and pelican feeding at The Entrance. In the evenings, enjoy live music and entertainment at the many clubs, hotels and bars across the Central Coast. Weekends also bring great markets up and down the coast. Check our What's On events calendar to see the latest happenings by clicking on the date — but always refer to the event link to confirm details before you go.
    What amenities does the cottage include?
    4 bedrooms designed to sleep 10 comfortably (with eight bunk beds so you could squeeze in a couple more if everyone is happy to share the facilities), 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen with all the cooking pots, pans, utensils and facilities you need to prepare a great dinner party — plus dinnerware and settings, oven, microwave, dishwasher, air conditioning, washing machine and dryer, free high-speed Wi-Fi, front courtyard, side and back decks with BBQ, outdoor shower, free parking for 2+ vehicles, all linen and towels provided.
    Is it good for a family holiday with young children?
    Yes — one of the best-set-up family properties on the Central Coast. 3 minutes from Forresters Beach with patrolled beaches at Shelly, Wamberal and Terrigal nearby. Fully equipped kitchen, spacious indoor/outdoor living, and family-friendly attractions like national park bush walks and pelican feeding at The Entrance. Read our reviews to hear how families love the cottage.
    When is the best time to book for school holidays?
    The Central Coast is in peak demand over summer — the December school holidays, Christmas/New Year and all of January book out first, followed by Easter and long weekends. We recommend enquiring 3–6 months ahead for Christmas/New Year stays and 2–3 months ahead for January and Easter. Outside the summer school holidays the Coast is quieter and often offers better availability and value.
    How do I book Forries Beach Cottage?
    Click any "Book Now" button on the website to book directly through our agent at Central Coast Beach Breaks. You can also email forriesbeachcottage+enquiries@gmail.com.

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