Copacabana Beach, NSW: Where to swim, surf & eat

Australia has its own Copacabana Beach on the New South Wales Central Coast. Surfers can enjoy the waves and swimmers can head to the small Copacabana Beach rock pool.

It’s fair to say that when most people dream of going to Copacabana Beach, they aren’t looking at a map of Australia. The famous Copacabana Beach is the one in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil – although there’s also one on the shore of Lake Titicaca in Bolivia.

Where is Copacabana Beach, Australia?

Australia’s version of Copacabana Beach is on the Central Coast of New South Wales. It’s in the small suburb of Copacabana, south of Avoca Beach and Terrigal. The beach is essentially the northern end of Macmasters Beach, although the two sections are split by Cockrone Lagoon.

Copacabana Beach, New South Wales, is about 0.75km long and curves round to Tudibaring Head to the north. There are some magnificent views from the Captain Cook Lookout at Tudibaring Head.

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Surfing and swimming at Copacabana Beach, NSW

Cobacabana Beach is well known as a surf spot, and it generally receives sizable waves. They tend to be a bit bigger here than at Macmasters Beach.

The rips along Copacabana Beach make it more hazardous for swimming, however. The beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers, sometimes from the Copacabana Surf Life Saving Club and sometimes paid by the Central Coast Council.

Copacabana Beach Rock Pool

For a safer swim, opt for the Copacabana Beach Rock Pool at the northern end of the beach.

The other option is to go paddling in the Cockrone Lagoon. However, it can get polluted – so avoid this after rain.

Eating and drinking at Copacabana Beach

There are also several places to eat and drink at Copacabana Beach. Artie’s Place at the Surf Club is the classic spot for lunch and a coffee. But you can also try the Burnt Honey Bakery, the Ocean Bar and the Lady Copa Pizzeria.

Copacabana Beach, NSW. Photo by Nikki To.

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