Pearl Beach, Central Coast: What are the best things to do?

The best things to do in Pearl Beach on the Central Coast include Green Point, the Mt Ettalong Lookout, Crommelin Native Arboretum and the walk to Patonga Beach through the Brisbane Water National Park.

Pearl Beach is a fine example of how the New South Wales Central Coast is frankly greedy when it comes to beach towns. Several of them line up along the craggy coastline, with some getting more attention than others. There may be more things to do in Terrigal or Toowoon Bay than Pearl Beach, and the surf may be better at Wamberal or Forresters Beach, but this little beach town on Broken Bay still has its merits.

Pearl Beach accommodation and swimming

Pearl Beach accommodation generally consists of holiday lets and Airbnbs. If you’re looking for bustle, you’ve picked the wrong part of the Central Coast.

If you’re looking to swim rather than surf, however, you’re in luck.

Get your Aussie beach kit on the cheap
Fix up great deals on swimwear, beach towels and snorkelling gear now.
And look for discounts on sunglasses, sun cream or a really good book.

Pearl Beach rock pool

Lion Island tends to block much of the surf coming in to the south end of the beach. But if you don’t want to go in the sea, then there’s also an ocean pool carved out of the rocks at the southern end.

The option of going in the Pearl Beach rock pool, plus the playground beside the beach, makes Pearl Beach fairly family-friendly.

Crommelin Native Arboretum in Pearl Beach

Away from the beach itself, it’s possible to go for a walk around the Crommelin Native Arboretum. This is hardly the Sydney Botanic Gardens, but there’s a decent smattering of wetland and temperate rainforest plants. Native birds such as cockatoos, kookaburras and tawny frogmouths like to hang out at the Pearl Beach Arboretum. You’ve also got a decent chance of seeing swamp wallabies, goannas and water dragons.

Pearl Beach is also on the edge of the Brisbane Water National Park. The better-known stretch featuring the Bulgandry Aboriginal Art Site is further north, but you can still tackle the Pearl Beach to Patonga Walk. This coastal walk through one of the Central Coast National Parks is around 3km long, and finishes at Patonga Beach. Stop at the Warrah Lookout on the way for splendid views over Pearl Beach and Umina Beach.

Mt Ettalong Lookout and Green Point

If it’s lookouts you’re after, then two are among the best things to do in Pearl Beach. The Mt Ettalong Lookout is on the north side of Pearl Beach, and the lookout is a ten minute walk from the water tower car park.

At the southern end of Pearl Beach, Green Point isn’t as high, but offers tremendous views over Broken Bay to the Barrenjoey Headland at Palm Beach in Sydney. Look east, and you can see Box Head in the Bouddi National Park.

Sydney has more than enough excellent beaches of its own, so it’d be questionable to drive to Pearl Beach for a day trip. But it’s a 99km drive should you wish to tackle it – budget around an hour and 20 minutes.