Best Things to Do on the Central Coast These Christmas Holidays

alpacasjilliby
Dec 19, 2025
3 min read

Central Coast truly comes alive over the Christmas holidays. With long summer days, coastal breezes and a relaxed village atmosphere, it’s one of the best regions in NSW to enjoy memorable experiences without constantly reaching for your wallet. If you’re planning a festive getaway or a local staycation, here’s a curated guide to the best things to do on the Central Coast this Christmas, including one unforgettable, value-packed experience at Iris Lodge Alpacas.

Meet the Alpacas at Iris Lodge Alpacas (A Must-Do Holiday Experience)

While most of this guide focuses on free activities, Iris Lodge Alpacas deserves a special mention as a truly unique Christmas holiday highlight.

Located in Jilliby, Iris Lodge Alpacas offers an intimate, heartwarming experience that connects visitors with friendly alpacas in a natural farm setting. Every alpaca is treated as a pet, and the experience is designed to be calm, inclusive and deeply memorable. During the Christmas holidays, the farm becomes a peaceful escape from busy beaches and shopping centres — perfect for families, couples, multigenerational groups and visitors seeking something meaningful.

Experiences such as Meet & Greet Alpaca Walks and Brunch with Alpacas are carefully hosted, small-group and sensory-friendly, making them especially popular during the festive season. Iris Lodge Alpacas is also Ecotourism certified, accessibility-conscious, and proudly supported by Destination NSW.

If you’re looking to add one standout experience to your Christmas itinerary, this is the one people talk about long after the holidays end.

Enjoy the Region’s Stunning Beaches

The Central Coast is home to some of the most beautiful and accessible beaches in NSW — and they’re all free to enjoy.

Christmas mornings and late afternoons are perfect for:

A refreshing swim at Avoca Beach
Coastal walks along Terrigal Esplanade
Quiet family time at Shelly Beach
Sunrise or sunset strolls at Copacabana

Pack a picnic, bring a towel and let the coast work its magic.

Explore Coastal Walks and Lookouts

There’s nothing better than a scenic walk to slow things down during the holidays. The Central Coast offers countless free coastal paths where you can enjoy ocean views, native wildlife and fresh air.

Popular options include:

Headland walks connecting Terrigal and Avoca
Ocean-view lookouts dotted along the coastline
Easy-access paths suitable for prams and mobility aids

These walks are ideal early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid the midday heat.

Picnic in Nature Reserves and Waterfront Parks

Christmas is made for relaxed outdoor meals, and the Central Coast is full of free picnic spots.

Spread out a blanket, share festive snacks and enjoy:

Shaded foreshore parks
Waterfront picnic tables
Open grassy spaces for kids to play

Many reserves also offer BBQ facilities, making it easy to enjoy a casual Christmas lunch surrounded by nature.

Spot Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat

One of the joys of the Central Coast is how close nature feels. Over the holidays, keep an eye out for:

Pelicans along the waterways
Kangaroos grazing in open reserves
Native birdlife in bushland and coastal areas

Early mornings and dusk are the best times for wildlife spotting — and it’s completely free.

Sunset Watching & Christmas Eve Wind-Downs

As Christmas approaches, there’s something special about slowing down and watching the sun set.

Bring a picnic rug, sit quietly and enjoy golden-hour views over the ocean or waterways. It’s one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to celebrate the season with friends or family.

Why the Central Coast Is Perfect at Christmas

What makes the Central Coast special during the Christmas holidays isn’t flashy attractions or big-ticket experiences — it’s the freedom to slow down, reconnect and enjoy nature.

Pairing beaches, walks and picnics with one special experience like Iris Lodge Alpacas creates a balanced, memorable holiday that feels both indulgent and grounded.

If you’re visiting this Christmas, take your time, explore gently, and soak up everything this beautiful region has to offer.