Family-friendly suburbs on the Central Coast that are worth considering. (Updated 2025)

Best suburbs on the central coast for families

The Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, is a fantastic place to raise a family. With its beautiful beaches, lush parks, and excellent schools, it offers everything that parents could want for their children. The region is home to many family-friendly suburbs that are perfect for young families looking for more space and a better quality of life.

Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach are two of the most popular suburbs for families on the Central Coast. These suburbs offer easy-to-navigate flat areas that are perfect for walking and biking, making them ideal for families with young children. Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach also boast fantastic facilities, such as an indoor pool and gym at the leisure centre, as well as a plethora of parks and playgrounds. There are also walkways along the water that the whole family can enjoy, and a wide range of activities, such as music classes and "little kickers" programs, that parents and children can participate in together.

Another great family-friendly option on the Central Coast is Kincumber. This suburb offers easy access to the Eastern beaches of Avoca, Terrigal, and MacMasters Beach, making it perfect for families who love the beach lifestyle. Kincumber also boasts one of the best high schools on the Central Coast, providing parents with peace of mind that their children will receive a quality education.

For those looking for a more tranquil setting, Berkeley Vale and Killarney Vale are perfect choices. These suburbs are located further north on the Central Coast and offer easy access to the picturesque Tuggerah Lake. Families can stroll along the lake's concrete walking track, with parks and playgrounds scattered along the way. The kids can scooter or bike along the path, while parents can push a stroller for a smooth ride.

Another two family-friendly suburbs on the Central Coast that are worth considering are Long Jetty and Toowoon Bay.

Long Jetty is a lovely suburb that offers a relaxed beachside lifestyle. The suburb has a great selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants and a beautiful beach perfect for swimming and surfing. Families can also enjoy a range of activities at the Long Jetty Foreshore Reserve, including picnics, BBQs, and playgrounds. The suburb also boasts a number of excellent schools, making it a great option for parents looking for a quality education for their children.

Toowoon Bay, on the other hand, is a suburb that is known for its beautiful beaches and ocean views. The suburb is home to Toowoon Bay Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Toowoon Bay also has a great selection of cafes and restaurants, as well as a number of parks and playgrounds that are perfect for families. The suburb also offers easy access to the nearby Tuggerah Lakes, which is great for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.

Toowoon bay is one of the safest beaches on the Central Coast

The Central Coast also offers many other family-friendly activities and attractions, such as the Australian Reptile Park, the TreeTop Adventure Park, and the Central Coast Leagues Club. The region also boasts a wide range of shopping centers, including Westfield Tuggerah, which offers a great selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

North Avoca

Nestled between Avoca and Terrigal beaches, North Avoca offers a relaxed village vibe perfect for families. This charming coastal suburb combines beautiful surf beaches, calm lake waters, and a peaceful atmosphere.

North Avoca's main drawcard is its pristine beach. The patrolled sands are perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, or playing in the rock pools. Avoca Lake provides the ideal spot for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking with kids.

The off-leash areas give dogs space to play, while birdlife abounds for nature lovers. Meander along scenic coastal paths to cafes and restaurants in Avoca Beach. The easy proximity to Terrigal offers even more dining options.

While more laidback than its neighbours, North Avoca still offers easy access to major amenities. Terrigal High School and Central Coast Grammar are close by. And it's an easy commute to Gosford and other urban hubs.

Housing ranges from 1950s beach shacks to luxury new builds taking advantage of coastal views. While more affordable than nearby suburbs, premium real estate comes at a price. But you pay for the idyllic lifestyle.

For those seeking a friendly, relaxed beachside community to raise a family, North Avoca is tough to beat. The village vibe fosters community spirit while the natural beauty inspires outdoor living.

The Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia, is a fantastic place to raise a family. With its beautiful beaches, lush parks, excellent schools, and many family-friendly activities and attractions, it offers everything that parents could want for their children. From Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach on the peninsular to Kincumber and Berkeley Vale further north, Long Jetty, and Toowoon Bay, the Central Coast is packed with fun and adventure for the whole family. If you're looking for a place to call home that offers everything your family needs to thrive, the Central Coast is the perfect destination. Invest in your future and make the Central Coast your new home.

Tumbi Umbi ( 2261)

Tumbi Umbi: Central Coast’s Family-Friendly Investment Gem

Recently ranked among Sydney’s top boom suburbs for investors, Tumbi Umbi has emerged as one of the Central Coast’s most promising locations for both families and investors. PropTrack’s national report placed Tumbi Umbi and Warnervale at the top of its list for house investment potential, citing a powerful mix of strong rental yields, lifestyle appeal, and long-term growth prospects.

Located just ten minutes from the beaches of Shelly, Toowoon Bay, and The Entrance, Tumbi Umbi strikes the perfect balance between coastal calm and everyday convenience. With nearby schools such as Central Coast Grammar, Tumbi Umbi Public, and Mingara Recreation Club only minutes away, it’s a suburb built around lifestyle, community, and accessibility.

Local agents report increasing interest from buyers and investors in the $1–1.5 million range, drawn by the larger block sizes, leafy streets, and proximity to key hubs like Erina Fair and Tuggerah. Ray White Berkeley Vale principal Ian Boyle noted that the region has seen renewed confidence since recent interest rate cuts, with more investors “getting in early” to rent their homes now and move in later when they retire — a strategy reflecting the area’s enduring lifestyle appeal and long-term value.

Beyond the numbers, Tumbi Umbi offers the kind of family-friendly amenities that make it easy to settle in. There’s Mingara One Fitness, with swimming, yoga, and family facilities, Bateau Bay Square for shopping, and local bushland trails that give the area its relaxed, semi-rural charm. Despite this laid-back feel, Sydney commuters can reach the city in under 90 minutes, making it an attractive option for hybrid workers seeking more space and nature without giving up connectivity.

As one of the Central Coast’s quiet achievers, Tumbi Umbi is fast becoming a magnet for families upgrading from smaller coastal homes and investors looking for reliable returns. With median weekly rents around $800, low vacancy rates, and limited housing supply, it offers the rare combination of growth potential and lifestyle appeal — the hallmarks of a genuine property hotspot.