Afternoon Delights: Pelican Time and Sunset Magic at The Entrance

Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Central Coast, lies a gem that promises sun-kissed days, mesmerizing sunsets, and an array of vibrant experiences - welcome to The Entrance! Embraced by the gentle lull of the ocean waves and the playful dance of pelicans, this coastal paradise boasts a tapestry of enchanting landscapes and captivating attractions.

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Getting there

The Entrance, as its name says, is the entrance to the Tuggerah Lake, which is the largest coastal lake system in New South Wales. It is a picturesque coastal town on the Central Coast of New South Wales and is a 1.5 hours’ drive north from Sydney or around 1hr 15min south from Newcastle.

Traveling to The Entrance by public transport is convenient from both Sydney and Newcastle. From Sydney's Central Station or Newcastle Interchange Station, catch a train to Gosford Station, an approximate 1.5-hour journey. Upon reaching Gosford Station, simply transfer to a connecting bus service that directly heads to The Entrance. The bus ride from Gosford to The Entrance typically spans around an hour, offering an easy and efficient route to this scenic coastal destination.​


On a sunny afternoon, we ventured to The Entrance to witness the much-anticipated spectacle known as 'Pelican Time'!  Pelican Time  with Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast is a captivating 15-minute educational session that takes place Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays (with the exception of Christmas) and every day during School Holidays, at 3:30pm at Pelican Plaza, The Entrance . Visitors can watch as the pelicans gather during this educational session, and learn about all things pelicans from the knowledgeable volunteers. It was spectacular to see the gathering of a huge number of pelicans and the kids were so delighted!

Please note that what was formerly known as the Pelican Feeding has evolved into an educational session, now aptly named 'The Pelican Time'. It's important to clarify that there is no longer any feeding of pelicans during this event!

After the Pelican Time, we strolled along the foreshore and witnessed a mesmerising and ineffable sunset!

On the other hand, the kids spent plenty of time in the kids play fountain and the playground, the historic carousel and the ferris wheel before heading back home. Overall, it was an awesome afternoon for the entire family!

​The Entrance offers a ton of opportunities for shopping enthusiasts as well. Amidst its stunning coastal beauty, this vibrant town hosts an array of shopping experiences that add an extra layer of excitement to your seaside getaway. Along the bustling esplanade, visitors will encounter a delightful array of shops, markets, and boutiques. Immerse yourself in the lively markets or explore cozy boutique stores; each visit unveils unique finds and local artisanal delights. Shopping in The Entrance isn't just about acquiring goods; it's about indulging in the region's coastal charm while discovering one-of-a-kind keepsakes and supporting local businesses.


If you're planning to be in the region for the entire day:
  • The Entrance North Beach and Blue Bay Beach are also fantastic spots to spend your time if you’re planning to be at The Entrance for the entire day. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying a relaxing walk along the shoreline.
  • Relax at the heritage-listed ocean baths at the southern end of the beach, one of which is child-friendly too!


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This itinerary is based on our personal experiences and recommendations. All information is provided for general guidance only and may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Travellers are encouraged to independently verify details and make choices according to their own preferences and safety considerations. We do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by anyone using our itineraries.