Every day at The Entrance waterfront, pelicans line up for a feed, and the practice draws about 20,000 visitors a year. For families, that is a good place to start. Planning The Entrance holidays with kids is mostly a matter of water, weather and a few easy walks.
The town sits on a promontory bounded by water on three sides, with the ocean, a channel and Tuggerah Lakes all close together. It has been a holiday destination since its first guest house opened in 1885. Here is how we would keep children busy, when to go and where to stay nearby.
Pelican feeding on the waterfront
In 1999 the waterfront was named the Pelican Capital of Australia by Wyong Shire Council. The naming coincided with the opening of a pelican feeding platform as part of the waterfront redevelopment. The feeding is a daily practice, which makes it easy to fit into any day of your trip.
For small children it is the obvious drawcard. We would build a morning or afternoon around it rather than treating it as an add-on, because it is the thing the town is best known for.
Beaches, the lake and the channel
The town gets its name from the channel along much of its northern edge, which is the entrance to Tuggerah Lakes. That means families can choose between ocean beaches and the lake without going far. The town is known for its beaches, lake and town centre, and its tourist accommodation is extensive.
Swimming in the ocean, water skiing on the lake, canoeing, sailing, rowing and sailboarding are all part of the local holiday tradition, along with fishing and diving. Sandcastles and paddling need no booking at all.
Fishing with older kids
The Entrance is also visited by anglers. Species found in the area include whiting, flathead, bream and blackfish, which gives school-age children something to aim for with a line in the water.
A history walk and a rainy-day cinema
A history walk runs along the main street and the ocean front boardwalk. It identifies important historic sites in the town with both text and photos, so you can stroll and read at your own pace.
Some of what you will learn is fun for children. Ferries such as the Wyong, Waiwera, Loongana and Maheno once crossed Tuggerah Lake to bring holidaymakers in, until buses made them obsolete by the end of the 1920s. Streets such as Bayview Avenue, Ozone Street and Lakeside Parade are named after old guest houses. We reckon turning the walk into a street-name hunt keeps restless legs interested.
When the weather turns, The Entrance Cinema stands on the corner of The Entrance Road and Bayview Mall. It opened as the Prince Edward Theatre in 1934, closed in 1977 and reopened in 1981 as a smaller cinema, with a second screen added in 1988.
For more ideas, see our page on activities and attractions at The Entrance, and check what is on at The Entrance for dates that suit your trip.
The Entrance weather by month
The figures below are for the Central Coast area, about 16 km from The Entrance, and are 1991 to 2020 averages. Summer is warm and wetter; winter is mild and drier.
| Month | Max (C) | Min (C) | Rain (mm) | Rain days | Sunny days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.9 | 19.8 | 79.6 | 10.7 | 27.0 |
| February | 25.3 | 19.9 | 100.5 | 11.3 | 24.8 |
| March | 23.8 | 18.6 | 89.3 | 12.0 | 27.7 |
| April | 21.6 | 16.1 | 76.0 | 10.3 | 27.6 |
| May | 18.8 | 13.3 | 68.3 | 9.1 | 27.6 |
| June | 16.5 | 11.3 | 81.4 | 9.3 | 26.1 |
| July | 16.1 | 10.1 | 48.1 | 7.2 | 28.1 |
| August | 17.4 | 10.4 | 48.6 | 6.4 | 28.8 |
| September | 19.9 | 12.5 | 52.4 | 6.9 | 27.9 |
| October | 21.7 | 14.5 | 63.5 | 8.7 | 28.0 |
| November | 23.0 | 16.3 | 82.9 | 10.4 | 26.3 |
| December | 24.6 | 18.2 | 70.7 | 10.3 | 27.5 |
For beach and water days, December to March has the warmest maximums, from 23.8 to 25.9 degrees. February is the wettest month, with 100.5 mm over 11.3 rain days, so pack a wet-weather plan. Winter days reach only 16 to 17 degrees, which suits walks rather than swimming.
Where to stay with the family
The town has extensive tourist accommodation. Browse accommodation at The Entrance, or look at resorts if you want space and facilities for the family.
Caravan and holiday parks near The Entrance offer powered sites and cabins. Options include NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort at Umina Beach and, around Lake Macquarie, Blacksmiths Beachside Holiday Park, Swansea Lakeside Holiday Park and Sails Holiday Park. Contact each park for current rates and availability before booking.
Getting around and planning ahead
The Entrance is the major terminus for Red Bus CDC NSW, with several routes starting and ending in Torrens Avenue. Services generally run every 30 to 60 minutes from 5am to 12am, which is useful if you would rather not strap the kids into the car again.
Driving distances are measured from the Central Coast area. Sydney is 78 km away, about 72 minutes by road. Newcastle is 91 km, about 79 minutes, and the Hunter Valley is 94 km, about 85 minutes. Port Stephens is 135 km, about 116 minutes. Longer drives, such as Jervis Bay at 268 km and about 244 minutes, are a lot for small passengers in one go.
For wider planning, see our Central Coast destination guide and the official Visit NSW site. Background on the town is on Wikipedia: The Entrance, New South Wales.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing for young children at The Entrance?
The daily pelican feeding on the waterfront is the standout. A platform opened in 1999, and the practice attracts about 20,000 visitors a year.
When is the warmest time to visit with kids?
January and February are warmest, with maximums of about 25 to 26 degrees. February is also the wettest month, so keep a rainy-day plan such as the cinema.
Is it easy to get around without a car?
Largely, yes. The Entrance is the main terminus for Red Bus services, which generally run every 30 to 60 minutes from 5am to 12am.