Holiday houses in Pearl Beach

One of the gems of the New South Wales Central Coast, Pearl Beach is a small residential suburb nestled between a golden arc of sand and Brisbane Water National Park. While this area is known for its oysters, Pearl Beach was named for the pearl-size quartz pebbles eroded from the surrounding sandstone cliffs that used to be more commonly found on the beach. The more protected southern end of the beach is the safest and most popular spot for swimming, complete with a 25-metre ocean pool.

Just steps from the sand you’ll also find a children’s playground, a cafe and general store, and a renowned contemporary Australian restaurant. Another great beach and a popular wharfside pub can be found in Patonga to the south, with the suburbs linked by road as well as an ultra-scenic coastal walking trail. There are more dining options, as well as good surf, in Umina to the north.

Brisbane Water National Park has a beautiful wildflower season from late winter to early spring, with colourful blooms including waratahs, grevilleas, boronias, and Christmas bells. The cooler months are also an ideal time for exploring the region’s national parks, with the summer months better suited to beach activities. The Pearl Beach Arboretum hosts a range of events throughout the year, from opera to bush tucker workshops. If you’re partial to a local food festival, time your trip to coincide with the Central Coast Food & Wine Festival held in Kariong’s Mount Penang Parklands in August, or the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival, held in Ettalong in November.

Pearl Beach Arboretum

Tucked up in the southwestern corner of Peal Beach you’ll find the Pearl Beach Arboretum, a 5.5-hectare natural botanic garden with free public access. A sanctuary for rare and threatened plant species, the arboretum also serves as a habitat for vulnerable wildlife species including sugar gliders, glossy black cockatoos, quolls, and eastern pygmy possums.

Patonga to Pearl Beach Walking Track

Pearl Beach is linked to neighbouring Patonga by the spectacular Patonga to Pearl Beach Walking Track. Beginning at the southern end of Pearl Beach, the three-kilometre (one-way) trail, part of Brisbane Water National Park, weaves through majestic stands of red gums and eucalyptus along the coast en route to Patonga, with stunning coastal lookouts at each end.

Umina

The next town to the north of Pearl Beach, Umina is a popular place to learn to surf, with the more protected southern end of the beach best for swimming. The beach also plays host to the Umina Beach Markets on the third Sunday of each month, with 90 stalls showcasing local art and produce. Don’t miss the incredible views from the Mount Ettalong Lookout between Umina and Peal Beach.