Holiday houses in Woy Woy

Woy Woy is a coastal city an hour away from Sydney that offers striking waterfront views, deliciously fresh seafood, and a bounty of plant-based dishes to savour. The name derives from the Darkinjung Aboriginal people and means “big lagoon” or “much water” — and Woy Woy lives up to its name with a multitude of waterways, including beaches, water inlets, and more just waiting to be explored. The wider area is a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of scenic bike tracks away from the coast to take in the views. Woy Woy itself has proved popular with visitors for over a century. The city oozes charm, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes as far as the eye can see. Spend languid days lounging on powder-soft sands and splashing in cool blue waters, and fill your evenings eating seafood hauled straight from the sea.

Woy Woy enjoys temperate weather all year long. Visitors typically choose to visit in August, February, or May, with July considered the low season. Woy Woy also has a packed program of festivals and events in all seasons. The area is famous for its oysters, and every November residents and visitors celebrate that legacy with the mouthwatering Oyster Festival. The food is usually accompanied by live music and plenty of opportunities for wine tasting. With more than 100 stalls, you can sample bivalves from around the country. April also has its own food festival — the Italian Festival — that brings the flavours of the Mediterranean to the Southern Hemisphere. June sees the Bay to Bay Running Festival, where thousands gather to hit the pavement along the scenic waterways between Woy Woy and Gosford.

Tommos Loop

Tommos Loop trail is a short drive away from Woy Woy and is perfect for nature lovers. This six-kilometre trail in Brisbane Water National Park can be cycled or walked and offers unforgettable sights, from waterfalls to wildflowers, local wildlife, and 360-degree views of the park. The loop is easily accessible for all fitness levels.

Aboriginal art

Brisbane Water National Park is also home to some incredible carvings, which can be seen at the Bulgandry Aboriginal Art Site. The engravings were made on sandstone rock anywhere from 200 to 2,000 years ago and feature images of dolphins, kangaroos, and fish. A walkway that takes you around the carvings takes about 10 minutes to complete.

River picnics

There are lots of beaches near Woy Woy that are perfect for a day of fun in the sun. Stock up on snacks and take your pick from favourites like Pearl Beach, Ettalong Beach, and Ocean-Umina Beach — all three offer awe-inspiring views and bright blue waters ideal for cooling down on hot days.