Pearl Beach On The Central Coast: Day Trip or Weekend Away

A Pearl Beach Family Day Trip or Weekend Away

 By Mireia Garriga Seguranyes

Pearl Beach is probably one of the places that resemble more the coast where I come from, the Costa Brava, Catalonia. The ripples of its calm waters transported me immediately back to the Mediterranean Sea.

pearl-beach-central-coast1
My daughters playing at Pearl Beach
pearl-beach-central-coast0

We went to Pearl Beach last school holidays, and we found a spot close to the picnic area of Pearl Parade Playground. The beach was not crowded , which was a surprise in school holidays. We had a fabulous day.

We parents could actually relax; meanwhile our children were busy playing with the sand and walking along the placid waters. We ate delicious takeaway and later in the afternoon, the children burned some more energy at the playground.

From Pearl Parade, you can access easily the south end of the beach. On Pearl Parade, you will find a non-metered small car park area and the playground. Pearl Beach Cafe and General Store are located opposite to the playground.

pearl-beach-central-coast8-2
Pearl Beach Central Coast9

Pearl Beach Map

Some important notes about Pearl Beach

The south end has placid waters. It is protected by Green Point. Children can swim and splash without the fear of being washed out by strong currents.

However, the north end is totally the opposite. There are strong waves. It is well known for its rough surf.

pearl-beach-central-coast3

There is a rock pool located at the southern end of the beach, as well as a small creek. From the rock pool you can enjoy stunning views. There is also another creek half way at the north end.

pearl-beach-central-coast2

In case you forget hats, the store sells them as well as sunscreen. In the store, you can find information of yoga lessons and kayak renting.

To conclude, I definitively recommend Pearl Beach for families that love a very laid back atmosphere. I would not recommend Pearl Beach for families that they have very young babies or have extra delicate skin, because there is not much shade.

It is a good beach to go at the beginning of summer or late summer. It is very protected, so some days there is hardly any breeze.

Toilets/Baby change: Yes, with showers outside. No baby change, but there is a small bench inside the Women’s Toilet.

Nearest takeaway coffee:Yes, Pearl Beach Cafe and General Store. The takeaway counter is inside the store.

pearl-beach-central-coast5
pearl-beach-central-coast3-1

Enclosed:  The playground is not enclosed, but there is a hedge between the playground and the pedestrian pathway.

Shade: Yes, some from trees

Highchairs: Yes, in the cafe

Children’s menu: Yes (takeaway menu and restaurant menu).

pearl-beach-central-coast7-1
 

Playground: Yes, Pearl Parade Playground is a little playground conveniently located at Pearl Beach. The play equipment consists of: a rope-climbing tower, a structure that has a small slide, a climbing wall and spider net, a bee springer with two seats and swings (one for disabled children). There are several benches and picnic tables.

Mum’s report:  Pearl Beach really honours its name. It is a place to find tranquility and to relax. Besides watching your children, you can spend hours contemplating the beautiful coastline of Broken Bay and Box Head. It is a great place to wind down, the perfect choice for a day trip escape.

Extra: For more Central Coast things to do with kids, read this post!

Where To Stay At Pearl Beach

Seana writes:  We have stayed at the fantastic NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park at Umina, which is very close.

Check NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park prices and availability on Booking.com here.

Check Crowne Plaza Terrigal prices and availability on Booking.com here.

Both places suit families very well for relaxing breaks. For longer stays, it might be better to rent a beach house in Pearl Beach itself.

Check out some on Booking.com here.


Booking.com

Pearl Beach Extras

Staples Lookout: on the way to Pearl Beach, stop on the side of Woy Woy Road to observe the scenic view of Brisbane Water National Park and Woy Woy Bay.

pearl-beach-central-coast

Ettalong Lookout: coming from Sydney, on the left hand side there is a small sign of “Ettalong Lookout”. Because it is a sharp corner, it is better to visit the lookout on the way back.

Walking track from Patonga to Pearl Beach / Pearl Beach to Patonga: part of the “Great North Walk”

Crommelin Native Arboretum, it is at 9 Diamond Rd, some streets back from Pearl Beach.

Nearest station:  Woy Woy.  By Rail from Sydney, Inter-City rail operates from Central or Strathfield Stations to Woy Woy. From Woy Woy, you will need to take a bus (Route 54; please, check Busways for updated details)

Nearest ferry: Patonga Beach and Ettalong Beach. However, I would not recommend using this mean of public transport because you will still need to take a bus from Patonga or Ettalong.  Though, it might still be a good option if you are staying at Palm Beach or at Central Coast for a holiday or long weekend. The timetables change depending on the season, so I would recommend to check them online or once you are there.

Bus stop nearby: Yes, from Woy Woy Station. The bus stops at Pearl Parade. Route 54; please, check Busways for updated details.

Despite Pearl Beach waters are calm towards the south end of the beach, please, remember that it is not a patrolled beach.  “Beach Safe” rates Pearl Beach with 4/10 (Moderately hazardous). The closest patrolled beach is Umina Beach.

Bring hats, umbrellas, and tents. Only in the afternoon is there a bit of shade.

pearl-beach-central-coast7

Mireia Garriga, is a mum of three little girls and loves to explore new places. ‘Since I met my husband, I’ve lived in Niagara Falls (Canada), Barcelona (Spain) and Brisbane. I wonder what will be our next stop after Sydney…Hopefully; we will stay here for many years! ;-)’

Thank you Mireia!

Have you visited Pearl Beach?

Any extra top tips for other families?

This post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase an item using these links I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. This helps support this blog. Disclosure policy is here.

Share with a friend

Join the Conversation

3 Comments

Leave a comment
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *