The Entrance Beach

The Entrance Beach is a superb family destination on the Central Coast, offering safe patrolled swimming areas perfect for children, natural rock pools for toddlers to explore, and excellent facilities including playgrounds and picnic areas. Located where Tuggerah Lake meets the ocean, this beach is famous for its gentle waves and the daily pelican feeding that delights kids of all ages.

• ✓Daily pelican feeding at 3:30pm at Memorial Park, a Central Coast tradition
• ✓Protected rock pools perfect for toddlers and young children
• ✓Patrolled swimming areas with lifeguards during peak seasons
• ✓Playgrounds and grassy picnic areas right by the beach
• ✓Calm lake swimming on one side and ocean waves on the other

1. 1.Arrive by 3:00pm to secure a good viewing spot for the pelican feeding at the Memorial Park waterfront, a must-see free activity that kids absolutely love.
2. 2.The northern end near the rock pools has calmer waters ideal for younger children, while the main beach offers better surf for confident swimmers.
3. 3.Park along Marine Parade or in the nearby car parks on Gumbrell Place. Arrive before 10am on weekends and school holidays to avoid parking stress.
4. 4.Bring reef shoes or sandals for exploring the rock pools comfortably, and don't forget sun protection as Australian sun is intense even on cloudy days.
5. 5.Visit the town center just steps from the beach for shops, cafes, and public restrooms with baby change facilities.

Visit during Australian summer (December to February) for the warmest water, but spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and still pleasant swimming. Weekday mornings are quietest, while the 3:30pm pelican feeding draws the biggest crowds daily.

The beach is free to access with lifeguards on duty during peak seasons (usually 9am-5pm). Ample parking is available along the foreshore, with metered spots and some free areas. Toilets, showers, change rooms, picnic facilities, and nearby cafes make this very family-friendly.

Year-round destination with lifeguard patrols typically operating daily during summer school holidays and weekends in spring and autumn. Water is warmest December through March. The pelican feeding happens daily year-round regardless of weather.

The Entrance Hotel offers family-friendly dining with water views and a kids menu. Bombini Restaurant and Bar on Marine Parade serves excellent pizza and pasta that kids enjoy, with outdoor seating perfect for families.