Photos via DNSW
The Central Coast of New South Wales is a biodiversity hotspot, transforming a simple beach holiday into a vibrant nature discovery tour. Beyond the golden sands, this region hosts a thriving ecosystem where marine life, native mammals, and diverse bird species coexist.
For travelers staying at ibis Styles The Entrance, the adventure begins immediately. Positioned between the calm waters of Tuggerah Lakes and the Pacific Ocean, the hotel serves as the perfect base camp. Whether you are seeking the thrill of spotting a breaching whale, the charm of a waddling pelican, or a hands-on encounter with a koala, the Central Coast delivers unforgettable wildlife experiences just moments from your door.
You do not need to trek deep into the bush to witness nature in action. The Entrance foreshore offers some of the most accessible wildlife viewing in Australia, perfect for families and casual observers.
Photos via Isaac Tseng Media
Where: Pelican Plaza, The Entrance
Best time: 3:30pm on weekends and school holidays
One of the Central Coast’s most iconic natural experiences is Pelican Time, an educational talk and viewing event hosted by Marine Wildlife Rescue Central Coast. Rather than a simple feeding session, this family-friendly experience is focused on learning, offering insights into wild Australian pelicans, their behaviours, and the rescue work being done in the region.
Dozens of pelicans gather daily, making this one of the best up-close birdwatching experiences in Australia. Herons, egrets, and silver gulls also frequent the area, making it a popular spot for budding bird photographers. It’s easily accessible and great for kids, with flat walkways, cafes nearby, and benches to sit and enjoy the view.
Tip: Arrive early for the best viewing position and bring binoculars for closer observation.
Photos via Birding Places website
Directly in front of the hotel, the Tuggerah Lakes channel acts as a vital marine corridor. While sightings are never guaranteed, bottlenose dolphins frequently patrol these waters, often riding the currents during tide changes in the early morning or late afternoon.
Even without the dolphins, the channel is teeming with life. Look for:
Great cormorants drying their wings on the sandbanks
Terns diving for baitfish
Stingrays gliding through the shallows
Black swans cruising the calmer lake waters
For those willing to explore further, the region’s national parks offer immersive bushland experiences where the forest meets the sea.
Photos via DNSW
Wyrrabalong National Park is a coastal bushland haven stretching between Bateau Bay and Forresters Beach. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting a wilder experience of the Central Coast.
The park features a range of walking tracks through eucalypt forest, wetlands, and clifftop paths. You’ll find an abundance of birdlife here, from kookaburras and rainbow lorikeets to more elusive bush birds like the eastern whipbird or spotted pardalote. Reptiles such as goannas and blue-tongue lizards are also commonly seen along sunny paths.
From some of the lookout points, you might even catch a glimpse of migrating whales during the right season, a magical bonus for nature lovers.
It’s peaceful, naturally beautiful, and ideal for birdwatchers, hikers, or families looking to explore beyond the beaches.
Photo via Love Central Coast website
Munmorah State Conservation Area is one of the Central Coast’s best-kept secrets for wildlife and scenic natural landscapes. Its varied terrain, from coastal dunes and cliffs to paperbark forests and heath, creates an ideal habitat for native birds, insects, and seasonal marine sightings.
Birdwatchers can spot a range of species year-round, while in winter and early spring, it becomes an excellent location for watching whales as they migrate along the coast. Bushwalking trails, lookout points, and picnic spots make it a full-day nature experience for those wanting a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.
When you want guaranteed sightings and the chance to get closer than usually possible, the Central Coast’s sanctuaries are world-class.
Photos via Australian Reptile Park website
A visit to the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby offers one of the most exciting and interactive wildlife experiences for families. While the name highlights reptiles, the park is home to a wide array of iconic Australian animals, from koalas and wombats to Tasmanian devils, dingoes, crocodiles, and more.
The hands-on exhibits, keeper talks, and daily feeding shows make this a fun and educational day out. It’s particularly great for kids to see and learn about native animals up close in a safe and well-managed environment. Plus, the park is known for its involvement in venom collection and animal conservation.
Photo via Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary website
Near Calga, Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary gives visitors a rare chance to experience Australian animals roaming through natural bushland habitats. Unlike a traditional zoo, the sanctuary allows many of its kangaroos, wallabies, and emus to move freely through parts of the park.
You’ll also encounter cockatoos, parrots, echidnas, and reptiles, all within a peaceful, eucalyptus-filled setting. Guided ranger tours and self-guided bush walks give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
It’s an enriching experience for families and nature lovers who want a more authentic connection to the wild, with great photo opportunities and plenty to learn.
Photos via DNSW
For a truly unique wildlife experience on the Central Coast, head inland to Iris Lodge Alpacas in Jilliby. This peaceful farm stay is home to a large and friendly herd of alpacas, along with sheep, cows, and chickens. Guests can book a morning feeding session where you’ll get the chance to walk with alpacas, hand-feed them, and learn more about their behaviour and care.
It’s a great day out for families, couples, and animal lovers looking to get closer to farm life in a relaxed, natural setting. The views across the valley are breathtaking, and the whole experience is interactive, hands-on, and wholesome.
Good to know: Bookings are required for farm visits, and breakfast is often included with morning tours, making it a scenic and delicious start to your day.
Photos via DNSW
The “Humpback Highway” runs directly past the Central Coast, offering some of the best land-based whale watching in NSW.
Season: May to November
Northern Migration (Peak): June and July
Southern Migration (Peak): September and October
During these months, thousands of humpback whales pass close to the headlands. Crackneck Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park is a premier viewing platform. On calm days, you may see breaches, tail slaps, and spouts from the shore. Bring binoculars and patience for one of nature’s greatest shows.
To ensure the safety of both animals and observers, keep these tips in mind:
Timing is Key: Animals are most active at dawn and dusk. Midday heat often sends wildlife into hiding.
Watch the Tides: Marine life in the channel is most visible during tide changes when water moves nutrients around.
Keep Your Distance: Use the zoom on your camera rather than approaching. Never block an animal’s path.
Do Not Feed: Feeding wild animals (outside of sanctioned sanctuary experiences) can cause illness and aggressive behavior.
Tech Support: Use apps like Birdata or iNaturalist to help identify species and log your sightings.
Whether you are tracking dolphins from the bridge or hand-feeding alpacas in the hinterland, the Central Coast offers a connection to nature that rejuvenates the spirit.
ibis Styles The Entrance places you in the center of this natural playground. After a day of exploration, return to the comfort of a modern room overlooking the very lakes you explored. With on-site dining at Diggers The Entrance and easy parking, your wildlife adventure is hassle-free.
Book your stay today and discover the wild side of the Central Coast.
The best place to see pelicans is at Pelican Plaza on the foreshore at The Entrance. Daily pelican talks are held at 3:30pm on weekends and school holidays, offering a fun and educational wildlife experience for families.
Yes! Dolphins are often spotted in the Tuggerah Lakes Channel, particularly during tide changes. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to watch for them from the bridge or the foreshore walk.
Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary near Calga is a short drive from The Entrance and offers a natural bushland setting with free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and native birds. It’s perfect for a day trip from ibis Styles The Entrance.
Yes, during whale season (May to November), you can spot migrating humpback whales from nearby lookouts such as Crackneck Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park. These spots are an easy drive from The Entrance.
The Australian Reptile Park in Somersby is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions, offering interactive animal encounters with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, reptiles, and more – ideal for kids and adults alike.
ibis Styles The Entrance is a great base for wildlife exploration. It’s located near Tuggerah Lakes and the foreshore, and provides easy access to local parks, sanctuaries, and walking tracks for birdwatching and nature spotting.
Humpback whales pass the Central Coast from May to November, with peak viewing in June-July (northern migration) and September-October (southern migration). Crackneck Lookout in Wyrrabalong National Park offers premier land-based viewing opportunities.
315 Central Coast Highway,
The Entrance NSW 2261
Phone: +61 (0)2 4336 0400
Fax: +61 (0)2 4332 5717
reservations@ibisstylestheentrance.com.au
Sustainability Strategy *Destination photography credit: Destination NSW Website by Hemisphere Hospitality Solutions
Treat yourselves to a dreamy couple’s getaway at ibis Styles The Entrance on the Central Coast. Think lakeside views, morning strolls, and thoughtful touches designed for pure relaxation.
