Holiday houses in Long Jetty

The picturesque suburb of Long Jetty, less than 90 minutes north of Sydney, is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful Tuggerah Lake, the largest lake on the Central Coast at about 12 kilometres long and eight kilometres wide. The popular area is most famous for the Long Jetty, the iconic landmark which gave the town its name and the grand structure that appears to stretch from the shoreline forever into the horizon. The lakeside town has a delightful bohemian vibe with colourful brick buildings, vibrant street art, and vintage and second-hand stores. You could spend hours searching for fun and funky treasures, including retro furniture, clothing, creative bouquets, hats, vinyl records, toys, and second-hand books. You’ll also find a range of trendy cafes with warm brunch classics, wholesome meals, and artisanal coffee.

The region is popular all year round, and with plenty of Long Jetty accommodation available, you’re sure to find a suitable option. In June, the popular Long Jetty Street Festival features local and national musical acts, activities and rides for kids, and lots of food stalls and sweet stands. It’s a good idea to pack layers, as it can get cold in the region during winter. Spring and autumn provide sunny days and mild nights to enjoy cycling or walking around the lake, while in summer, you can expect hot days and nights. In November, the Lakes Festival takes centre stage in towns all over the region. The 10-day festival features sporting, art, educational, and live music events on and surrounding the waterways in the area.

The Long Jetty

Take a stroll along the iconic Long Jetty. Built in 1915, it’s the longest jetty in New South Wales at over 350 metres — a length needed to overcome the low waters in Lake Tuggerah to accommodate the boats safely. The water is so shallow that when you arrive at the jetty’s end, you can look around and feel like you’re standing in the middle of the lake. Next to the Long Jetty are two old jetties — Watkins and Parrys — which you can also walk on.

Tuggerah Lake Bike Path

This leisurely ride along the shores of Tuggerah Lake is a primarily flat cycleway that follows the shores of Tuggerah Lake for 12 kilometres, passing by the Long Jetty and Saltwater Creek Reserve, and finishing at Chittaway Bay. Among many view-filled stops, you can find Saltwater Creek Reserve, a popular spot with barbecue pits, a playground, and lots of leafy green spaces and shade cloths for chilling out. If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one in town.

The Coast to Lake Walk

During this self-guided 7.6-kilometre walk around Long Jetty and The Entrance, you can take in many attractions, including beaches, the scenic lookout, ocean baths, an outdoor fitness station, cafes, and The Entrance Gallery, which houses exhibitions from the local area. You’ll want to pack a drink bottle, which you can refill at the water stations along the way. At a leisurely pace, the walk should take around two hours to complete.