Excluded from tourist drive

The Peninsula has been excluded from a regional tourist drive, proposed by Member for The Entrance, Mr Grant McBride, and supported by Gosford Council.

"The Central Coast Way" would follow a coastal route from Kariong to the Pacific Highway at Lake Munmorah.

It does not include either Woy Woy or Ettalong, despite them being circled on a Council map as two major tourist destinations for the Central Coast.

The route would commence at Kariong, with motorists encouraged to leave the F3 Freeway to travel along the Pacific Highway, Dane Dr, Masons Parade, York St, Victoria St, George St, The Entrance Rd, Coral St, Wilfred Barrett Dr, Budgewoi Rd, Ouringo St, Mimosa Dr and Elizabeth Bay Dr.

The proposed drive would pass the Mount Penang Gardens, provide access to Brisbane Water National Park, would pass the Central Coast Stadium, Gosford foreshore and the Central Coast Regional Art Gallery.

The route would continue past Erina Shopping Fair, the Ice Skating Centre and Fragrant Gardens.

It would provide visitor access to North Avoca, Terrigal, Forresters and Wamberal Beaches and the Wyrrabalong National Park with its whale watching at Crackneck Lookout.

The beaches of Toowoon Bay, Shelly Beach, Blue Bay and The Entrance are accessible from the route, as are pelican feeding at The Entrance Channel and nearby popular fishing spots.

Surf beaches at Tuggerah Beach, Pelican Point and Soldiers are part of the route as well as the historic Norah Head Lighthouse, which has whale-watching platforms.

Heading further north the route runs parallel to Hargraves Beach, site of the historic Hargraves House, Lakes Beach and Budgewoi Beach before entering Munmorah State Recreation Area where bushwalking, fishing and surfing are popular pursuits.

Councillors voted to support the proposal at their meeting on July 27.

Council Agenda CD.016, July 27