Peninsula is one quarter of region's visitor economy

The Peninsula sub-region represents almost a quarter of the region's "visitor economy", according to a draft Central Coast Council document currently "on exhibition".

The Peninsula has annual visitor spending of $309 million (24 per cent) with 931,000 visitors annually, it says.

This is the highest spending of any of the six visitor "sub-regions" identified in the Draft Destination Management Plan on exhibition as part of the Council's consultation on "Strengthening the Regional Economy".

The Entrance and Northern Lakes receives the next highest with $268M (21 per cent) with 1.2 million visitors.

Gosford and Surrounds receive $234M (18 per cent) with 1.3 million visitors.

Terrigal is fourth with $233M (18 per cent) with 863,000 visitors.

The Peninsula sub-region, which includes the Bouddi Peninsula, has the highest spend per visitor of $332.

This outstrips Terrigal at $270, The Entrance at $233, and the Central Coast Hinterland at $194.

Gosford, at $180, receives less than Wyong at $185.

The draft plan comments: "The Peninsula subregion generated the highest overall visitor expenditure, despite receiving comparatively low visitation.

"It is the only subregion to follow this pattern, suggesting visitors to the Peninsula spend more per visit.

"This is likely attributed to the high proportion of overnight stays, which is driven by the variety of visitor accommodation options available and the presences of products and experiences that encourage and enable longer stays."

In its "sub-regional analysis" of the Peninsula, the draft Plan says: "Known for its laid-back coastal charm, this subregion offers a blend of natural beauty, local culture and convenient access to Sydney.

"The subregion is appealing as a destination for weekend getaways and short breaks.

"Woy Woy serves as a key gateway to the Central Coast, with its scenic waterfront.

"Umina Beach and Ettalong Beach are favoured for their pristine beaches, calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere, ideal for swimming and picnicking.

"The subregion also boasts a vibrant local food scene, with weekly markets, fresh seafood and waterfront dining.

"The Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk is also a major driver of visitation." It lists the "challenges" of the Peninsula.

These include "accessibility ... difficult due to the geography of the Peninsula and road network".

It says its small villages have "limited development potential given the environmental constraints".

It lists opportunities as commercial boat tours, ferries, wildlife tours commencing in and from Brisbane Water (Woy Woy).

Investment in wellness tourism is listed as an opportunity for "accommodation, yoga, forest bathing etc".

Ecotourism development is also listed.

The plan lists one of seven "high impact tourism opportunities" as establishing a ferry which services Brisbane Water towns.

Council would "undertake a feasibility study for a large and regular ferry service operating from Gosford to Woy Woy, linking towns of the Brisbane Water".

The comment period closes on Wednesday, March 4

SOURCE:

Website, 23 Jan 2026

Your Voice Our Coast

Heavy rain causes widespread flooding and stops trains

The heaviest rain in at least 21 years caused widespread flooding around the Peninsula, brought trees down, caused beach erosion and stopped train travel between Hornsby and Gosford on Saturday, January 17.

Mr Jim Morrison of Umina recorded 288.2mm in the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday, January 18.

The rainfall rate at 2:10pm was recorded at 154mm/hour.

It was the wettest day in the 21 years that Mr Morrison has been recording Peninsula rainfall, with the next highest daily rainfall being 165mm recorded in January 2015.

A limited rail replacement bus service was put in place on Sunday morning.

Trains were out of action until Sunday afternoon, when they resumed at a reduced speed due to flooding on the tracks between Hawkesbury River and Wondabyne.

Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch advised residents to avoid non-essential travel and not to drive in floodwater.

Both Fire and Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service reported clearing fallen trees and storm damage.

SOURCE:

Social media, 17 Jan 2026

NSW Central Coast Incident Alerts

Photo: Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf

RAINFALL REPORT: Page 2