Kyal and Kara Demmrich moved to the Central Coast in 2007, saying they ‘couldn’t think of a better place to raise a family’. While Kyal grew up between Western Australia and Queensland, Kara spent her early years in the NSW region and always had an affinity for the pristine coastline.

‘I was in my last year of university when Kyal and I moved to the Coast – over 15 years ago,’ Kara says. ‘We began surfing at North Shelly, loved the community feel of the area and the proximity to Sydney and Newcastle. We bought our first home in Killarney Vale in 2007 and began our first renovation.’

Since then, they’ve cherished watching their children, Vada and Ziya, grow up with a love of the ocean and appreciation for the great outdoors.

The renovation aficionados describe their current home – dubbed ‘Blue Lagoon Build’ – as ‘an Aussie beach house with a Mediterranean twist,’ featuring a ‘timeless’ coastal combination of white weatherboards and sandstone.

A typical weekend in the Central Coast for the family often starts with an early morning surf and a coffee at one of their favourite local cafes, before taking a walk down to Blue Lagoon with the kids, or packing the car for a surf at Toowoon Bay.

‘We spend hours with the kids running between the surf, exploring the rockpools or building castles in the sand,’ Kara adds.

Sounds dreamy, right? Well, take a look at Kyal and Kara’s family-friendly recommendations below, so you can experience the best of the stunning Central Coast for yourself on your next family trip!

DO

Fanelli Organics

One of the best things about the Central Coast is the endless outdoor activities at your doorstep. After being stuck in lockdown for most of the last two years, a holiday to the area is guaranteed to get the kids off the iPads and playing outside.

Kyal and Kara recently took Vada and Ziya to Fanelli Organics for a ‘Pick Your Own Lunch’ experience.

‘‘We got to plant seeds, harvest veggies straight from the field and swim in the dam. Such a great learning experience for the kids – in our experience, knowing exactly where their food comes from means they’re much more likely to eat their vegetables! It’s become a talking point,’ Kara says.

SEE

Coast Walking Track

The track along Wyrrabalong National Park, near Bateau Bay, is one of the first places Kyal and Kara suggest taking the family while in the Central Coast. The scenic walking track is the perfect way to explore the waterfront surrounds – from Shelley Beach, through Bateau Bay, up to Crackneck lookout and through to Forresters Beach.

‘There are options along the way to do smaller sections of it so depending on your kid’s age, you can choose how far you go,’ Kara says. ‘We mainly walk from our house around to the lookout at the top of Bateau Bay beach – such a beautiful vantage point, especially around whale season!

Kyal and Kara also recommend: ‘A sunset bike ride along the lake from Long Jetty to The Entrance is a must. Pack a picnic so you can stop and enjoy the sun setting over the water.’

EAT + SHOP

Flour & Co

Flour & Co is a local, family-run business that was revamped around the same time that the Demmrich family were living and renovating in Toowoon Bay. It’s full of raw, healthy treats that Kara loves, and their speciality pink cupcakes are a hit with the kids!

‘Having a coffee shop less than 100m from your home when you have a young kids is SO handy. Not just for the coffee, but also the community and young families you meet up with each day,’ she says.

Kyal and Kara also recommend: ‘We love Bateau Beach Café and Mocha for the same reason, great coffee and community vibe and a great breakfast and lunch menu.’

Plain Janes

Beyond swimming, surfing and sight-seeing, the Central Coast also has plenty to offer when it comes to retail therapy. The beachy vibe translates through to the area’s fashion and lifestyle boutiques like Kara’s go-to – Plain Janes.

Founded by local sisters in Long Jetty, the store stocks classic brands like Levi’s and Assembly Label so you can get the same effortless look as the locals. ‘It’s a great place to stop off if you’re looking for a present as there are options for women, men and kids,’ Kara says.

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The Food Farm

The Food Farm is a another great and wholesome learning experience for the whole family. First generation farmers Tim and Hannah open their gates for visitors to come ask questions, get transparent answers and discover what regenerative farming practices looks like in action. The Demmrich family got to collect their own eggs and meet the animals – Kara says the cuddles were a true highlight!

For more Central Coast inspiration, visit lovecentralcoast.com