The Central Coast is the third largest urban area in New South Wales and ninth-largest urban area in Australia. It is the region bounded by the Hawkesbury River in the South, the Watagan Mountains in the west, and the southern end of Lake Macquarie.
The Central Coast is known for its beautiful beaches, national parks, 3 large coastal lakes and its commutable proximity to Sydney and Newcastle.
The lifestyle amenity, affordability and proximity of the Central Coast to Sydney and Newcastle makes it an extremely attractive area to live or relocate to from major cities. It offers everything from beachside, bayside, affordable to rural living.
Each area of the Central Coast has its own unique community. The Central Coast offers an excellent range of primary and secondary public, independent and private schools and tertiary educational facilities.
The Central Coast property market has experienced significant growth, with the median house price reaching $1.07 million as of August 2023. This remains more affordable compared to Sydney’s median house price of $1.81 million, making the region an attractive option for homebuyers seeking a balance between lifestyle and cost.
As of 2023, the Central Coast’s Gross Regional Product (GRP) is estimated at $20.00 billion, accounting for approximately 2.69% of New South Wales’ Gross State Product. The region supports a diverse economy with key industries including healthcare and social assistance, construction, advanced manufacturing and professional services. In 2023, there were 140,478 local jobs and 26,735 businesses operating within the area.
The estimated population of the Central Coast is about 346,596 (ABS, 2021), with a median age of 43 years. It has one local government being the Central Coast Council with the main business districts being Gosford, Erina, Tuggerah and Wyong.