An urban region located on the coast north of Sydney and south of Lake Macquarie and the City of Newcastle, the Central Coast has a population of around 300,000 making it the third largest urban area in New South Wales and the ninth largest urban area in Australia. Though it is an urban region, the Central Coast is a very popular destination for holidays and day trips, particularly for families from Sydney (it is just over an hours drive north of Sydney along the F3 Freeway), who are drawn here by its closeness, the region's facilities and its natural beauty.

Being set among broad sandy beaches, scenic national parks, deepwater inlets and coastal lakes, an endless array of water activities including boating, fishing, surfing, scuba diving and water skiing are possible and facilities have been developed to take full advantage of the area's natural assets.

Places such as Terrigal, Ettalong and The Entrance are extremely popular with tourists, and this is evidenced by an increase in major hotels in the region, such as Mantra, Oaks and Crowne Plaza resorts all thriving.

Moving inland, the region's National Parks and State Forests are a haven for bushwalkers, campers and 4wds alike. The Hunter Valley, with its beautiful scenery and famous vineyards, is a half-hour drive away.