Are you planning a day trip to the little town of Woy Woy? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! Woy Woy is a coastal town on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia. It is made up of 3 beautiful beaches: Ettalong Beach, Umina Beach and Pearl Beach. It attracts tons of holidays makers throughout the summer months and is the ideal day trip from Sydney.
We love a random little adventure, especially when it costs you next to nothing. So, whilst living in Sydney we have been taking full advantage of the Sunday public transport cap. Perfect to enjoy some day trips by train from Sydney. Wherever you go it costs you the tiny amount of $2.80 – boats, trains, planes (ok maybe not planes but you get the gist)!
On a slightly cloudy Sunday, we decided to hop on a train and see where the day would take us, our only requirement being coastal! After just over an hour of the train chugging along we ended up at the end of the line in the coastal town of Woy Woy. One of the best day trips by train from Sydney in our opinion.
If you’re looking for other NSW road trips then read our epic list.
Where is Woy Woy?
Woy Woy is a Southern suburb of the Central Coast region of New South Wales situated 84 km from central Sydney and, as we found out, an easy train journey. We spent the day meandering around the town, stumbling across the wild coastlines and marvelling at the masses of pelican colonies that habitat the shore. The name ‘Woy Woy’ is believed to originate from the Aboriginal ‘Wy Wy’, which means ‘much water’ or ‘big lagoon’. Considering the amount of water in Woy Woy it’s a pretty appropriate name we think!
If you are heading to NSW then you should also read NSW: Your Ultimate Road Trip Guide.
How to get to Woy Woy from Sydney
By Train
From Central Sydney head to Central Station, and from here take the Central Coast & Newcastle railway line and alight at Woy Woy Station. Ride this train until Woy Woy station – simple as that! Woy Woy Station is also just metres away from the waterfront and shops at Deepwater Plaza. The town is a great spot to head for a day trip by train from Sydney.
By Car
Alternatively, Woy Woy is just over an hour from Sydney via the M1 so if you have a car it’s an easy way to get here. Located 1 hour 20 minutes North of Sydney or 1 hour 25 minute south of Newcastle via the M1 Motorway. Take the Central Coast Highway/A49 exit.
Top things to see and do in Woy Woy
Ettalong Beach
Ettalong Beach is a small and calm beach which, if you’re on foot is the closest beach to Woy Woy town centre. The small stretch of sand is ideal for families or a relaxing beach stroll. We had a lovely time exploring the almost desolate beach and it felt like the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle that is city life. Visiting Ettalong Beach is one of the best things to do in Woy Woy.
Enjoy a picnic on the waterfront
We personally didn’t find a huge amount of restaurants here. But, the ones we did see looked like bustling hubs, full of couples, friends and families. If you’re trying to save money but still fancy lunch with a view a short walk around the harbour will bring you to Lions Park, an enjoyable and peaceful spot where you can enjoy you lunch whilst watching pelicans and the world go by.
Umina Beach
Slightly further away from the town, Umina’s long sandy beach is one of Central Coast’s most popular beaches, it is an expansive part of the coastline ideal for Surfing and families alike. Umina can be found 4.2km away from Woy Woy station.
A bit further of a trip around than Ettalong so if you’re on a tight timescale or it’s worth hoping on a bus to get here, just look out for one that says Umina Beach at the front of it. But, if you have a bit longer then it’s a lovely walk around to Umina Beach and worth it to see a bit more of Woy Woy in the process.
Chips on the seashore
We’re not sure whether it’s purely an English tradition or not but wherever you are. you can never beat a bag of chips whilst surrounded by the salty smell of sea air. We grabbed a bag from Umina Beach Cafe and were greeted by a salty box of crispy goodness.
Cruises from Woy Woy
If you have at least a day in the town then a cruise around the waters is a great way to see the town and neighbouring areas from a different perspective. A great option is Starship Cruises from Woy Woy public wharf around Brisbane Water and Broken Bay on the MV Lady Kendall. Built in 1901 the MV Lady Kendall is reputedly the oldest working vessel in Australia.
Visit Blackwall Mountain Lookout
For those seeking an exceptional panorama views over Ettalong and out through Broken Bay, Lion Island, and Palm Beach. The vantage point from Blackwall Mountain Lookout is worth the effort that it takes to get there. Positioned off Blackwall Road, the lookout is accessible via the turn into Bayview Crescent. Upon reaching the turn, proceed on foot towards the water tank then follow the signposted path leading to the lookout. There is a wonderful view to the south across Brisbane Water to the shoreline of Wagstaffe.
Fancy staying longer in Woy Woy? Find a hotel in Woy Woy.
Our day spent in Woy Woy was a welcome retreat from the city and at $2.80 who’s to complain?! Let us know the best day trips by train that you have taken from Sydney!
