It’s a small town on the NSW Central Coast but it’s also now the location of the future $4.3m beachside home of our current prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his fiancée, businesswoman Jodie Haydon. We take a not-so-deep dive into the waters of this relaxing holiday spot which Travel Weekly has been to numerous times over all seasons.
Captain Cook Lookout
See what all the fuss is about as your take in the views up and down the Central Coast from this lookout point jutting out from Tudibaring Head.
The lookout offers sweeping views up and down the coast from Norah Head all the way down to Sydney.
You might also be lucky enough to watch humpback whales as they migrate along the coast between late May and early August.
Learn to surf
The surf can be a bit “dumpy” and you’ll find that large-grained golden sand in all sorts of places once you are dumped a couple of times, but why not learn to surf. Check out Central Coast Surf Academy. The safer end is the south of the beach, near the surf club, which also has a neat little café at ground level. There are also plenty of Nippers events and SLSC events during the busy summer period.
Try Cockrone Lagoon
This lagoon, at the northern end of the beach, opens and close with the tides. The entrance barrier or sand berm appears and disappears in big tides refreshing a lake that is filled with waterbirds, fish, frogs and invertebrates surrounded by plant-filled shores. We have never tried it but apparently the kayaking is apparently pretty good.
Avoca Beachside Markets
Hours can be lost here, as well as a few dollars invested in art and craft, antiques and nick-nacks at this market on the fourth Sunday only of every month, from 9am-2pm. As far as markets go, this has a good vibe and offers an interesting array of wares from local artisans. There is also great food and entertainment.
Avoca Beach Theatre
This is the way coastal cinemas should be. Of a summer evening, crowds of families mill around buying choc-tops and popcorn before they head inside to plush red velvet chairs to watch the latest releases, or a cinema classic. The Avoca Beach Theatre was listed on the National Trust Register in December 2001.
Bouddi National Park
Not strictly at Copa but near enough. Enjoy the beautiful Bouddi National Park which offers spectacular walks along diverse landscapes, including the Bouddi Coastal Walk.
Explore the Rock Pools
At low tide, head to the rocky outcrops at the northern end of Copacabana Beach to explore the natural rock pools. These pools are perfect for families and kids to discover marine life like crabs, starfish, and small fish while enjoying the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Go Fishing
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking to relax, Copacabana offers excellent fishing spots. You can fish from the beach or try your luck at nearby Macmasters Point. It’s a great way to spend a few hours, and you might even catch dinner!
Whale Watching
If you’re in the area during migration season, consider joining a whale-watching tour. These tours depart from nearby locations and offer an unforgettable experience to see these majestic creatures up close. Whale watching season on the east coast of NSW runs from May to November, with peak sightings from June to August as humpback whales migrate north to breed and then return south with their calves.
Go snorkelling
Snorkelling in Copacabana is a great way to explore vibrant marine life and beautiful underwater landscapes, especially around the rocky outcrops at the northern end of the beach and nearby Macmasters Beach. For those new to the area, guided snorkeling tours provide equipment and expert insights into the local marine ecosystem.
Where to stay
Despite what the real estate media says, no one “snaps up” a clifftop home at Copacabana. It’s a tightly held, carefully considered location for sea changers and cashed-up retirees, or those who’ve had a holiday place there for years. Should Albo invite you to stay over and spin a couple of discs – or should he put a room up on Airbnb – this is what you have to look forward to.
“Enjoying one of the most commanding positions on the clifftop of Copacabana yet within easy walk of the beach, this large architecturally designed home has uninterrupted ocean and Sydney skyline views from all levels,” the realestate.com.au listing reads. “A premiere location to enjoy sun, whale watching or spectacular sunsets year-round.”
