NSW Top Tourism Town Finalist
Welcome to Wyong
Top Town: population over 5,000 residents
09:00 Weds 13 April - till - 17:00 Weds 27 April.
Members of the public may lodge only one vote for one town in each category. See Terms & Conditions.
Concrete turns to green and the road opens out to vast fields of farmland with grazing animals
History reimagined: I’ve come off the motorway and turn toward Alison – I want to get to Wyong via the backstreets where there will be fewer cars. There's a change in the road, it becomes narrower and begins to meander. Concrete turns to green and the road opens out to vast fields of farmland with grazing animals. It has only been a few minutes, but I feel worlds away already. I approach the town centre, park, step out of the car and look around. What was once old is new again.
The town of Wyong was created by its first settlers, the Alison family, who subdivided their property back in 1886. As the township grew over the decades, so did the Great Northern Railway between Sydney and Newcastle, enabling easy connections to be forged for farm producers in the neighbouring town of Yarramalong, and beyond.
Today, Wyong’s link to the luscious lesser-known coastal hinterland stands strong, inspiring local farmers' markets, restauranteurs and festivals who champion paddock to plate and support the wider rural community.
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This is a modest town where you can do big things like play golf at a championship course, celebrate love at Wyong’s annual laneway festival, kayak down a river while spotting endangered platypus, catch live music or a performance at The Art House, or taste some of the most creative cocktails and award-winning cheeses available this side of Sydney.
Start by taking the self-guided Wyong Heritage Walk available around the town centre. You can download the audio tour using the QR code at lovecentralcoast.com/neighbourhoods/wyong or by searching 'Wyong Heritage Walk' on Whooshkaa and follow the signposts to step back into the shoes of locals in the 19th century.
Stop by Alison Homestead for a trip back to 1825, exploring Wyong’s first homestead. Housing to the Wyong District Museum and Historical Society, this historic building is a treasure trove of memorabilia, photos, furniture, household items, machinery and tools inspired by Wyong’s early settlers. The museum is open Sunday through to Thursday, and the site also hosts weddings, functions and events, with a Men’s Shed, plant nursery and BBQ facilities on site.
Just 5 minutes drive off the M1 sits one of the quirkier places to explore on the Coast - Wyong Milk Factory. Standing since 1906, the site has been lovingly restored to house a modern mix of local makers, creators and producers, alongside a tavern, sports bar, Thai restaurant and gym.
Once arriving, look for the bright pink cow, enter under the old-style arches, and begin your tasting tour.
Get in early for fresh treats at Daily Dough Co followed by a coffee at The Milk Factory Cafe. Build a box of truffles at Luka Chocolates. Retire to the Wyong Milk Factory Tavern for a pub feed among its colourful walls of retro memorabilia.
But not before you sample Italian gelato at Udderly Sweet Gelato and Lollie Shop, or award-winning, factory fresh cheese at Little Creek Cheese with ricotta-making sessions available.
As part of the Wyong Milk Factory experience, you can hire a kayak from All Sorts Fitness and paddle down Wyong Creek for a little adventure. While paddling, you will spot various wildlife including fish, reptiles and birdlife, but most notably you may spy a wild Platypus! Rowboats and Stand Up Paddleboards are also available, with scenic BBQ facilities waiting for you back at the boat ramp.
Behind the historic Chapman Building, you will find Glee Coffee Roasters, who are also based at Erina Heights, Forresters Beach and stock many local cafes with their beans.
With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, this is a great spot for grabbing your morning pick-me-up or enjoying an al fresco brunch spilling out onto the manicured green lawn.
Tucked away at the rear of the Chapman Building, discover the beautifully curated gifts and homewares of Scout and Trader, founded by Kiri with a mission to ‘elevate the everyday’.
Boutique browsing continues at KelK, a women’s fashion store with unique pieces for all kinds. And book a creative workshop at the House of Ellery, where you can make your own macramé, wreath, soy candle or floral bouquet.
Visit the Old Bank of Wyong better recognised as Motel Mezza, with its creative cocktails and inspiring Middle-Eastern menu within a heritage building. Sirones is an essential foodie option for woodfired pizza by the metre served in the Gallery Precinct Arcade. Or meet the Italian team at Osteria a Mano, headed up by Chef Paolo, offering flavours from all corners of Italy with a deli for taking a slice of Europe home with you.
Everywhere you look in Wyong there is a coupling of heritage and innovation. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, sports fan, fancy foodie, creative soul, or adventurous explorer, Wyong will offer you something exciting – you just have to go all in.
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Four days in Wyong
Concrete turns to green and the road opens out to vast fields of farmland with grazing animals.
Wyong is a heritage town in the north of the Central Coast, framed by Tuggerah Lakes, Wyong River banks, and the Watagan Mountains. With its own performing arts theatre, modern cafés and restaurants, racecourse, golf course and artfully restored buildings from yesteryear, Wyong is embracing its role as the region's low-key creative town centre.
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