Ettalong, thought to mean ‘drinking place’ in a local Aboriginal language, has been home to people from the Dharruk and the Darkinjung communities for thousands of years. Colonial interest in the area also began early, as Governor Philip led a voyage to the area just months after the establishment of the settlement at Botany Bay. While Philip was greatly impressed by the area it soon became clear that settling it would be difficult. The spectacular terrain - comprised of steep slopes, dense forests and a complex system of creeks and rivers - was difficult to negotiate and it would be many years before a reliable road route between Sydney and Ettalong would be established. It was not until a rail link was created in the late 1800s that the development of the region intensified. Over the course of the nineteenth century a series of picturesque coastal settlements were established which catered, increasingly, to tourists. While many tourists continue to be attracted to Ettalong, much of the population is now made up of permanent residents. Take a walk along Ettalong’s gorgeous beach and you’ll soon work out who they are: they’re the people who look relaxed.

Ettalong Beach has some fabulous cafés and restaurants. In fact, in the last 10 years or so there’s been a real increase in the number of places serving high-quality, innovative food. Olive on Ocean View has a great reputation, as does Ettalong Fine Foods. Ettalong Pizza and Pasta House reminds you how special pizza can be. It also has a lovely location near the historic Cinema Paradiso. The Cat’s Pyjama’s Restaurant and Naman’s Kitchen are local fine diners with impressive menus.

Ettalong Beach has a great local shopping precinct that includes an IGA supermarket, a great green grocer, a bakery, butchery and a full-service delicatessen. Ettalong Beach is also home to the biggest - and arguably the best - market on the Central Coast. Ettalong Village Seaside Markets are open every weekend and have the advantage of being under-cover, so you can search for treasures come rain or shine. When it comes to weekly shopping, many make the five minute drive to Woy Woy. Erina Fair is the largest shopping complex on the Central Coast and it houses a range of department stores, national retailers, boutiques and specialty stores and is an easy twenty minute car ride from Ettalong.

Ettalong Beach is approximately nine kilometres from Gosford. Residents have good access to public transport, with a number of private bus routes providing services to Gosford and neighbouring suburbs. Additionally, a railway station is located in nearby Woy Woy. This service provides access to locations along the Central Coast, with stations located at Koolewong, Tascott, Point Clare, Gosford, Niagara Park, Lisarow, Ourimbah, Tuggerah, Wyong and Warnervale. This line also provides regular services to Newcastle and to Sydney, which is approximately 105 kilometres to the south.

Years ago Ettalong Beach’s housing stock was almost entirely made up of modest fibro cottages. While some of these remain, the most common homes today are brick and tile dwellings built in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. You’ll also find plenty of villas and duplexes and a range of luxury apartments. These - like some of Ettalong’s freestanding homes - often provide great water views.

Ettalong Beach is a family-friendly area and there are plenty of childcare facilities in nearby suburbs including Booker Bay, Empire Bay, Umina Beach and Pretty Beach. Older children are served by Ettalong Public School which provides education for children from kindergarten to year six. Secondary students are within easy reach of the many public and private high schools in the area, including the Central Coast Grammar School and the Central Coast Adventist School, both in Erina. Locals also have excellent access to tertiary education. The University of Newcastle is co-located with the Hunter Institute of TAFE and the Central Coast Community College at Ourimbah, and a second TAFE campus is located nearby in the Gosford CBD.

Ettalong Beach is deservedly famous for its beaches, lagoons and waterways. They offer great opportunities for surfing, swimming ocean kayaking. Additionally, the beachfront has the added plus of providing a safe spot for kids to swim, which means that parents actually get a chance to relax too. It’s a popular fishing beach too, with good boating facilities. A couple of local operators provide reef, game and deep sea fishing cruises. Local walkers, joggers and cyclists make frequent use of local parks and reserves, especially those that offer views of the ocean. A well-maintained sporting field is located on Picnic Parade which gets lots of use from local sportspeople. Indeed, many residents participate in the sporting competitions that operate on the Central Coast. Netball, basketball, cricket, tennis, soccer, rugby and rugby league are all played widely here, with many clubs catering to kids and adults.