The EntranceAustralia

Enjoy the great outdoors at The Entrance, a coastal town located at the point where Tuggerah Lake enters the Tasman Sea. Try fishing, learn how to surf and discover the beauty of the Wyrrabalong National Park, set on a peninsula between the lake and the sea.

Hang out on the beach, build sand castles and soak up the sun. Dine in restaurants overlooking the water or pack a picnic to eat in the park along the waterfront. On Saturdays, a craft market is held at the Waterfront Plaza, with vendors selling carved wood items, jewellery, handmade children’s quilts and clothing as well as souvenirs. On the first and third Saturday of every month, a farmers’ market stocked with local produce is held at Memorial Park.

Rent a canoe and paddle around Tuggerah Lake or lie back and relax on a catamaran. Fishing is a popular pastime on the lake, and whiting, flathead and bream are common catches. A 12-kilometre (7-mile) bike path surrounds the lakeside and picnic spots, parks and playgrounds can be found along the trail. Bring the kids to Vera's Water Garden and sit in the shade as they splash about among the child-friendly water sprays.

Hike along the coastal trail in the nearby Wyrrabalong National Park. Pause at Crackneck lookout and try to spot migrating humpback whales in the water below. The whales are most commonly sighted between May and August.

Observe the daily pelican feeding in Memorial Park and find out more about the colony of large birds who live on Tuggerah Lake. The tradition of feeding the pelicans began more than 20 years ago when a local fish and chip shop started throwing out their scraps.

The Entrance is a great place to unwind in nature. Visit the resort town year-round, using the beach and lake to cool off in the summer and exploring the national park in winter.