Looking for somewhere exciting and accessible to go in the school holidays? Then check out the Central Coast! Less than 90 min drive from Sydney CBD, the Central Coast boasts stunning scenery, relaxed vibes and plenty of accessible venues. Here is a list of some of our favourite wheelchair-friendly restaurants (in no particular order):

1.       The Grand Pavilion (Ettalong Beach)

With plenty of street parking just out front, make any excuse to visit The Grand Pavilion at Ettalong Beach with your family, friends or disability support worker. This restaurant has some of the best Indian food the central coast has to offer, top picks include the chef’s special Mughlai Chicken and the Saag Lamb.

2.       Wandee Thai Restaurant (Umina Beach)

If you are craving some Thai food for your taste buds, then a little further down the river you’ll find Umina Beach, home to Wandee Thai Restaurant. Make a reservation to ensure you don’t miss out as spots are limited. Favourites include the Steamed Barramundi Fillet with Ginger Sauce or the Seafood Laksa.

3.       Florida Beach Bar (Terrigal)

Love fried food and water views? Florida Beach Bar in Terrigal is for you. Located underneath Crown Plaza with views stretching across Terrigal beach, treat yourself and your lucky support worker to a bucket of cayenne fried chicken wings served with lemon and Tabasco sour cream. Plus, catch live entertainment there on weekends and Friday nights!

4.       Bamboo Buddha (Holgate)

For some cleansing food surrounded by tropical holiday vibes, Bamboo Buddha in Holgate is great value for money. It has easy access with parking just out front and offers vegetarian, organic food as well as some vegan options in a Zen-like garden setting. They regularly hold yoga, meditation and art events too but bookings are recommended.

5.       The Entrance Lake House (The Entrance)

Situated in a heritage listed building overlooking the Tuggerah Lake, The Entrance Lake House offers daily specials such as the $10 Mussel Pot on Fridays. With Modern Australian cuisine it has something for everyone, try the Pork Belly entrée with ginger soy, shoots and watermelon or the Blue Swimmer Crab Linguine main. Also offers a high tea menu if you fancy a girls’ day out!

6.       Hernando’s Hideaway (Long Jetty)

Just down the road from The Entrance you will find Hernando’s Hideaway Mexican Kitchen in Long Jetty. Tuck into some Mexican-style comfort food this Autumn with their Albondigas Grande, topped with melted cheese, feta, salsa and their famous candied jalapeños, served with rice, chili crema and warm tortillas.

7.       Cecilia’s (Toowoon Bay)

Around the corner from Hernando’s Hideaway in Toowoon Bay is the Modern Australian dining of Cecilia’s. While this versatile restaurant is known for its Koji Marinated Chicken breast dish, they also offer daily specials including Test Plate Tuesdays – where you can experience new invention dishes for $12.

8.       Bombini (Avoca Beach)

Set amongst a green two acres in Avoca Beach with on-site vegetable gardens, this upmarket venue offers delicious modern Italian food with a focus on sustainability. Don’t miss the luxurious potato gnocchi with radicchio, gorgonzola, parmesan and truffle pecorino sauce. Bombini also runs a cooking school with a variety of classes such as a hand-made ravioli class in late April.

9.       Young Barons (Woy Woy)

Another top spot recommended by locals for tasty modern Italian food is Young Barons in Woy Woy, where the pasta and gelato is made daily in house. Bookings are essential for this trendy pasta bar on Blackwall Road, be sure to try the Spaghetti with prawns, garlic, tomato, fresh herbs and pangrattato - yum!

If you are looking for a carer to accompany you, Like Family can help! With plenty of Social Carers to choose from in Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast NSW areas, sign up now to be matched up with a Carer who is hungry for adventure and shares your interests.