Copacabana: the lesser known Central Coast town offering an idyllic coastal lifestyle

On a clear day, the Captain Cook lookout that sits proud of Tudibaring Head in Copacabana lays claim to views stretching from Norah Head in the north all the way to Sydney’s CBD skyline.

It’s also one of the best places on the Central Coast to spot migrating humpback whales from May through to August.

“In season, we will see them every day, just on the beachfront,” says resident Jacinta South.

“There are dolphins, too, and there’s a seal that lives out on the point and is regularly spotted by surfers.”

South moved to Copa, as the locals call it, with her husband Ryan almost five years ago, ready to settle down after an itinerant lifestyle that saw the couple living in New Zealand, Bali, Melbourne and the Hunter Valley.

They have since welcomed a son into the family, Oscar, now two.

“We have loved everywhere we have lived, but this is a forever location for us,” South says.

“We are so lucky to live here. We can walk to a beautiful beach within a few hundred metres of home, our little boy can ride his bike, and everyone’s so friendly.”

Safe haven

With a rockpool perfect for littlies alongside a great surf beach, two parks, a skatepark, the Winney Bay Reserve wrapping around the lookout, a lagoon you can swim in and a well-regarded primary school, Copa is well-equipped for a family-friendly lifestyle.

“We’ve noticed in the five years we’ve lived here there are a lot of young families about,” South says.

“One of the biggest things for me is I feel very safe here. Because there’s only one road in and out, you don’t get the [through traffic], so the roads are safer too.”

Belle Property Killcare agent Cathy Baker says buyers are drawn to Copa for its low-key lifestyle.

“It’s a bit more secluded and quiet than Avoca, Terrigal and Wamberal, where there’s a lot more traffic,” she says.

“You can usually always get a park!”

Village amenity

You can also get a great coffee, superb sourdough and divine pastries at Burnt Honey, the newest addition to the suburb’s handful of shops and cafes on Del Monte Place.

Opened in 2019, this popular bakery neighbours Lady Copa Pizzeria, Cafe Copaccino’s and Cabana Cafe.

There’s also a small supermarket, a bottle shop and the gift shop Copa Waves which doubles as an ice-creamery.

Across the road, Artie’s Place is tucked under the Surf Life Saving Club and serves up fish and chips, burgers and other takeaway favourites.

Baker says it’s a 10-minute drive to Kincumber for a larger supermarket and other amenities and a five-minute drive to Avoca where you’ll find a cinema, restaurants and monthly markets.

One to watch

You won’t need to leave home to check on the surf conditions at this two-storey beach house, which takes in views to Macmasters Beach and the Second Point headland.

There are two large decks for enjoying the sea air, while inside the open-plan layout features high ceilings, wide floorboards and a stone-wrapped gas kitchen.

Belle Property Killcare’s Cathy Baker is running an expressions of interest campaign that closes on September 19, with the home guided at  $3.2 million.

SOLD - $3,050,000

50 Vista Avenue, Copacabana NSW 2251

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