The sandy stretch of Avoca Beach curves 1.7km, abutted by craggy headlands and featuring a jewel-like rock pool at the southern end. Bask on the beach or learn to surf with the Central Coast Surf Academy. Experienced divers can embark on a diving tour to the artificial reef created from the scuttled warship, the Ex-HMAS Adelaide.

The ship, which was sunk in 2011 to form the reef, rests 32m below the surface about 1.8km off the coast. Avoca Lake backs on to the beach. Hire kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards from Aquafun Avoca Lake and splash about the sparkling waterway or paddle to the large island in the middle of the tranquil lagoon.