There’s something quietly magical about the Central Coast—something that isn’t always splashed across the pages of travel guides or found on the well-trodden tourist trails. It’s in the softly humming cafés where locals greet each other by name, in the boutiques curated with love and coastal flair, and in the natural corners that whisper rather than shout their beauty. This week, we’ve uncovered three of our favourite lesser-known spots that capture the true spirit of the coast—ready for you to wander, linger and fall in love.

Burnt Honey Bakery – A Savoury & Sweet Treasure in Copacabana

Just a short stroll from the sands of Copacabana Beach, Burnt Honey Bakery is one of those rare finds that feels like a local secret—though the ever-present queue might say otherwise. Since opening its doors in 2019, this small-batch bakery has become a cherished part of the community, known for its unwavering dedication to quality, seasonality, and craft.

Every item is made by hand in-house, using organic flour, cultured butter, and ingredients sourced with care. The result? Croissants that shatter with the perfect flake, sourdough that sings with tang and texture, and a counter filled with rotating delights—think poached pear galettes, cardamom buns, and their beloved honey-soaked semolina cake that has quietly earned a cult following.

The bakery has since expanded to a second home in Long Jetty, but its heart remains in Copacabana, where mornings are best spent with a pastry in hand and the sea breeze just steps away. There’s no rush here—only the gentle rhythm of coastal life and the pleasure of something truly well made. Whether you’re a regular or discovering it for the first time, Burnt Honey feels like the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.

Firescreek Botanical Winery – A Toast to Nature in Holgate

Far from your typical winery experience, Firescreek in Holgate blends florals, fruits, and creativity into small-batch wines that taste like a story in every sip. Nestled among lush, rambling gardens, this boutique winery invites you to slow down and savour—not just the wine, but the moment itself.

Each bottle is handcrafted using locally grown and organic ingredients, with flavours that range from elderflower and lemon myrtle to rich raspberry, chilli and even rose petal. The wines are naturally fermented, often aged in small barrels, and inspired by the changing seasons and native botanicals. You can taste the passion and personality in every pour.

Visitors are encouraged to meander through the gardens, where butterflies flit between the flowers and the air smells of citrus and jasmine. Alongside casual tastings, Firescreek offers thoughtfully curated experiences such as chocolate and wine pairings, guided tastings with the winemaker, and seasonal workshops including flower crown making and botanical art classes.

It’s romantic, unexpected, and entirely local—a place where creativity and nature meet in every detail. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or returning for a second glass, Firescreek is a reminder that the most memorable experiences often grow just off the beaten path.

Winney Bay Walking Track – Nature’s Quiet Masterpiece

Just south of Forresters Beach lies a trail that feels like a well-kept secret: the Winney Bay Walking Track. Beginning from Cromarty Hill Road and weaving its way along the cliffs, this coastal walk offers panoramic views of the Pacific and the kind of peacefulness you rarely find on more well-known routes. The full walk is around 1.5 km one way (3 km return) and typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace and how often you stop to soak in the views.

While relatively short, the walk includes a series of steep stairs, making it moderately challenging—but the reward is more than worth it. Along the way, you’ll find sandstone outcrops, pockets of native bushland, and open vantage points that are perfect for whale watching in season or simply sitting quietly with the sea below.

This is a track best suited for those with a moderate level of fitness, sturdy shoes and an appreciation for the quieter side of nature. Early mornings offer a special kind of magic, with the rising sun painting the ocean gold and birdsong accompanying every step. There’s no café or car park to mark the destination—just a clifftop lookout and the feeling that you’ve stumbled across something timeless.

Unexpected Moments, Lasting Memories

At Kahuana, we believe the most memorable moments are often the ones you don’t plan for—the surprise café you stumble across, the glass of wine that turns into a conversation, the path you almost didn’t take. These hidden gems are more than destinations; they’re experiences stitched into the fabric of the community we love. So go ahead—venture off the main road. You might just find your new favourite place.