Complete Travel Guide to The Entrance, Australia

The Entrance The Entrance is a coastal town in the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. It is part of the Central Coast Council local government area. At the 2021 census, The Entrance had a population of 4,244 people. Positioned at coordinates -33.33876°N, 151.4978°E, The Entrance occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of The Entrance place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 4.0 meters above sea level, The Entrance benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of The Entrance creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 4244 residents, The Entrance maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of The Entrance represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in The Entrance reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Australia, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of New South Wales province, The Entrance contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Australia's regional character. The role of The Entrance in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to The Entrance discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Australia while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of The Entrance

History #Settlement It is believed Europeans first discovered The Entrance in 1796 It was found by Governor of Tasmania, Colonel David Collins, who had arrived on the First Fleet during the search for an escaped convict woman, Mary Morgan, who was said to be living with Aboriginal people to the North of the Hawkesbury River.

The area now known as The Entrance was occupied by Henry Holden in 1828 He occupied 640 acres (259 ha) and was bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the eastern side, Tuggerah Lake on the northern and western sides and extended all the way to the current Toowoon Bay Road.

Holden named the property _Towoon_ In 1835 the deeds were issued to John Edye Manning and he sold the land for £200 to Thomas Cade Battley who renamed the property _Terilbah_ Both Battley and Manning have streets named in their honour at The Entrance In 1850, ownership was transferred to the Taylor Family and it was referred to as _Tuggerah Beach_.

The land remained privately owned until about 1900 when it was divided up among the twelve children of Richard Brown Taylor and Norberta Maria Gertrude (née Watkins) The Taylors donated land to the Roman Catholic Church, The Church of England and The Entrance Public School.

Roman influence in The Entrance established foundational infrastructure and administrative systems that continued to shape the region for centuries Many streets in the area are named after them including Taylor Street, Richard Street, Norberta Street and Victoria Street.

On 15 December 1910, _Karagi_ Receiving Office was opened Karagi, meaning _the entrance_ , was the Aboriginal name for the point on the south bank of the channel at the Pacific Ocean, a name which has since been officially adopted On 1 June 1911, Karagi Receiving Office was designated a post office.

The name Karagi was changed on 15 November 1911 and the name "The Entrance" was adopted #Growth Bayview guest house In 1889, the railway line was completed from Sydney to Newcastle and tourism began to develop in the area during the late 19th century following the construction of several guest houses.

The first guest house in the area was built at The Entrance North by Mr and Mrs Walter Denniss in 1885 and was called _Dunleith Guest House_ _Bayview Guest House_ was the first to be opened in the Entrance and was opened in 1900 by Mr and Mrs Dening (née Taylor).

_Pinehurst Guest House_ was another that was constructed in 1903 by Les Taylor and was by far the largest at that time By 1912, members of the Taylor family were operating four guest houses at The Entrance In March 1920, 200 parcels of land were auctioned after it had become clear that the land in the township needed to be subdivided.

Each block of land averaged a selling price of £60 to £80, although some blocks closer to the water sold for as much as £200 Immediately holiday houses began to be built rapidly It also resulted in a total of 15 guest houses operating soon after, including _Lakeside_ built by Rene Johnson (née Taylor) that was the most exclusive (the building has since relocated to Wyee).

Although competition was fierce,.

The historical trajectory of The Entrance demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in The Entrance reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in The Entrance remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

The topographic characteristics of The Entrance result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the The Entrance region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the The Entrance area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in The Entrance has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in The Entrance demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of The Entrance create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

The climatic regime of The Entrance reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in The Entrance create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in The Entrance determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in The Entrance create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in The Entrance demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to The Entrance include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics As of the 2021 census, The Entrance had a population of 15,839. The demographic composition of The Entrance reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. The majority of residents (78. 5%) were born in Australia, with the next most common countries of birth being England (3. 0%) and New Zealand (1. The most common ancestries were English (40. 5%), Australian (38. 7%), and Irish (13. English was the primary language spoken at home by 85. Linguistic diversity in The Entrance demonstrates the region’s role as a crossroads of cultural interaction and historical influence. 9% of the population, while other languages included Spanish (0. The demographic composition of The Entrance reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 6%), and Mandarin (0. The most common religious affiliations were No Religion (34. 0%), Catholic (26. 3%), and Anglican (17. 2%), with Christianity overall representing 58. 9% of the population. The demographic composition of The Entrance reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. 5% of the population identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The demographic composition of The Entrance reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. “2021 The Entrance, Census All persons QuickStats | Australian Bureau of Statistics”. Retrieved 15 May 2025.

Culture Pelican feeding at The Entrance A large pelican at The Entrance. The Entrance Cinema is located on the corner of The Entrance Road and Bayview Mall. The cinema was opened as The Prince Edward Theatre in 1934 and was immediately popular[citation needed] due to the fire that burnt the other cinema in The Entrance, the Wintergarden Theatre in the same year. The Prince Edward Theatre closed in 1977 but was reopened in 1981 when it was purchased and converted into a smaller cinema. A second screen was added in 1988. The cinema was subject to news coverage in 2006 when it refused to screen the film, The Da Vinci Code as it was contrary to the owner’s beliefs. There is a history walk along the main street and the ocean front boardwalk. This identifies with both text and photos important historic sites in the town. In 1999, The Entrance waterfront was named ‘The Pelican Capital of Australia’ by Wyong Shire Council to coincide with the opening of a pelican feeding platform as part of the waterfront redevelopment. The daily practice attracts 20,000 visitors annually. The Entrance is also visited by anglers. The species of fish that can be found in the area include whiting, flathead, bream, and blackfish. History of Wyong Shire: 1947-1997 1997. Wyong Shire Council. ISBN 0-9587443-0-0. Da Vinci Code Banned Already. Retrieved 4 July 2006. Callaghan, Paul (2 November 2006). “Why these tourism stars deserve tough love”. The Central Coast Sun Weekly. Newcastle Newspapers.

The cultural landscape of The Entrance represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in The Entrance reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in The Entrance continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in The Entrance provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in The Entrance demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in The Entrance provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

The economic structure of The Entrance reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in The Entrance often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in The Entrance serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in The Entrance demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in The Entrance has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in The Entrance focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transport The construction of Wyong Wharf allowed greater access to The Entrance and the demand for ferry transport boomed. Numerous operators took advantage of the demand and ferries such as Wyong , Waiwera , Loongana and Maheno were making regular journeys across Tuggerah Lake. In 1922, the bush track to Wyong was opened as a road. By the end of the 1920s the ferries were rendered obsolete by buses that could reach The Entrance quickly and cheaply. Panoramic view of The Entrance Bridge The Entrance Bridge links The Entrance with The Entrance North over The Entrance Channel as part of Wilfred Barrett Drive. It was originally a wooden single lane bridge with bypass bays and a traffic light that allowed traffic travelling in the opposite direction to pass. It was opened in 1934. The original bridge was adequate until 1965 as it only served traffic travelling as far as The Entrance North. By the end of 1965 the traffic flow over the old bridge at The Entrance increased to such an extent the structure was under constant repair. Work began on the current two lane, concrete structure on 17 July 1967 after a successful tender by Transbridge. The bridge was opened to traffic on 20 December 1968 and officially opened by the Premier of New South Wales Robert Askin on 18 April 1969. The Entrance is serviced by Red Bus CDC NSW, and the town is the major terminus, with several routes terminating and beginning in Torrens Avenue. Generally, Red Bus Services run every 30 to 60 minutes from 5am to 12am. The depot for The Red Bus CDC NSW was on the corner of Denning Street and Blue Bay Road until the early 1980s, the site became the “St. Tropez” building. A Pictorial History of the Wyong Shire: Volume 1 1979. Wyong Shire Council. ISBN 0-9595599-0-6. Historical Sites. Retrieved 22 August 2006. Cite error: The named reference tetcm was invoked but never defined (see the help page). History of Wyong Shire: 1947-1997 1997. Wyong Shire Council. ISBN 0-9587443-0-0. Bus Route Index. Archived from the original on 21 August 2006. Retrieved 12 September 2006.

Transportation infrastructure serving The Entrance reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Australia. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring The Entrance.

Regional connectivity from The Entrance provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education This section does notcite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. ( April 2024)__(Learn how and when to remove this message) Within The Entrance town there is a one state public primary school, The Entrance Public School. It is a K–6 school, having been established in November 1915 with an enrolment of 10 students. Previously a split site school, with the infants located on Oakland Avenue, it was amalgamated into a single site with new buildings in the early 2000s. The school covers the district from North Entrance to Shelly Beach. The school includes students who would have previously been educated at The Entrance North Public School, which was closed in 1989 due to low enrollments. Glenvale Special School is located at The Entrance North, on the former grounds of The Entrance North Public School. It is a dual campus school, with a main campus at Narara near Gosford. The Entrance High School was opened in 1970 and is located at Shelly Beach. It has since become the senior campus for Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College. Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic School was located within the church grounds from 1952 until the 1990s. The school was a split site school from the 1970s when the infants school, “The Little School”, was located on Shelly Beach road. The sites switched in 1987 with the primary school moving to Shelly Beach and the little school moving to the church grounds at The Entrance. The school is now located K–6 at Shelly Beach as a function of The Entrance Parish. St. Peter’s Catholic College is the parish secondary 7–12 school for Our Lady of the Rosary. It is located in Tuggerah.

Educational institutions in The Entrance serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Planning Your Visit to The Entrance

Successful visits to The Entrance require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in The Entrance often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting The Entrance include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting The Entrance extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.