The Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, should be shortlisted for anyone looking for a destination to spend their leisure time. In just one hour's drive north of Sydney, you will find yourself in a destination that has a distinctive change of place and pace, idyllic for a short break or a longer escape.

Beaches, wildlife and wilderness - all the natural elements come together on the Central Coast. Few regional destinations offer the waterfront lifestyle and natural diversity that can be found here. At the essence of the Central Coast is a world of beautiful coastlines, golden beaches, alluring lakes and pristine national parks. These treasured natural assets stretch across the six regions of the Central Coast: Gateway Cities (Gosford and Wyong), the Hinterland, the Peninsula, Beach Villages, The Entrance, and Northern Lakes, each with their own unique qualities.

Gosford is situated on the shores of Brisbane Water, and is a major public transport hub with rail and bus interchange and direct road links to Sydney and all other areas within the region.

Ten thousand people work in Gosford and 5,000 people live here. In addition the NSW Government plans to have another 6,000 jobs and 10,000 residents in the city centre by 2031.

A range of commercial services will be found within the CBD including all major trading banks as well as building societies, credit unions and mortgage brokers. Other commercial services include lawyers, accountants, stock brokers, insurance brokers, real estate agents, property valuers, investment advisers and financial planners.

Gosford's retail precinct comprises the Imperial Shopping Centre and other retail stores. Gosford is a major centre for health services centred on Gosford Hospital, with a wide range of medical services including specialist medical centres.

A number of state government departments and agencies have offices in Gosford including: Department of Premier and Cabinet, Department of Fair Trading, Gosford Court House, NSW Trustee and Guardian, National Parks and Wildlife Service. The head office of NSW WorkCover Authority and Long Service Leave Corporation is based in the CBD.

Completed in 2000, the 20,000 seat Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, overlooking Brisbane Water, is regarded as one of the finest stadiums in Australia and is a popular venue for rugby league, rugby union and footabll. The Central Cost Mariners, part of the national A-League, is based at this stadium.

Gosford is on the cusp of a bright new age, the city is shaking up its image with a dynamic embrace of its many strategic advantages, key amongst these being its close proximity and easy access to Sydney - Australia's world city.

Brisbane Waters at Gosford