Creative Escape: Artist Grace Agnes’ Guide to the Central Coast

The beaches are stunning year-round but when the weather cools, NSW’s Central Coast gets in touch with its artistic side, embracing the cosy life with fine food, boutique shopping and crafty workshops. With brisk bushwalks to be had, plus outdoor art and inspiring strolls by the sea, it’s the perfect destination for a creative recharge – and it’s a cruisy 90-minute drive north of Sydney. 

Here, we catch up with local artist Grace Agnes, a painter and photographer whose residency at Creative Spaces, a gallery container at Toukley Village Green, runs until the end of September. Grace has been a Coastie for most of her life and has plenty of insider intel for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke…  

photos of grace ETI NG LAM other photos DESTINATION CENTRAL COAST

How long have you called the Central Coast home?

I was born and raised here. I did venture off to Newcastle for a bit to study fine arts at uni, but there really is no place like home – I quickly realised I grew up in the most beautiful place. I couldn’t imagine raising my son anywhere else. The beautiful coastline, the relaxed vibes and the memories of sandy toes and salty hot chippies by the beach (you don’t get any better than Charcoal Chicken in Long Jetty!) make it home sweet home.

Where do you find inspiration for your artwork? 

My art is like a snapshot of my soul: it’s a blend of my Fijian and Aussie roots and the love I have for my family. Growing up on the Central Coast and having a mix of cultures from my mum and dad, who are like sunshine and dreams, influence my work deeply. The beaches, the tropical vibes and the fruit-bearing lands of both Fiji and Australia are my muses. You’ll often find hints of palm trees, juicy watermelons and dreamy coastlines in my paintings, reflecting the joy, nostalgia and energy of my upbringing. Being by the ocean sparks my creativity: outside in the fresh air, hearing the waves crash and watching the sunrise on the beach. You could go anywhere on the coastline, but a favourite of mine is The Entrance Beach, right next to the ocean baths. It feels like you can get lost in the view.

What do you love most about the Central Coast? 

 Growing up, my creativity was always encouraged, not only within my family – my mum is my best supporter and muse – but also with local art exhibitions and school shows. I love to check out kids’ artworks in the shopping centres, where they feature works from school students, and Gosford Regional Gallery has a cute garden out the back where you can feed the koi fish, which my son also loves. The slow pace and the beautiful surroundings allow people, especially children, to freely embrace and explore their creativity, leading to a community bursting with artistic talent.

The community is like no other. It’s a place where creativity blooms and I believe it’s partly due to the nurturing environment here.

What are your top tips for a creative recharge on the Central Coast?  

Jump into one of the many workshops available, from ceramics to painting, floristry and polymer clay. Or for a more laid-back, easy-going – and cheap! – approach, grab a sketchbook and head to a local beach. Nature journaling is my go-to for inspiration. Just being by the water with some pencils or watercolours can spark the most amazing ideas.

My friends and I will even grab our cameras and go on photography expeditions to practice shooting each other in different locations. There’s a hidden little spot at Long Jetty featuring a range of different sceneries that make you feel as though you’re in Bali, Fiji and the Australian outback all with a turn of your shoulders. The Central Coast is so diverse in its scenery that you can go from an industrial setting to a picturesque beachy background or a beautiful sunset by the lake within minutes.

Where’s the best spot to eat? 

You have to try the toasties at Local Hero – they are out of this world. I recently celebrated my 30th birthday with a brunch of delicious toasties with my partner and son. And you cannot miss out on their baked goods!

And for shopping? 

I have to give a shout-out to my mum’s clothing store, Bella Beautiful Clothing! Imagine this: relaxed, beachy vibes, linen outfits, hand-painted sets, handcrafted leather goods and crocheted pieces, all catering to women of every size and shape. It’s located under the Oaks Hotel at The Entrance. With over 30 years in business, Mum is a designer, seamstress and curator extraordinaire. Her store has been a staple of The Entrance for more than a decade.

What about sightseeing? 

You can drive along the entire coastline and never have a dull moment – we have some of the best beaches in the world! Some other noteworthy places to visit are the lookouts at Crackneck Point in Bateau Bay and The Skillion in Terrigal. 

We have a few hidden forests and waterfalls that are definitely must-sees. And if you’re here in winter, there’s often orange– and lemon-picking available. You get yummy homegrown fruit, but these spots also double as stunning photoshoot locations.

This article was created in partnership with our friends at Destination Central Coast. For all the insider tips on planning a creative weekend escape from headland to hinterland, head to their website.