It’s totally normal in winter to want to hole up in your abode, waiting fervently for summer to relieve you of dark, frosty mornings and seasonal sniffles. But if you’re getting cabin fever or keen to ward off the winter blues, it might be time for a cosy weekend getaway. And you don’t have to wait for summer weather to visit the NSW Central Coast, where there’s plenty of off-season adventures to be had. Picture this: toasty tipples, belly-warming pastas, shopping for chunky knits and maybe a spot of whale-watching? (It’s hard to get the winter doldrums when you’re taking in the awe-inspiring majesty of the animal kingdom, right?)

Waiting for you just 90 minutes north of Sydney are flowing waterfalls, uncrowded beaches, lush hinterland wilderness, tasty dining options and plenty of creative businesses to peruse. If you’re inspired to escape to the Central Coast this winter, we’ve compiled a few lovely, cosy things to eat, drink and do.L: Glee Coffee Roasters, R: Little Creek Cheese, image courtesy Destination NSW

WARMING EATS AND TREATS There are zillions of yummy things to eat and drink on the Central Coast, which specialises in sustainable and locally sourced produce. But all good winter days should start with a hot cuppa, and you’ll find one that’s super-delicious (and ethically sourced) at the bustling Glee Coffee Roasters cafe in Wyong (or a second location in Erina Heights). Founded by local brothers Ben and Chris Gleeson, Glee also sells specialty seasonal coffees, like their aptly named ‘Winter Beanie Blend’.

While you’re in Wyong, swing by the Old Wyong Milk Factory, a restored factory-turned-hub for local produce and retail shops. You’ll definitely need nibbles to enjoy by the fire later, so pick up some award-winning cheddar or creamy goat fetta from small, family-owned Little Creek Cheese.L: Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf, R: Lyons Den

For more substantial eats, head to the chill and cheerful surfer’s paradise of Avoca Beach for pasta night at Like Minds, a zero-waste cafe and community hub run by local couple James Rolph and Melissa Morgan. If you feel like eating seafood right by the water, drive to nearby Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf, where you can munch on barbecued snapper with Mediterranean veg or blue mussels in a spicy tomato broth. Drool!

Need to warm up, ASAP? Try a complimentary gin tasting in a lush garden setting at Distillery Botanica in Erina. Or head to Gosford, where brother and sister Jared and Claire Lyons run Lyons Den, an inviting safari bar (in that it feels like a fun, festive escape, not a place where you’ll run into an actual lion). Their South African-inspired menu features koeksisters, traditional pastry infused with sweet syrup and spices. If you can’t wait for your evening by a roaring fire, get the next best thing: a pyrotechnic whiskey-based cocktail called the ‘Black Out’.EXPLORE A NATURAL WINTER WONDERLAND The Central Coast is chock a-block full of natural wonders to enjoy any time of year. And who better to guide you through such beautiful country than the ancestral owners of the land? Founded by Wongaibon and Wiradjuri man Tim Selwyn, Girra Girra offers a range of cultural experiences, from walking tours to overnight camping.Or rug up and set up camp along the coast to see if you can spot a few of the 25,000 humpback whales who migrate from Antarctica to the Pacific from May to November. Destination Central Coast has this handy guide to the best whale-watching look-outs.

GO TREASURE-HUNTING Whether you’ve got moolah burning a hole in your winter coat or you’re just keen for a browse, the small, groovy town of Long Jetty (the ‘Newtown of the Central Coast’ is a good place to find some of the region’s best vintage shops and boutiques. Try Plain Janes for stylish, everyday basics, Tiny Folk Co for curated kids’ stuff and Shadow Bang for modern garms, jewellery, beauty products and homewares.

Not everything is in Long Jetty, though. Twenty minutes away in Terrigal is La Bohème, an bohemian-inspired clothing and lifestyle boutique founded by a Scottish gal, Stephanie, who moved all the way to the region with her young family in 2014. It’s the perfect shopping destination for folks who want a taste of chill, coastal luxury.

SNUGGLE UP FOR THE NIGHT What’s a winter weekend fantasy without the crackling sound and hygge perfection of a wood-burning fire? We won’t blame you if you spend your whole getaway in the cosy embrace of the Copacabana Beach House, which has an indoor fireplace and outdoor firepit, so you’re guaranteed toasty vibes. It’s also shmick as all get out, with tobacco leather couches, warm timber floors and private coastline views from every room. You won’t mind that it’s a little chilly outside, we promise.

This cosy travel guide was brought to you by the folks at Destination Central Coast, who know everything there is to know about all the wintertime goings-on in this dreamy part of the country. Swing by their site to start planning your next trip!