Four Central Coast tourism businesses have earned a place among the world’s highest-rated visitor experiences after being recognised in the 2026 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Encore by Mingara, Funhaus Factory, Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures and Terrigal Sails Serviced Apartments have each received the recognition, which celebrates businesses that consistently deliver exceptional experiences to visitors.
For the Central Coast – located around 45 minutes’ drive north of Sydney or south of Newcastle – the acknowledgement extends beyond the individual businesses, highlighting the quality and diversity of experiences available across the region, and showcasing the growing calibre of tourism operators elevating the destination with memorable visitor offerings.
The notable success and impact on travellers by these four award-winning businesses reflects the important contribution local tourism operators continue to make to the Central Coast’s visitor economy and growing reputation as one of New South Wales’ leading regional destinations.
In 2025, the region welcomed more than 5.8 million domestic visitors, who spent $1.8 billion across local businesses. International visitation also recorded significant growth, with visitor expenditure increasing 65.7 per cent year-on-year. A total of 46,623 international visitors spent $57.8 million across the region in the year ending December 2025, according to Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey.
About the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards
With more than one billion reviews and opinions, Tripadvisor is one of the world’s most influential travel guidance platforms. Its annual Travelers’ Choice Awards are based entirely on genuine reviews and ratings submitted over a 12-month period, meaning the winners are determined by the people who matter most – travellers themselves.
The awards recognise businesses that consistently exceed visitors’ expectations and provide independent reviews that help people choose where to stay, eat and explore.
About the Central Coast’s Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Winners
Encore By Mingara
Located in Tumbi Umbi, a precinct with a coastal vibe that hugs the shores of Tuggerah Lake, and central to pristine beaches and local attractions, Encore by Mingara offers 86 thoughtfully appointed rooms over four floors. Guests have access to club facilities at Mingara Recreation Club, a variety of nearby restaurants, cafes, and bars, an Event Centre, as well as world-class fitness facilities, all just a few steps away.
FunHaus Factory
FunHaus Factory in Gosford CBD is the Central Coast’s home for cutting-edge performance and culture, and is a key contributor to the vibrancy and vitality of life within the local community. Think satirical cabaret, original live music, immersive art, comedy and quirky entertainment, drag, theatre, multi-arts-and kids shows. FunHaus is where the fun happens, where creativity and exploration bring people together, while connecting artists, audiences, ideas and possibilities.
Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures
Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures is located in the scenic hinterland of the Central Coast region only 15 minutes’ drive from Gosford, just off the M1. From guided horse riding to quad biking, abseiling, kayaking, or laser skirmish, visitors can choose to do a little or a lot – there are adventures to suit everyone. Guests can also spend the night in one of the self-contained luxury cabins or sleep underneath a blanket of stars in a creek-front campsite or luxury glamping tent.
Terrigal Sails Serviced Apartments
Terrigal Sails Serviced Apartments offer a relaxing retreat in the heart of Terrigal, on the stunning Central Coast. Offering a variety of apartments with all the modern amenities, guests can choose from spacious studio, spa, and one-, two-or three-bedroom apartments, each thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind. Perfectly positioned visitors to Terrigal Sails can enjoy a leisurely stroll to Terrigal Beach, taking in the sights
