Ettalong Beach
Ettalong Beach sits just a few minutes from Umina Beach and offers a more sheltered, village-style experience on the calm waters of Brisbane Water. It is an easy and popular outing for anyone staying in Umina who wants good food, shopping and a touch of entertainment.
The Beach and Foreshore
Ettalong Beach is protected and generally much calmer than the open-ocean beaches nearby. Shallow water near the shore makes it pleasant for families, paddleboarding and gentle swimming. The foreshore has open grass areas, picnic spots and an easy walking and cycling path that links toward Umina and Ocean Beach.
Ferry from Palm Beach
One of the most scenic ways to arrive is on the ferry from Palm Beach. The regular passenger ferry crosses Broken Bay and docks at Ettalong Wharf, offering beautiful water views of Lion Island and the surrounding headlands. It is a classic Central Coast experience and a convenient link for visitors coming from Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Galleria Ettalong – Shops
One of Ettalong’s biggest draws is the Galleria, a Mediterranean-inspired precinct filled with independent boutique shops. You’ll find fashion, homewares, gifts, jewellery and local products in a distinctive village setting that feels quite different from a standard shopping strip. The shops are especially lively on weekends.
Cinema Paradiso
Also inside the Galleria is Cinema Paradiso, a charming six-screen cinema with a nostalgic feel. It shows the latest releases and selected films in uniquely themed theatres — a classic way to finish an afternoon or evening in Ettalong.
Restaurants
Here are 10 popular dining options in and around Ettalong:
- The Box on the Water – Modern Australian with absolute waterfront views
The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach
Phone: (02) 4339 3369 Website: theboxonthewater.com - Tiger Mama – Newer Pan-Asian restaurant known for bold flavours and its Yuzu Spicy Tommy’s Margarita
237 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach
Phone: (02) 8014 3910 / 0405 441 522
Website: tigermama.com.au - Amalfi Ettalong – Italian restaurant & bar with a strong focus on margaritas
49 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach
Phone: 0405 441 522 / (02) 8014 3910
Website: amalfiettalong.com.au - La Fiamma – Wood-fired Italian pizza and pasta
Shop 78-79, 189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach (Galleria)
Phone: (02) 4341 1333
Website: lafiammapizza.com.au - Beef & Barramundi Bar & Grill – Steaks, seafood and live music
Shop 80, 189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach (Galleria)
Phone: (02) 4344 6828
Website: beefandbarramundi.com.au - Bar Toto – Italian trattoria and cocktail bar
Shop 83, 189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach (Galleria)
Instagram: @bartotoettalong - Yusu Japanese – Sushi and traditional Japanese dishes
Shop 37-39, 189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach (Galleria)
Phone: (02) 4341 3296 - Sulo’s Shish & Pide – Kebabs, pide and Middle Eastern-inspired flavours
Shop 81-82, 189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach (Galleria)
Phone: 0402 664 867
Website: sulosshishkebabs.com - Tutti by Chillis / Chillis Deli – Italian share plates, pasta and gelato
Shop 40 / 33-34, 189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach (Galleria)
Phone: (02) 4304 5979
Website: chillisgroup.com.au - Chica Chica – South American-inspired share plates and cocktails
2/19-21 Broken Bay Rd, Ettalong Beach
Phone: (02) 4343 1851
Website: chicachica.com.au
Easy from Umina Beach
Ettalong is only a short drive or pleasant walk/cycle from Umina Beach. Come for the calmer water, arrive by ferry from Palm Beach, explore the Galleria shops, choose from the strong restaurant scene, catch a movie at Cinema Paradiso, then head back to Umina whenever you’re ready.
