Photo: AMP Capital Shopping Centres / CC BY 4.0
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre is the retail heartbeat of the Central Coast, a sprawling, open-air complex that blends big-brand shopping with a relaxed coastal vibe. It’s less a mall and more a destination, where locals and visitors alike come to shop, dine, and soak up the subtropical sunshine between stores. With its leafy walkways and alfresco eateries, it feels more like a modern market town than a conventional shopping centre.
Highlights & What to See
- Major retail anchors: Myer, David Jones, Kmart, Target, and a Big W keep the shopping diverse, from high-street fashion to homewares.
- Dining precinct: The outdoor dining area offers everything from sushi to wood-fired pizza, plus coffee spots perfect for people-watching.
- Entertainment options: Event Cinemas and a bowling alley provide indoor fun, while the centre’s open plaza often hosts live music and community events.
- Architecture: The centre’s design incorporates natural light and native landscaping, making it a pleasant place to stroll even if you’re not shopping.
- Proximity to beaches: A short drive from Terrigal and Avoca beaches, so you can combine retail therapy with coastal walks.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend about two to three hours here, which covers a leisurely browse through the main stores and a meal. If you’re planning to catch a movie or explore every shop, allow half a day. It’s best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and it works well as a stopover between Sydney and Newcastle.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Terrigal – A lively beachside town with a great surf break, coastal walk, and buzzing café scene, just 10 minutes’ drive.
- Avoca Beach – Quieter than Terrigal, with a beautiful patrolled beach and rock pools, perfect for a swim after shopping.
- Gosford – The region’s main hub, offering the Australian Reptile Park and waterfront dining on Brisbane Water.
- Bouddi National Park – Stunning coastal bushwalks and secluded beaches, ideal for a nature fix within 20 minutes.
- Kincumba Mountain Reserve – A lesser-known spot for panoramic views and short bushwalks, great for a quick leg-stretch.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.