Photo: Jorge Láscar from Australia / CC BY 2.0
Perched on a gentle rise overlooking the glittering waters of The Entrance, the Shrine of Remembrance on the Central Coast is a quiet, contemplative war memorial that commands one of the region’s best coastal views. Built in 1934 and later expanded, this sandstone obelisk and its surrounding parkland honour local servicemen and women who served in conflicts from World War I to the present. It’s a place where history and landscape converge – the roar of the ocean provides a constant, solemn soundtrack as you read the honour rolls and pause before the eternal flame. For travellers exploring the Central Coast, it’s a meaningful stop that combines remembrance with spectacular scenery.
Highlights & What to See
- The Obelisk and Honour Rolls – The central sandstone obelisk is engraved with the names of local fallen soldiers; take time to read the bronze plaques that list those who served in later conflicts.
- Eternal Flame and Memorial Garden – A small eternal flame burns beside the obelisk, surrounded by a peaceful garden with benches perfect for quiet reflection.
- Panoramic Coastal Views – The shrine’s elevated position offers sweeping vistas across Tuggerah Lake, the surf beach at The Entrance, and the distant headlands – bring a camera at sunrise or sunset.
- Anzac Day and Remembrance Day Services – If you’re visiting in late April or November, the dawn service here is deeply moving, attended by locals and veterans.
- Nearby Memorial Walk – A short path leads from the shrine along the foreshore, dotted with interpretive panels about the region’s military history.
Suggested Time to Spend
Set aside 30 to 45 minutes to absorb the shrine’s significance and enjoy the views. It’s a compact site, so it works well as a brief stop on a larger day exploring The Entrance and the Central Coast. If you’re attending a service, plan for at least an hour. Most visitors combine it with a stroll along the nearby waterfront or a coffee in the township.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- The Entrance – Just a five-minute walk away, this lively seaside town offers a long beach, a pelican-feeding platform, and a string of cafés and fish-and-chip shops.
- Norah Head Lighthouse – A 20-minute drive north takes you to this historic lighthouse with guided tours and rugged coastal scenery.
- Bouddi National Park – About 30 minutes south, this park features dramatic sea cliffs, Aboriginal engravings, and the scenic Bouddi Coastal Walk.
- Gosford – The regional hub, 20 minutes west, has the Australian Reptile Park and the Gosford Regional Gallery.
- Terrigal – A 25-minute drive south brings you to this popular beach town with a vibrant café scene and the iconic Skillion lookout.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Norah Head Lighthouse — Richard270384 at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5