There is an untapped world only a step away for Sydneysiders on the sunny Central Coast � a perfect place for a short break and just what the Doctor ordered to fight those winter blues.

Just an hour�s drive north of Sydney, the Central Coast stretches from Catherine Hill Bay in the north, the Hawkesbury River in the south and Bucketty to the west.

Short Break lovers will warm to the scenic Central Coast with its 31 pristine beaches, vast waterways, 12 National Parks and Reserves, boutique shops, relaxed outdoor lifestyle and fine dining restaurants.

The Central Coast is a water wonderland, with many of the areas characterised by Aboriginal names - Girrakool (Place of Waters), Tumbi Umbi (Plenty of Water), Watanobbi (Hills Surrounded by Water), Woy Woy (The Big Lagoon), Jilliby (Where Two Creeks Meet) and Bucketty (Mountain Spring). The combination of quiet waters and long stretches of white sandy beaches makes the Central Coast an ideal spot to lap up the ambience and unwind from the bump and grind of the working week.

Equally tempting are the surfing spots and seaside resort towns of Terrigal, Avoca and The Entrance and five idyllic waterways - Hawkesbury River, Brisbane Water, Tuggerah Lake, Lake Budgewoi and Lake Munmorah - that offers kayaking, skiing, scuba diving, row-boating and scenic cruises. The area is also the only place in the world where five separate waterways meet.

With 12 National Parks and Reserves on tap, there�s no excuse not to take in the fresh air while bushwalking, bikeriding, horseriding, camping, picnicking or discovering Aboriginal and European historical sites. Why not while the hours away exploring the hinterland and lush countryside of the Yarramalong and Dooralong Valleys.

Just as alluring is the range of restaurants and cafes in the region. For seafood lovers, the local catch finds its way onto the plates of some of the best restaurants in NSW.

For those who enjoy a little romance, a spot of boutique shopping or strolling around the many art and craft galleries and villages are a must as is feeding the wild Pelicans at The Entrance every day at 3.30pm.

The accommodation scene caters for all tastes and pockets ranging from caravan parks and camping to B&B�s and luxury resorts, with a wide selection of everything in between.

Tourism New South Wales has a great range of short break packages starting from $308 for two people for two nights*. For a brochure or further information on packages call 1300 724 104 or go to www.visitnsw.com.au

For media information only, please contact Gretta Lie at Tourism New South Wales on 02 9931 1498 or gretta.lie@tourism.nsw.gov.au. *Some conditions apply