Somersby, Yarramalong, Kulnura, Mangrove Mtn, Lower Mangrove
There are many natural and historic attractions that belong to the hinterland of the Central Coast. Quaint highland villages lie on meandering roads which pass through beautiful forests, valleys, and national parks.
High in the hills above Gosford, Somersby is the location for two of the coasts biggest attraction. Old Sydney Town is a replica of Sydney two centuries ago. Town criers spread the news as convicts get tried and flogged for trivial misdemeanours, and craftspeople apply their trades. Next door, The Australian Reptile Park has an enormous variety of snakes, lizards, turtles and crocs as well as some cuddly marsupials for the more squeamish. There are regular educational talks and a hands-on approach is taken with some of the more harmless residents. Close by and providing some superb photographic opportunities, the Falls Walking Track in the northern strip of Brisbane Waters National Park, follows the Somersby Falls down two descents. 
Many of the villages nestled throughout the hinterland specialise in arts and crafts and Yarramalong is no exception. One of the jems in the highlands, Yarramalong has some of the oldest buildings in the shire as well as the largest macadamia nut plantation, where visitors are welcome. A short distance to the west, Kulnura is home to one of the most respected galleries in New South Wales.
Directly south, Mangrove Mountain and Lower Mangrove are found at the top and bottom stretches of Popran National Park. The park, north of the Hawkesbury River and 25 kilometres west of Gosford, covers 4000 hectares of diverse wilderness and wildlife - many of which are endangered. The Daruk and Guringai Aboriginal people who lived here for thousands of years were much better environmentalists, and evidence of their harmonious existence include paintings, engravings, and shell middens. Guided tours are available to these sites, and other activities in the park include canoe trips, mountain bike tours, and spotlighting walks.
Further south and on the outskirts of the Central Coast district, the Dharug National Park is a haven for reptiles and tree-dwelling marsupials. It was also a haven for the Dharug Aboriginal people, depicted through a wealth of carvings, some thought to be more than 8000 years old. Picnic, barbecue, and camping facilities are located at Mill Creek.
