Copa runs on barefoot time
Copa is the sort of place where the thongs come off on day one and stay off. There is a proper surf beach out front, Cockrone Lagoon around the corner for the little ones, and one small strip of shops with everything you need and nothing you do not. It sits between Avoca and MacMasters, close to everything but happily in its own world.
The beach has genuine waves, flags in front of the surf club through the warmer months and a small sandy rockpool near the club for young kids. When the surf is up, the lagoon is the calm water backup. It is shallow, warm and made for a toddler with a bucket.
Up on the northern headland, Captain Cook Lookout is Copa's pride and joy. Bring a picnic, watch the coastline unfold in both directions, and from late autumn keep an eye on the water. Some of the best land based whale watching on the Coast happens right here.
Fill your days
Captain Cook Lookout
Perched on Tudibaring Head at the northern end of the beach. On a clear day you can see up the coast toward Norah Head, and from May to November the humpbacks pass close enough to make you forget your coffee.
Cockrone Lagoon
The calm, shallow lagoon between Copa and MacMasters. Paddle a kayak or a SUP, let the kids splash around the warm edges, and say hello to the ducks at Cockrone Park.
Winney Bay Clifftop Walk
A short, sharp clifftop track from Captain Cook Lookout toward Avoca. It climbs and dips above Winney Bay with the ocean below you the whole way. About an hour there and back.
The beach walk to Macs
Head south along the sand, cross the lagoon entrance and keep going to MacMasters. Coffee at the surf club cafe, then a slow wander home. One of the Coast's simplest pleasures.
Eat & drink
The Del Monte Place strip is small, but it punches well above its weight.
Burnt Honey Bakery
The famous one. Sourdough, croissants and cinnamon buns that people drive across the Coast for. Open from 7am, closed Mondays, and the good stuff sells out.
Lady Copa
Woodfired pizza and craft beer a short stroll from the sand. The easy answer to dinner after a big day on the beach.
Artie's Place
The kiosk at the surf club, with coffee and breakfast right on the beach. Watch the flags go up while the kids build sandcastles.
Explore the area
Our Copa homes.
Browse all stays →When to come
Summer
Peak Copa. Daily patrols, the lagoon at its warmest and the beach full of families. Christmas and January book out months ahead.
Book earlyAutumn
Warm water without the crowds. Patrols run until late April and the lagoon holds its summer temperature well into the season.
Locals' pickWinter
Whale season. Rug up, head to Captain Cook Lookout and watch the humpbacks stream north. The village is quiet and rates are at their kindest.
Whale seasonSpring
The whales come back south with calves in tow, patrols return in late September and Copa warms up nicely before the summer rush.
About 90 minutes from Sydney
M1 north, exit at Kariong, then Avoca Drive through Kincumber and follow the signs down to Copa.
Gosford, then 25 minutes
The nearest stations are Gosford and Woy Woy. From there it is roughly a 25 minute drive, and you will want a car for the week either way.
Free at the beach
There is a car park at the surf club end of Del Monte Place plus street parking toward the lagoon. Arrive early on hot January days.
On the strip
The strip covers day to day basics, and Kincumber, about ten minutes away, has the nearest big supermarket. Erina Fair is twenty minutes for everything else.