Inside New South Wales' most exciting new hotel featuring a swim-up bar and rooftop dining
Traveling abroad is so last season.
In 2026, a growing number of Australians are opting out of lengthy international flights and pricey overseas vacations, choosing instead to indulge in more relaxed holidays right here at home. This shift towards domestic travel reflects a desire for convenience and affordability, as more Australians look for local getaways that won’t break the bank.
This year, we’re loading up our cars or grabbing our duffel bags to embark on adventures that are just a short drive or train ride away—perhaps only an hour or two from our front doors.
If you’re seeking a fantastic destination to dip your toes into domestic tourism, look no further than the Central Coast of New South Wales.
Its proximity to Sydney and Newcastle provides just the right mix of urban vibrancy and tranquil escapes, making it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Gosford, located approximately an hour north of Sydney, is home to the brand new voco hotel—a lifestyle-focused accommodation that’s ideal for a quick getaway.
With amenities such as rooftop dining, a swim-up pool bar, a day spa, and a fitness center, this hotel caters to a variety of guests and their needs.
As a local residing just 20 minutes away, I was eagerly anticipating my visit to check it out firsthand—here's how my experience unfolded.
The Accommodations
From our corner room, we enjoyed stunning views over the nearby national park and the sparkling waters beyond.
Despite the presence of a large bed and a comfortable sofa, the room felt spacious and accommodating. The bathroom was impressively large, boasting a shower that could easily fit two or three people comfortably, along with a deep soaking tub and a generous vanity space to organize all my toiletries.
One standout design feature was the soft, rounded edges of the furnishings, which not only gave the room a modern feel but also provided a safer environment for my one-year-old to explore without the constant worry of sharp corners.
However, I quickly discovered the two features that I loved the most, conveniently located next to the bed.
Firstly, every light switch was clearly labeled. Nothing frustrates me more than having to test each switch in search of the right light setting. At voco, it's all clearly marked, eliminating any hassle.
Secondly, there were built-in USB ports beside the bed for charging devices—including a USB-C port! This thoughtful addition was music to my ears.
We even requested a crib for our son, which came with the softest sheets and mattress combination—if he could talk, I’m sure he’d rave about how comfortable it was!
Dining Experience
What I was most eager to experience at voco was the dining scene. As a resident of the Central Coast, I had driven past the hotel several times and heard numerous glowing reviews from friends, which only heightened my anticipation.
We kicked off our evening with a pre-dinner snack and cocktails at the rooftop bar, perched 28 stories above Gosford.
Astra is an absolutely breathtaking venue with floor-to-ceiling windows, cozy seating, and elegant marble tables. The menu offers an impressive selection of Japanese cuisine, featuring delights like chicken karaage (which comes highly recommended), sashimi, grilled squid yakitori, and wagyu beef tartare.
To be honest, we wished we could have stayed for a full meal; however, I didn’t want to disrupt the other diners with my son’s current favorite pastime of tossing food around while giggling.
Instead, we made our way down to Ironbark, which serves an elevated pub-style menu in a warm, brick-walled atmosphere. Having previously visited the adjacent bar, Archies, I was excited to sample the food.
I must admit, we definitely overindulged—five dishes might have been a bit excessive—but everything looked so enticing that we couldn’t resist.
As someone who orders barramundi whenever it appears on a menu, I consider myself somewhat of an expert, and let me assure you, this dish was cooked to absolute perfection with crispy skin that was delightful.
My partner enjoyed a delicious steak, but the sides truly stole the spotlight. Please don’t skip the mac and cheese—it was fabulous! I can also vouch for the broccolini and corn ribs as being equally delectable.
A small yet considerate detail: the fish and chips ordered from the kids' menu arrived at a much cooler temperature than the rest of our meals, which made dining with a little one much easier.
Breakfast was served as a delightful buffet by the pool, where the freshly made pikelets were a hit with our kiddo, while I savored the baked beans and hash browns.
Activities in Gosford
Gosford is unbeatable in terms of location. From there, you can reach some of New South Wales’ best beaches within a mere 20-minute drive.
(Local’s tip: For a peaceful swim, I suggest Copacabana; if you’re in the mood for a night out, head to Terrigal; Little Beach is great for hiking enthusiasts, while Avoca is perfect for families. Bateau Bay Beach is ideal if you want to lounge on the sand.)
Additionally, Gosford is conveniently located near the highway, making it easy to take day trips to attractions like the Reptile Park, Caves Beach, Somersby Falls, or even venture up to Newcastle.
And don’t forget, polytec Stadium is just around the corner—I recently saw the Matildas play there! The venue hosts a diverse range of events, from NRL games and outdoor movie nights to music festivals, so be sure to check the schedule when you visit.
For those not driving, voco is only a few minutes' walk from Gosford train station, which offers trains to Central Station that take about an hour and a half.
The author enjoyed a complimentary stay at voco Gosford.
