Tim's Kitchen might be hidden away in the northern suburbs of Wyong , but tastewise it beats many of the Asian restaurants in more central locations. Basically a takeaway business, Tim's serves a wide range of dishes, from classic omelettes and chow mvein noodles, to Malaysian laksa. I ordered the Bakmi Goreng (Indonesian fried noodles) for $11 during a recent stay in the neighbourhood. Sweet and beefy and piping hot, it made for a hearty and filling meal. I would definitely return here for more.

Approximate cost: $13

This cafe is in a quiet part of town, but was particularly busy during my recent visit. It features nice views of Canton Beach and Tuggerah Lake. You can sit in a comfy armchair and browse through their magazine collection. I devoured a chocolate thickshake ($7) which provided me ample fuel for the morning.

Approximate cost: $10

Aldas Pizza seems to be a popular place, according to reviews I have read on the Internet. It is also located in a strategic position on Main Road in Toukley, opposite the Beachcomber Resort, so it must get plenty of customers. That said, I was somewhat disappointed by my recent purchase here. I got a regular Mexicana for $16. It tasted good, but not sensational. I was expecting more flavour.

Approximate cost: $15

The Ark Cafe is located in an idyllic position close to Norah Head's two great landmarks, the Lighthouse and the Rockpool. From the chairs or sofas set up on the grass outside, you can admire the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean. The cafe supports a charity in Madagascar, and hosts live events. On my recent visit I ordered an iced chocolate for $8. It is a little overpriced, but the cafe seems popular with the locals.

Approximate cost: $15

I visited here while volunteering at a nursing home on the Central Coast. Every Friday they hold a lawn bowls function for nursing home residents in the surrounding area. Unfortunately it was raining on the day of my visit, but we played bingo instead. After that they brought out free plates of fish and chips of truly tremendous proportions. The club boasts plentiful wifi, and there is also an app that you can download.

I went here for my birthday earlier this year. I was there with my nephew and niece, who had never eaten Thai before. The location is somewhat remote, on the long stretch of the Pacific Highway north of Lake Haven Shopping Centre. The food, however, is surprisingly authentic and flavoursome. My niece and nephew were initially sceptical about what fate awaited them, but soon warmed due to the friendliness of the staff, and the quality of the food. They filled up on appetisers like spring rolls, curry puffs and coconut prawns, while I ordered the Jungle Curry (featuring bamboo shoots, snow peas and plenty of young green pepper corn.)

Approximate cost: $13

There seems to be a micro Filipino community in Toukley, and this emporium is one of their shopping haunts. It is like a little piece of south east Asia, stacked with strange and colourful products. These might include instant noodles, Oishi prawn crackers, Chinese soft drinks, pungent sauces and other necessities. Filipinos wanting to send packages home can take advantage of the Balikbayan service. You can hang out here for a while on a hot day, watch a Filipino soap opera with the staff.

Please note: as of 2016, this motel no longer exists! It used to have a nice location on Lakes Beach, although the rooms looked a little jaded. There was no wifi, nor cable TV, but who needs all that when you are a short walk to the sand? There is also a nice garden and barbeque area if you are into that sort of thing. Currently the block is empty... I am not sure if the motel will return.

Approximate cost: $0

I attended the Doylo, as it is locally known, with some friends who were dancing at a 1950s style prom there. I was surprised by the size of the club, with its cavernous function rooms, gaming lounges, and dining area. We shared some pizzas there, which were quite tasty. I was drinking Corona beer, which cost me about $7 a bottle. It was pouring rain outside, but inside, everyone was having fun.

The Vietnamese pork rolls (banh mi) seem to be very popular here, and cost $5. I often stop here when I am in Wyong and the staff appear to be friendly and popular with the local lunchtime crowd.