The Entrance is a coastal town in the Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia.

It was found by Governor of Tasmania, Colonel David Collins, who had arrived on the First Fleet during the search for an escaped convict woman, Mary Morgan, who was said to be living with Aboriginal people to the North of the Hawkesbury River.

In 1835 the deeds were issued to John Edye Manning and he sold the land for £200 to Thomas Cade Battley who renamed the property Terilbah.

The land remained privately owned until about 1900 when it was divided up among the twelve children of Richard Brown Taylor and Norberta Maria Gertrude (née Watkins).

[8] In 1889, the railway line was completed from Sydney to Newcastle[9] and tourism began to develop in the area during the late 19th century following the construction of several guest houses.

It also resulted in a total of 15 guest houses operating soon after, including Lakeside built by Rene Johnson (née Taylor) that was the most exclusive (the building has since relocated to Wyee).

[12] Bayview Avenue, Ozone Street, and Lakeside Parade are named after guest houses that were located at The Entrance.

[7] Despite the growth, the area was still isolated and access was restricted to a wagon on the bush track from Gosford or by a ferry from Wyong.

[citation needed] The Prime Minister spoke with the pupils at The Entrance Public School and spent the evening at the Floral Ball held at The Palm Grove Dance Hall.

The proposed route would have left the Main North line just south of Chittaway Creek and terminated at present day Taylor Park.

The construction of Wyong Wharf allowed greater access to The Entrance and the demand for ferry transport boomed.

Numerous operators took advantage of the demand and ferries such as Wyong, Waiwera, Loongana and Maheno were making regular journeys across Tuggerah Lake.

By the end of 1965 the traffic flow over the old bridge at The Entrance increased to such an extent the structure was under constant repair.

[4] Work began on the current two lane, concrete structure on 17 July 1967 after a successful tender by Transbridge.

[16] The depot for The Entrance Red Bus was on the corner of Denning Street and Blue Bay Road until the early 1980s, the site became the "St. Tropez" building.

[17] The cinema was subject to news coverage in 2006 when it refused to screen the film, The Da Vinci Code as it was contrary to the owner's beliefs.

[19] The town centre is located predominately along The Entrance Road, extending from Dening Street (named after the original owners of Bayview Guest House.

[20] Lakeside Shopping Centre containing a Coles supermarket and speciality stores, is located on the corner of The Entrance Road and Dening Street.

At the northern end of the main street the stores focus on the needs of tourists with fashion, cafes, and restaurants.

The Golden Gate Cafe in the town is a "classic" Australian milk bar, having opened to serve patrons to the Prince Edward Cinema.

To celebrate the start of the summer tourist season, held traditionally on the first full weekend in December, The Entrance holds its annual Mardi Gras festival.

These include The Entrance Ocean Baths – a three pool salt water complex with free access all year around.

The Entrance Memorial Park, within the town, features a band stand with views across the channel and lake.

Churches in the town provide services to Catholic (Our Lady of the Rosary), Anglican (All Saints), Uniting, and Presbyterian (St. Andrew's) faiths.