The Central Coast is home to several key educational institutions that cater to a range of learning needs. The University of Newcastle operates campuses at Ourimbah and Gosford Hospital, providing higher education opportunities. Additionally, the Hunter Institute of TAFE offers three campuses at Gosford, Wyong, and Ourimbah, alongside a number of private colleges. The region also boasts a large number of primary and secondary schools, serving the growing population.

The cultural landscape of the Central Coast is enriched by a variety of media outlets that cater to its residents. In television, the region is serviced by eight stations, including both Sydney and Northern NSW channels due to its location straddling these two broadcasting areas. Local translators in Bouddi, Gosford, Wyong, and Mount Sugarloaf relay both regional and metro content, with NBN producing a nightly local news bulletin. Other stations like Seven, Nine, and SBS ensure a diverse offering of entertainment and information.

For radio, the Central Coast is served by several commercial stations including Triple M Central Coast, Star 104.5, and Hit101.3, as well as ABC’s locally produced breakfast show on 92.5 FM. The region also has TodayCountry94one, a country music station based in Gosford, and a Christian station, Rhema FM, on 94.9 MHz. Locally-based internet radio stations have also become increasingly popular, offering a platform for local presenters and content.

In print, the region lacks a daily newspaper but has several weekly and fortnightly publications that serve the local communities. Central Coast Community News covers the central Gosford area, while the Coast Community Chronicle focuses on the northern parts. Pelican Post serves the 2256 and 2257 areas, and the Peninsula News is distributed in the southern region around Woy Woy. These publications, published by Central Coast Newspapers, provide residents with local news despite the general decline in print circulation. The former Central Coast Express Advocate has transitioned to an online-only subscription service, reflecting the shift to digital media.