My Countrytown: Courtney Keil – Central Coast, NSW

Regional towns are in our blood here at CountryTown! From Tamworth to Toowoomba, Ballarat to Noojee, we love the pubs, the people and the places that make Australia tick. But most of all, we love the amazing country musicians our regional centres produce, but have a soft spot for those from the city too, like Courtney Keil.

Born on a working deer farm in the Adelaide Hills, before living in Melbourne for most of her life, Courtney recently moved to the Central Coast, NSW. She graduated from CMAA Academy of Country Music in 2016 and was vocally trained by Lyn Bowtell and Renee Grant-Williams. 

Her previous singles, I Just Wanna Hold You, Hummingbird and Where Does All The Love Go reached #1 on the iTunes Country Singles chart, with The One peaking at #2. With its title borrowing from the latter half of the popular idiom, her current rock-solid single is Hard Place.

Courtney has been a part of the Gina Jeffreys and Tania Kernaghan’s ‘Girls Night Out’ show since its inception. She will weave her way up to NQs Rocking Country Festival in August to perform alongside the legendary ladies there and again at the much-loved Savannah in the Round music festival come late September.

We caught up with Courtney to find out what she loves about her new home in NSW.

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1. The people!

All of the people I have met on the Central Coast since my visit in 2016 have been friendly, warm and so welcoming. The wider community here are kind, inclusive and are always ready to help. In a short time, I already feel part of the community. My music tribe who live here on the Coast are hugely talented but also very humble and have welcomed me with open arms.

2. The food!

I absolutely love food and Terrigal has some of the best. One of my favourites is a little gem in a homemade pasta bar, IL Toscano which has the most amazing handmade pasta (flour from Tamworth!) and delicious Tuscan sauces. You can also find me regularly at the absolute seafront Wamberal Ocean View Cafe which has the most spectacular surf and coast views and yummy menu. 

3. The beaches!

The beautiful beaches of Wamberal, Foresters and Terrigal are perfect for me as I love a good long walk or a short run to refocus or just take in the stunning landscape. A hike to the top of the Skillion in Terrigal is always breathtaking to take in the amazing views of the coastline. I hope to see a whale or two as 25,000 of them migrate past during May to November. 

4. The location!

I have wonderful friends who live in Sydney, all of the Central Coast and beautiful rural areas, so I am so fortunate to live close to them all. Two hours to the Hunter Valley, which I have just explored and the wineries and food they serve are top class. An hour from Newcastle and just a little more to Sydney my new home town is just perfectly situated for any travel. 

5. Memories!

I first visited the Central Coast, coming by train from Sydney to Woy Woy. The train wove its way through beautiful waterways with glimpses of stunning landscape. I was mesmerised by its beauty and couldn’t wait to come back. On my first trip to Terrigal, my first ‘adventure’ was a huge walk on the beach here, it felt just like home. I pinch myself now that I am so lucky to be here.

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Keep up to date with Courtney Keil, follow her on Facebook here.

For more of our My CountryTown series, check out here.