A man has died following a head-on crash on the Central Coast early this morning, forcing the closure of the southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway at Ourimbah.

Emergency services were called to the motorway shortly before 3.30am on Monday after reports a sedan and a ute had collided head-on.

The driver of the sedan was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics but died at the scene. Formal identification is yet to be completed.

The driver of the ute was taken to hospital in a stable condition.

Police from Tuggerah Lakes Police District have established a crime scene and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Initial inquiries indicate the sedan may have been travelling northbound in the southbound lanes prior to the collision. Investigators are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash, to come forward.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

The southbound lanes of the M1 remain closed, with traffic being diverted via the Old Pacific Highway. Motorists are advised to check live traffic updates before travelling.