Spend Some Time in Terrigal

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Posted 2024-01-21 by Ashleigh Meikle ⇒ follow

Spending the day by the beach is something that Australians love to do, and our coastline has some of the most beautiful beaches, some very popular all the time, whilst some are quieter, and others gain popularity during peak holiday periods and are quieter during the rest of the year. These beaches are often set near or beside small towns or suburbs that have an array of shops and things to do, whatever the time of year. One of these beach suburbs is Terrigal, in the heart of the Central Coast.

So, welcome to Terrigal , the heart of the Central Coast, where there are things for everyone in the area, and if you’re after something more, most things are not too far away. Terrigal is one of the most iconic seaside towns on the Central Coast and has been growing into a favoured holiday place for visitors from Sydney since the 1960s. The popularity of Terrigal can be put down to its brunch, swimming, shopping, lunch, diving, fishing, surfing and socialising – with a little bit of something for everyone during summer, or any time of the year. There are many picturesque views along the new boardwalk above the waves, or take a snap from the Haven or the iconic Skillion headland, which can be challenging to walk up.

The Beach

The first place many people will head to is the main beach, which is always thriving, and a mere short walk away from the promenade. The beach is at the south end of a beautiful four-kilometre golden curl of coastline that snakes around Terrigal Lagoon and will take you towards the neighbouring beach, Wamberal. Whilst the beach is exposed, Surf Life Savers patrol it during the summer months – September to April, when many people – locals and visitors – flock to the golden sands. Swim in the waves, or learn to surf with the Central Coast Surf school , and gain valuable water skills during your visit. Swimming and surfing are the most popular, and the waves crashing on the shore can be delightful for many.

The Haven

Head across the new boardwalk if you want to walk from the beach, or drive up past the Crowne Plaza past the beach, and turn into a looped road and car park from Terrigal Esplanade, where you will find several restaurants catering to a range of tastes and budgets, the rugby club, a sports ground, and various charters for diving and fishing. Just off the car park is a small stretch of park leading down to a bay and beach, with calmer water than the main beach. This place is perfect for small children, or people who are not confident in the waves or don’t like the waves and with tasty fish and chips and a dog park nearby, this is a perfect stop for families or anyone wanting to get away from the busy main beach. Keep in mind that whilst this is quieter, there are no life savers patrolling this area, so it can be dangerous for young children or those who do not understand oceans and currents - check out Surf Life Saving on beach and water safety tips for your day by the water.

Boardwalk

The boardwalk is new, offering visitors a safer and easier way to get over the rocks and water between the main beach and The Haven. It is fairly new, and is 227 metres long and a nice, quick walk. It’s a flat, easy walk that has made Terrigal accessible to many more people, so anyone can get sea and beach views between Terrigal Beach and Terrigal Haven – a great way to connect the two during your visit, either during a whole day or over multiple days.

The Skillion

The Skillion is an icon of Terrigal, a local landmark with an outlook that is easily accessible once have climbed the steep hill – and you will be rewarded with views of the coastline as you stand above the hustle and bustle of sport and people looking for a beachy day out. It is also a great walk for people who want to get their hearts pumping before the rest of the day gets started. It is a great challenge for you to take on if you can during your visit to Terrigal.

Eating

Eating at Terrigal has something for everyone. Cafés, fish and chips, and a range of restaurants from pizza to Indian, Thai, and many other choices. There should be something for just about any budget and any likes or requirements throughout the area, with some of the most visited fish and chips places and cafés along the promenade. So whatever you’re keen on, there should be something in and around Terrigal that will please everyone’s tastes.

Shopping

Yes, the wonderful Erina Fair with hundreds of shops is just up the road, where you’ll find everything from groceries to clothing to the best independent bookshop on the coast, BookFace . From boutique shops in and around the promenade, there are also shops in Crowne Plaza that cater to a different market. And to top it off, there are monthly markets that show the best of local produce and vendors, from food to clothes, art and music. Terrigal is a place filled with buzz and fun at any time of the year. Spend some time shopping at unique shops and markets in Terrigal when you come to visit. Check out the intriguing range of shops at Crowne Plaza as well.

Marine Discovery Centre

The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre is located on Terrigal Drive, just before the Scout Hall and Terrigal Lagoon. If our child is fascinated by the marine world, this will be a great place to take them. Open Tuesday to Sunday, the Marine Discovery Centre is an affordable and educational trip. The centre is open from 9.30am until 3.30pm, and is closed on public holidays, but bookings are not essential. The centre has lots of fun activities and school programs, including:

- A virtual Reality Dive
- Check out the marine creatures
- Watch the marine creatures being fed
- Enter competitions
- Watch videos
- Become a Junior Marine Scientist
- Paint a plaster
- Do a free craft activity
- Have a drink at the café
- Browse the shop

This could be a day in itself, or at least half a day, and will be great for people of all ages.

Adult Pricing for summer 2023/24 = $12
Children (2-15 years) $12

Concession (Senior +60/Pensioner/Carer) $12

Carer with Carers Card Free