Terrigal NSW 2260

Terrigal is a picturesque coastal town located on the Central Coast region of New South Wales, around 90 minutes drive north of Sydney CBD or 83 km. 

Renowned for its wide, golden sand beaches, laid back yet lively vibe, and spectacular coastal scenery overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean.

The town has a permanent population of around 12,000 but swells significantly during the summer months when tourists and holiday-makers flock to the area, often doubling or tripling the population.

Terrigal’s first people were the Darkinjung tribe of the Eora nation who lived in the area for tens of thousands of years before European settlement.

Beaches

Terrigal Beach is the focal point and main beach, stretching for nearly 3 km. It’s a north-facing beach with yellow sandy shores that are patrolled during summer by surf lifesavers. Popular for swimming, surfing with consistent beach breaks, and long beach walks.

The Haven is a sheltered, more protected beach area around the corner from Terrigal Beach, shielded by the headland. Gentler waves make it ideal for young families and recreational beach activities. 

Wamberal Beach to the north is another popular beach stretching over 1 km backed by grassy dunes and parks. Known for good surf conditions.

Forresters Beach is a smaller cove-style beach further north that offers a quiet reprieve from Terrigal’s busier main beaches.

Things to Do

Coastal Walking Trails The 5 km Terrigal to Wamberal Scenic Coastal Walk is a stunning cliff top trail linking the two towns with ocean views the entire way. Stop at viewing areas like Textor Reserve along the route.

Skillion Lookout This large elevated viewing platform in The Hill 60 Reserve provides unobstructed 180-degree panoramic views up and down the coastline, ocean, and over Terrigal’s beachfront.

Markets Held every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, the Terrigal Markets feature over 150 stalls selling fresh produce, street food, local arts/crafts, jewellery, clothing and more. A lively event along the waterfront and Terrigal Esplanade.

Water Sports Rent kayaks, standup paddle boards, or try scuba diving with numerous dive sites offshore showcasing marine life and shipwrecks.

Beach Sports Surf the consistent beach breaks, swim in the patrolled areas, go beach fishing, or play beach sports like volleyball, cricket, frisbee and more.

Golf Terrigal has its own 9-hole golf course called The Ridges, with undulating greens and panoramic ocean views. Clubs and cart rentals available.

Dining

Terrigal boasts a thriving food scene with numerous cafes and restaurants, especially clustered along the lively Terrigal Esplanade running parallel to the beachfront. 

Standout restaurants include: The Cowrie (modern Australian with ocean views), Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar (woodfired pizzas), Flooded Mustard (burgers & craft beer), El Medicos Taqueria (Mexican), Sakalleo (Thai).

For casual eats, grab fish & chips from Terrigal Beach Fish & Chip Co, gelato from Joinery, or a pie from Harry’s Pies.

No shortage of bars/pubs like Terrigal Beach Hotel with an ocean-view beer garden and The Crown Hotel with its lively rooftop bar.

Shopping 

The hub for shopping is Terrigal Village, a collection of boutiques, surf shops, gift stores, clothing retailers and more mixed among cafes and eateries. 

Look for local products like art/photography from Sy.Art Gallery, surf apparel from Hot Tuna and Swell, or swimwear from Sailors & Sun.

Just a 10-minute drive away is the massive Erina Fair super-regional shopping mall with all the major retail chains and department stores.

Events

Terrigal hosts a variety of exciting annual events bringing crowds to the area:

Skullfest (Late Feb) One of the largest rowing regattas in the Southern Hemisphere with over 2,000 rowers competing.

Anzac Day Dawn Service (April 25) Large commemorative service and march held in Terrigal each year.