17 Best Things to Do in Terrigal

Terrigal is a coastal village on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia.

Located only 90 minutes north of Sydney, this beach town is a popular holiday destination for Sydneysiders.

Terrigal offers many accommodation options, boutique shops, vibrant nightlife and trendy cafes.

Enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, snorkelling or scuba diving.

The name 'Terrigal' either originates from the Aboriginal word Tarriga or Tarragal. Tarriga means 'where one can find wild figs', and Tarragal means a 'place of little birds'.

Find out more below about our favourite things to do in and near Terrigal.

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Contents:

Things to do in and Near Terrigal

1. Terrigal Beach

Terrigal Beach is at the southern end of a nearly 4-kilometre long stretch of sand. Wamberal Beach lies in the middle and Spoon Bay at the northern end.

Lifeguards patrol the beach from the beginning of the school holidays in September to the end of the school holidays in April.

Enjoy swimming and catching small waves near the shore.

Toddlers can also have a dip in the small rock pool at the southern end of the beach.

2. Water Activities

Enjoy plenty of water activities.

Surfing is popular here. Experienced surfers surf off the point or at Wamberal Beach. And beginners surf in the smaller waves near the shore.

If you want to take surfing lessons, check out:

Or join a diving tour and dive the ex-HMAS Adelaide that was scuttled off the coast.

If you like fishing, enjoy an exciting fishing trip aboard one of the many fishing charters.

And if you'd like to hire a pedal boat on the beautiful lagoon, check out Terrigal Paddle Boats beside Clan Lakeside Lodge.

3. Terrigal Haven

Swim at Terrigal Haven opposite the main beach. This small and sheltered cove is perfect for small children.

Or enjoy kayaking, fishing, stand up paddleboarding and snorkelling. It's also a lovely spot for picnics.

Terrigal Haven is located a short stroll from the main beach along the boardwalk.

Find out more about Terrigal Haven.

4. Local Markets

Terrigal Beach Markets are held on the first Saturday of the month at the beachfront. You'll find 30-40 stalls selling clothes, candles, jewellery, soaps, relishes & chutneys and more.

Terrigal Markets are in a great spot right beside the beach.

Car Boot Sales are held on the first Sunday of the month at Lions Park from 6:30am to 12:30pm.

5. The Skillion

The Skillion is an iconic landmark in this town. It's a prominent cliff with a scenic lookout at the top.

Walk to the top of the Skillion and enjoy the spectacular views. There are stairs and a handrail.

Spot humpback whales during their migration between May and November.

Then follow the path around the Haven and take in the view at the other lookouts.

You can also walk your dog in the designated area.

6. Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre

Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre is a great place to spend a couple of hours with the kids.

Children can see a display of sea animals, touch some creatures in one of the basins, and learn about the local marine life.

Located 11 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal.

Check out the Marine Discovery Centre website.

7. Aquafun on Avoca Lake

Hire pedal-boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards at Aquafun on Avoca Lake.

Choose a specific amount of time you’d like to have the boats for and swap as many times as you like.

Older children can go on their own. It's great fun for kids.

Open Sept-May on weekends and school holidays. Located on Ficus Ave in Avoca Beach.

Find out more about Aquafun.

8. Local Microbreweries

Six String Brewery serves handcrafted beers. It's unpasteurised and free of additives and preservatives.

The place is family-friendly and local musicians perform on weekends.

Located 4/330 The Entrance Rd, Erina.

Block 'n Tackle Brewery serves handcrafted beer, and they offer tasting paddles and delicious food made by WTF.

Block & Tackle is family-friendly.

Located Unit 1, 11-13 Cochrone St, Kincumber.

9. Avoca Beach Theatre

The single-screen Avoca Beach Theatre screens quality movies, including independent and foreign films. They often hold special evenings such as French or Italian.

And you can enjoy a glass of wine with a movie.

This movie theatre was nominated as one of the “ten most beautiful cinemas” in the world. And it has received several awards.

Located 69 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach.

Check what's on.

10. Ken Duncan Gallery

Ken Duncan is renowned worldwide for his stunning panoramic images. He has received many awards over the years.

You can visit his gallery for free and have lunch and coffee at the gallery’s cafe. You'll see photos of iconic locations on the Central Coast.

It’s a nice couple of hours to spare.

Located 414 The Entrance Rd, Erina Heights.

Find out more about Ken Duncan Gallery.

11. Bouddi Coastal Walk

Bouddi Coastal Walk is a stunning 8-kilometre coastal walk that lies between Macmasters Beach and Putty Beach.

Take in the magnificent views, swim at secluded beaches along the way and enjoy a vigorous workout.

Find out more about the Coastal Walk.

12. Terrigal Ocean Tours

Experience whale watching in Terrigal.

On the Australian east coast, the Humpback Whale migration runs from May through to early November.

It’s amazing to watch the whales travelling from the Antarctic to warmer waters and the mothers returning south with their new calves.

Terrigal Ocean Tours will take you close to the migration path, where you’ll be able to watch the whales slapping their tails.

Check out Terrigal Ocean Tours website.

13. Bamboo Buddha Cafe

Bamboo Buddha Cafe is a vegetarian cafe with a meditative vibe. It’s located in a peaceful and lush sanctuary at Holgate.

The cafe is dog-friendly, and kids love feeding the fish in the koi and goldfish pond. Have a coffee there if you’d like somewhere peaceful and different.

Located 221 Wattle Tree Rd, Holgate.

Check out the Bamboo Buddha Cafe website.

14. Australian Reptile Park

The Australian Reptile Park makes for a fantastic day out with kids.

It's a top tourist attraction on the Central Coast. You'll get to experience a hands-on zoo and see Australian animals and Australian and exotic reptiles.

Do not miss the Crocodile Show, the most captivating show.

Located in Somersby.

Find out more about the Australian Reptile Park.

15. Distillery Botanica

Distillery Botanica is the best place to taste and buy gin. Taste and buy award-winning liqueur made with plants, such as aniseed and lemon myrtle.

They make gin with Australian natives.

Philip Moore has won many awards including the 'Herb Liqueur of the Year' in Germany and a silver for gin in London.

Located 25 Portsmouth Rd, Erina.

Check out the Distillery Botanica website.

16. Firescreek Winery

Taste handcrafted wine from fruit and flowers and enjoy a stroll around the beautiful gardens.

Firescreek Winery also offers many experiences, such as pairing fruit wine with delicious Belgian chocolate and providing behind the scenes tours and foraging and mixology workshops to create cocktails.

Check out the Firescreek Winery website.

17. The Coast Walking Track

The Coast walking track is a popular 3-kilometre walk that follows the clifftop.

You’ll come across clearings and lookouts with unobstructed views of the ocean and coastline while walking, get amazing views at Crackneck Lookout, and be able to dip your toes at Bateau Bay beach.

You’ll also spot whales if you visit between June and August. Bring binoculars.

The Coast walking track is located in Wyrrabalong National Park between The Entrance and Terrigal.

Find out more about The Coast walking track.

The Locals’ Favourite Restaurants

There are many excellent restaurants in Terrigal. It’s the place to go on the Central Coast for fine dining. Below are some locals’ favourites.

Terrigal Beach House at Crowne Plaza Hotel is a popular beer garden just across the road from the beach. Weekend afternoons with live music are enjoyable.

Terrigal Beach Fish and Chip Co serves the best fish & chips in town. They make everything from scratch. Even the salad dressing and tartar sauce. 108 Terrigal Esplanade.

Chop N Grind serves delicious and the best burgers in town. 3/98 Terrigal Esplanade.

Four Hands Pizza serves excellent pizza & tapas. They also have tap beers from Six String Brewing Company. 6/17 Church St.

The Grand Pavilion, 9/17 Church St, and Rajdhani Indian Restaurant ($$), 82 Ocean View Dr, are two fantastic Indian restaurants.

The Cowrie is a multi-award-winning seafood restaurant. It sits on top of a hill overlooking the beach – 109 Scenic Hwy. It’s a bit tricky to park, but you can organise for their shuttle bus to pick you up.

L’isle de France is an excellent French restaurant. 1 Ena St.

The Joker & Thief Terrigal is named as a homage to Bob Dylan, has a modern vibe with touches of art deco and rock n roll, and overlooks Terrigal Beach. They serve modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence and cocktails. 6/90 Terrigal Esplanade.

Where to Stay in Terrigal

There's no shortage of places to stay here.

A popular hotel beside the main beach, Crowne Plaza Terrigal offers oceanfront rooms with great water views from the balcony.

There's also plenty of fabulous Airbnbs available close to the beach. Search for a great Airbnb here.

Getting There

Located 1 hr 30 min from Sydney and 1 hr 20 min from Newcastle via the M1.

There's a lot of traffic here, so better find parking straight away when you get here and walk the rest of the day (it's a small town).

Free parking is available at the multi-storey carpark on Wilson Road and at Terrigal Haven. And there's two-hour parking beside the Surf Life Saving Club.