Terrigal on The Central Coast: Things To Do And Where To Stay

Terrigal? Yes! It is not only a small seaside village with a stunning 4km beach, a great place for a weekend away, but also it is a fabulous destination for a day trip.

It was the end of summer. No more fun days at the beach. Our kids were hyperactive. This often happens when it is windy or it might rain. So, my husband and I decided to go somewhere that they could burn some energy.

At Terrigal, there is lots of space for running and exploring. We walked a fair a bit that day!

terrigal-family-day-trip-3
terrigal-family-day-trip-7
Beautiful rock formations at the beach

A Family Trip To  Terrigal

by Mireia Garriga Seguranyes

Tourist Info Website

Visitors Information Centre, Rotary Park Terrigal Drive NSW 2260

Telephone: 1300 132 975

Terrigal Beach

First, my daughters played and ran along the beach, then, we stopped to have a look at the amazing rock formations.  The beach is patrolled and also has a small rock pool. In general, it is a very safe beach, very family orientated.

The Haven

From there, we headed towards the Haven and The Skillion.

The Haven is very picturesque. With little boats like the ones that you might find in a cove from the Mediterranean Sea, it is a great spot for having a picnic.

Also, there is a shop where you can buy fish and chips and a café. For a romantic dinner or function, there are a couple of prestigious restaurants, too, in this beautiful cove.

terrigal-family-day-trip-5

The Skillion

The Skillion is a must-see. The climb of the Skillion on Broken Head is not very difficult. There is a path with some steps.

Once you reach the top of the hill, there is a lookout with rewarding panoramic views of the coastline. We love lookouts. And the Skillion is one of the best.

terrigal-family-day-trip-2
terrigal-family-day-trip-1

On the way to the car park, we could listen to music from Peppers at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The beer garden looks a fantastic place to hang out, with views over the beach.

Then, once in the car, we saw lots of people going to Terrigal Pub. We felt like, maybe, we should stay longer…Only the little voices from our children reminded us that it was ok to go back home. Everybody was happy and tired. We had a fantastic day!

terrigal-family-day-trip-4

Parking: Parking can be a nightmare in summer. But, we have good news!! The Council is extending the car park of Wilson Road. From Wilson Road car park, it is only a short stroll to Terrigal Esplande.

The Wilson Road Car Park is run by the City Council and it is free. According to the Tourist Information Centre of Gosford, the old car park is still open despite the construction of the new one.

Toilets/Baby change: Yes, next to the beach. For baby changing facilities, try Seasalt Restaurant of Crown Plaza Terrigal Hotel.

Nearest takeaway coffee: Yes, across the road from the beach

Playground:  The closest playground is Rotary Park, Terrigal Drive.

Mum’s report:  We tend to think that beachside destinations are only for summer days. Go to Terrigal in autumn or spring, pack the scoters in the car, let your children explore the rock formations.

Enjoy the scenic views from the Skillion and then enjoy the many cafes and restaurants to choose along the Esplanade.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN TERRIGAL

For the little ones:

For older children and adults:

  • Learn to dive at the Haven.
  • Hire paddleboats or do stand-up paddle surfboard at the Lagoon, contact Terrigal Paddle Boats
  • Visit Ken Duncan Gallery or Neale Joseph Fine Art Gallery

For all the family:

  • Walk towards Terrigal Lagoon and Wamberal Beach (opposite direction to Terrigal Haven). The Lagoon has calm waters.
  • Whale watching cruises
  • Terrigal Beach Markets, first Saturday every month.

Check out great places to eat in Terrigal on this post by Kelana by Kayla!

Come by public transport:  Gosford Train Station. From there, you will need to take a bus (Routes 67 and 68, check details on https://www.busways.com.au

Terrigal Map

Thank you Mireia for sharing the story of your trip to Terrigal with your girls!

Our family has stayed at Terrigal in the past, and I’ve been checking out with friends and other travel writers where are the good places to stay if you fancy a weekend break, or longer getaway.

Here are the Hello Sydney Kids recommendations:

Where To Stay In and Around Terrigal

To view a list and prices for all the hotels in and around Terrigal, click here.

Friends of ours have highly recommended these two hotels:

The Crowne Plaza Terrigal

Mantra Ettalong Beach

I can recommend highly a golf resorta holiday park further up the coast and  our family had a great time at both places:

Pullman Magenta Shores Resort

NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Park

Can you add any top tips for a visit to Terrigal?

Or other top spots on the Central Coast?

terrigal-family-day-trip-3

This post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase an item using these links I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you. This helps support this blog. Disclosure policy is here.

Share with a friend

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *