Located right in the centre of the Central Coast on the map, Terrigal is undoubtedly the region’s most popular coastal town. It manages to effortlessly straddle the balance between a glamorous and lively night-out destination, with a high density of restaurants and bars, and the perfect beach village for some seaside relaxation.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle swim, a walk with the dog followed by a cafe pit-stop or the best restaurant for a catch-up, Terrigal will have something for you…
Eat & Drink Terrigal
For those looking for plenty of variety then Terrigal is perhaps the only Central Coast suburb to have such a high volume of outstanding cafes, restaurants and bars. You’ll never be searching for a place for an early coffee or a late-night cocktail. This is the epicentre of the Central Coast’s out out scene.
Terrigal Cafes
Bellyfish
Bellyfish is perhaps the most iconic Terrigal café. Found at the northern end of the beach, there’s ocean views from the outdoor dining and the breakfast is outstanding. We love the avocado toast that comes with creamed beetroots and a perfectly cooked poached egg. The coffee is stellar also.
Island Time Espresso Bar
A few doors up is Island Time Espresso Bar that’s a licenced café that turns into the perfect boozy lunch destination. You still get those incredible views of the ocean but with a side of mimosas. The menu is packed with fresh healthy eats.
Luna, Terrigal
Right across the road from Terrigal Beach is another of our favourites, with a 10/10 menu that hits the spot every time, and super friendly service. Trying Luna’s delicious brekkie tacos (or if you’ve got a sweet tooth like us, the hotcakes) is a must.
Freestate Café
This is a favourite with the locals as the coffee is said to be the best in the area. You’ll find Freestate further up the esplanade but getting a seat is no easy feat. Our advice is to get it to go and sit on the grass just opposite the café. You’ll get the best views there anyway.
Terrigal Restaurants
Arc Est Terrigal
Looking for a more refined Terrigal restaurant? Then Arc Est is a stunning restaurant on Church Street, with indoor and al fresco options. There’s no sea view here but you won’t even realise as the food and service is outstanding. The seafood options are a must try.
Yellowtail
Undoubtedly one of the finest restaurants on the Central Coast, Yellowtail’s eye is on high-quality produce. Think the highest grade wagyu beef and sashimi. Oysters that are so fresh they taste like they’ve only just been pulled from the sea. A true special-occasion restaurant.
Terrigal Beach House
Ever since it’s multi-million dollar renovation in early 2021, Terrigal Beach House has become a large part of the beating heart of Terrigal culture. There’s a huge sprawling courtyard with ocean views, incredible kids’ menu and the best seafood platter you’ll get in the area. This is our go-to spot for lunch. Oh but they’ve also just started brekky on weekends…so we love a bit of that too!
Grand Pavilion Terrigal
The Grand Pavilion is our favourite Indian on the Central Coast. The food is absolutely outstanding, with plenty of vegetarian options. And there’s an incredible atmosphere here on the weekend when dining in. Lots of fun no matter what time of the evening you book. Try the crispy stuffed mushrooms. A game changer.
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There has also been a flurry of newbies join the Terrigal dining scene, including Señor Habibi’s, Legend Coffee Terrigal and Lemmy’s Deli. Read all about them right here. As well as The Sea Glass Terrigal, Once Again Asian, Coco Bar and Dining, the Haven Kiosk and Trojans. Just how to choose where to eat is the biggest decision you’ll have to make this summer!
Terrigal Bars
Mumbo Jumbos
Looking got a more bar-feel dining experience? Well, Mumbo Jumbos is a rooftop restaurant-slash-bar found at the heart of Terrigal. There’s views of the ocean, Caribbean rum shack vibes and plenty of fresh seafood and outstanding cocktails. A late-night drinking spot for sure.
Rhonda’s
Yes, it’s an Italian restaurant really, with some seriously incredible wood-fire pizza. But the rooftop bar at Rhonda’s is a lot of fun for sunset drinks or post-dinner drinks. The margaritas are just outstanding. Of the cocktail variety, that is.
Pocket Bar
A cute, truly pocket-sized bar located right along the main strip, this is the perfect spot to cosy up with your favourite cocktail and grab a few nibbles. Pocket Bar is the perfect starting platform from which to launch your Terrigal night-out, otherwise is also just great to visit on it’s own.
Maew Maew
This upstairs Asian bar and restaurant not only has the best views in town, located just opposite the beach on the top level, but also a spectacular cocktail menu. We recommend also ordering some of the bar’s steamed pork buns to share whilst you’re at it – just a tip.
RELATED: The Best Margarita Cocktails on the Coast
Things to do Terrigal
Terrigal Beach
The beach itself is one of the biggest drawcards to the area, with the orientation of the coast here meaning that waters are generally calm enough for young families (except for when the Southerly hits). It’s also lined by a grassy area which is packed out during the summer months with everyone enjoying takeout Terrigal fish and chips.
Terrigal Bowling Club
Fancy a bit of barefoot bowls? The Terrigal Bowling Club is where it’s at. For just $10 per person, you’ll get two hours on the green with your friends or family. And there’s an onsite bar and restaurant to make a day of it. This is always so much fun.
Walk to Terrigal Haven
Opening in 2021, the Terrigal Boardwalk now connects the esplanade to Terrigal Haven. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the haven, where you can then walk to the highest point, The Skillion. From here you get the most stunning views of the area and ocean. And a perfect vantage point for whale watching in the winter months.
Parklife
For those with kids who love a decent playground then Parklife is found on the outside of Terrigal, as if coming from Erina. The playground is gated, with an on-site café that has brilliant coffee and fresh eats to go. There’s plenty of space for a picnic blankets under the trees. The kids won’t want to leave.
Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre
Another great one for kids if you’re in the Terrigal area is the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, found right next door to Parklife. Here you’ll get a really hands-on experience, learning all about the natural waters and what lives in them on the Central Coast. There’s a live rock pool, whale bones and many displays.
Endota Spa Terrigal
Looking for a bit of a pamper? Endota Spa is found at the Crown Plaza Terrigal Pacific resort and is one of favourite day spas in the region. The lemongrass smell alone on entry always eases us. Go for a massage and facial. You’ll leave feeling a million dollars.
Terrigal Markets
Keep an eye out for the Terrigal markets held every first Saturday of the month from 9am-3pm. Held right along the esplanade, you can take in the cheery beachside whilst strolling through 30+ shops of fashion, homemade desserts and skincare –Â and listen to some jammin local musicians whilst you’re at it!
Shopping In Terrigal
Miki Finn
Hands down our favourite for modern fashion, Miki Finn has all the latest styles, a massive range of sunglasses and more than anything, the staff are super nice without being pushy. You don’t feel like you have to buy. You also get 10% off if you’re a Coasties Card member.
Niche Home & Living
A few doors up from Miki Finn, is the wonderful Niche Home & Living. Inside you’ll find truly unique homewares but also some of the best Australian-made products. There’s also an ever-growing range of fashion.
Aryele
For those looking for sustainable slow fashion then Aryele, found beneath the Crowne Plaza, is definitely your spot. There’s incredible womenswear but also homewares. And it’s pretty as a picture in there.
Terrigal Accommodation
The Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific Resort is definitely one of the favourite options when it comes to Terrigal accommodation. That’s thanks to the fact it’s sat right on the ocean, with the best restaurants and cafes right on its doorstep. Stays start at $250 a night.
One of our personal favourites, however, is the Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat, found opposite Parklife. Walking distance into the coastal town, these incredible apartments surrounded a beautiful pool make it feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle. A true oasis.
When it comes to Airbnbs, there are plenty of options. For those looking for a one-bedroom apartment with views of the ocean then it has to be Salty Ash. Think white-on-white interiors, slick bathrooms and even bikes available.
Did you know?
In 1826 John Gray became the first European to settle in the area and he named his property ‘Tarrygal’ meaning ‘the place of little birds’.
Getting Around
Once in Terrigal, everything is walkable, with restaurants and cafes lining the beachfront. But there’s no train station nearby, with Gosford Train Station a 20 minute car journey away. The best form of transport is car. But beware, parking in the summer months isn’t easy.
Terrigal Property Prices
In November 2024, median property prices sat at $1,600,000 for houses to $1,250,000 for units. And rent per week was at an average of $800.
KEEP READING:
20 Unique Things to Do on The Central Coast
The Best Kid Friendly Beaches on the Central Coast
Congratulation!