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Ultimate Guide to Visiting Terrigal

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Terrigal area guide — Terrigal at sunset by @jco__photography

Terrigal Beach, located right in the middle of the Central Coast region, is undoubtedly the Coast’s popular coastal towns.

With a high density of some of the area’s best restaurants and cafes surrounding an incredible beach it’s perhaps no surprise that Terrigal is busy all year around.

Here’s your guide to everything Terrigal….

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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.

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.

Acai Brothers Terrigal

For all your smoothie needs then head to the ever-popular Acai Brothers Terrigal. The range from the Sydney-born acai businesses is massive. And there’s even raw treats available on the counter. If you’re a Coasties Card member, you can go large for free.

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

The newest addition to the Terrigal restaurants scene, Terrigal Beach House opened in early 2021 after a multi-million-dollar renovation. 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.

Milky Lane Terrigal

For a casual eat but with monster burgers and massive milkshakes, often of the alcoholic variety, Milky Lane Terrigal is where it’s at. On weekends, the DJ is at the decks and the vibe is purely party. Since opening in 2021, it has been the ultimate fun times destination in the beach town.

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.

Terrigal Bars

Mumbo Jumbo

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.

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The Joker & Thief

A cocktail bar with views of Terrigal Beach, an outstanding menu and slick service. The Joker & Thief is one of our favourites in the ‘hood as you’ll always be looked after like you’re a VIP guest. That’s kind of their thing. It’s also pretty kid-friendly before the sun sets, with summer specials like ‘Kids Eat Free’.

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.

Things to do Terrigal

Terrigal Beach

The beach itself is one of the biggest drawcards to the area, with the waters generally being calm enough for young families. 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.

Terrigal Guide — The incredible Terrigal Boardwalk by @fromaboveimages

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.

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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.

Zalak Kids

For those who like their kids to look fancy, then it has to the wonderful Zalak Kids. Beware though, there’s so many cute things to choose from. The kids clothes are amazing but there’s also unique toys.

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’s 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.