Terrigal

Travel Guide

Terrigal showing a bay or harbor and a beach
Terrigal which includes street scenes as well as a small group of people
Terrigal featuring a bay or harbor, a sunset and rocky coastline
Terrigal showing a sunset, a coastal town and a bay or harbor
Terrigal featuring street scenes

Join the droves of surfers who head here every year. But keep in mind that this gorgeous part of the coast has much more to offer besides great waves. 

Come to Terrigal to see for yourself why so many surfers have fallen in love with this part of New South Wales’ Central Coast. Beautiful and varied beaches cater to surfers of all levels and surf schools and stores are found around every corner. Yet scrape the surface of this laid-back place and you will find lots to keep non-surfers occupied. From stunning natural parks to unique dive sites and a whole range of outdoor activities, discover the many reasons it is impossible to get bored in Terrigal.

Terrigal occupies a position at the end of roughly 2 miles (4 kilometers) of stunning white beach. Look for its distinctive fringe of Norfolk pines as you walk the shore and you will know when you get near. Given its many charms, it will come as no surprise that Terrigal has been a favorite vacation destination since the 19th century.

Today, the waters around Terrigal are full of surfers drawn by its famous waves. Terrigal Beach is an excellent place to find your feet as a brand-new surfer. Stop in to one of the surf schools clustered nearby to organize your first lesson. More experienced surfers often find the more challenging waters of Terrigal Haven and Wamberal Beach better suited to their needs.

Away from the surf, get a new perspective on this beautiful place by walking up to the lookout point at the top of the dramatic Skillion cliff. Alternately, try hang-gliding at Forresters Beach to see a true bird’s-eye view.

Spend a quiet afternoon at Wamberal Lagoon or Terrigal Lagoon, both great places for wildlife-spotting as well as fishing. See fish in another environment by joining a dive trip to the atmospheric wreck of the Adelaide, home to diverse marine life.

Terrigal’s location, about 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney, makes it the ideal spot for a weekend getaway if you have accommodations in the city. Leave urban life far behind and surf your troubles away at this accessible but serene patch of paradise.

Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific by IHG
Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific by IHG
4.5 out of 5
Pine Tree Lane, Terrigal, NSW
The price is ¥18,692 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥18,692
¥20,561 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Terrigal. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"We enjoyed a great getaway here. The staff were outstanding, genuinely lovely and helpful. From the front desk, to restaurant staff and staff around the hotel we were very impressed. Thanks for a great stay!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific by IHG
Terrigal Sails Serviced Apartments
Terrigal Sails Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
6 Maroomba Road, Terrigal, NSW
The price is ¥13,734 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
¥13,734
¥15,331 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Terrigal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Terrigal Beach and The ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (685 reviews)
"Lovely spot"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Terrigal Sails Serviced Apartments
Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat
Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat
4 out of 5
224 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal, NSW
The price is ¥13,897 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
¥13,897
¥15,476 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Terrigal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (614 reviews)
"Good location and great facilities"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Terrigal Sails Serviced Apartments
Terrigal Sails Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
6 Maroomba Road, Terrigal, NSW
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Terrigal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Terrigal Beach and The ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (685 reviews)
"Lovely spot"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Terrigal Sails Serviced Apartments
Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat
Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat
4 out of 5
224 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal, NSW
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Terrigal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (614 reviews)
"Good location and great facilities"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Terrigal Pacific Coastal Retreat
Mantra Ettalong Beach
Mantra Ettalong Beach
4 out of 5
53-54 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, NSW
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Ettalong Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 20 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,414 reviews)
"Great spot, huge balcony , spacious room, pretty clean throughout. Nice quiet location with a beautiful Italian across the road. Was only a one night stay so had everything we needed. Loved the spa bath. Also given a late check out. Small negatives were a big chunk of hair found in the bath, tiny ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Mantra Ettalong Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Terrigal

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 20%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 80%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Everything about the area is wonderful! Food, shopping, sight seeing, leisure opportunities, all there!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice 2 for 1 at Crowne Plaza restaurant but Vietnamese a bit expensive. Good range of eating options

Cities near Terrigal