Explore Terrigal & Wamberal

OVERVIEW

​Situated on the southern end of the spectacular Central Coast, Terrigal & Wamberal are vibrant and buzzing beachfront suburbs. With beaches, bars, restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and bakeries there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Just a short 90 minute drive from Sydney you’ll have everything you need on your doorstep for a fun filled beachside family holiday. 

THINGS TO DO

THE BEACH, THE HAVEN & THE LAGOON

With pumping surf breaks, sheltered coves, tranquil lagoons and stunning lookouts you won’t be short of options when it comes to the beach.

At the South end of this stunning stretch of sand you’ll find Terrigal, a vibrant and buzzing beachfront town. You’ll have your pick of places to take a dip. The Haven is home to a sheltered cove ideal of families with small children. Here you’ll also find the oval, off leash dog park and famous Skillion – walk to the top for spectacular views and a spot of whale watching. Walking north along the beautiful boardwalk and you’ll find Terrigal Beach (patrolled in summer) where you can catch a wave and frolic in the surf. If you’re not a fan of the waves then wander up to the lagoon where you can hire a SUP or paddleboat and explore the waterways towards Wamberal. To escape the crowds, keep going north to Wamberal beach and lagoon where the locals like to hang out and surf the uncrowded waves.

EAT & DRINK

Terrigal and Wamberal are the place to be if you like cool cafes, vibrant cocktail bars and an excellent selection of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. We can’t list them all (there are just too many) but here are some of our favourites…

Best Coffee:
Take a walk along the boardwalk to find Cove Cafe overlooking the beautiful beach at The Haven. The view is as good and coffee! If you’re at the Wamberal end stop in to Sal & Co – you can’t miss it with it’s multi coloured frontage.

Fun Cocktails Bars:
Check out Mumbo Jumbos for a Caribbean inspired rum shack with a cracking ocean views by day and DJ’s by night. For another pit stop on the cocktail trail pop into Pocket Bar for killer cocktails and tasty tapas. If you’re happy to venture out of town (just a little) then Shady Palms has to be one of the funkiest venues in the area – an eclectic surf shack, inspired by mid century Hawaii, set in tiered tropical gardens with a pizza oven, DJ’s and Trivia.

Time for Dinner:
If you want something special head up the hill to the The Cowrie for fine dining and fantastic views. For something middle of the range Arc Est has a great Mod Aus menu at a very reasonable price. For some crowd pleasing pizza/pasta head over to Rhondas and fill your boots with all things Italian.

Best Pub:
When it come to the best pub in town then you can’t go past the Terrigal Beach House (know by the locals as The Beerie). Here you’ll find the best beer garden in town with live music at the weekends. It’s also dog friendly so the perfect place for a cool one after Rover is done running at the beach or The Haven.

Wine & Beer Tasting:
If you’re partial to a paddle or a sucker for a cellar door then we’ve got you covered. Head over to Firescreek Botanical Winery, one of the most unique and beautiful wineries in Australia. The Cellar door offers tastings but you can also book a unique experience such as foraging and mixology or chocolate and wine pairing. If you prefer a craft beer then there is no shortage of breweries. Choose from Six Strings, Bay Road Brewing and The Block & Tackle….just to mention a few.

SHOPPING & MARKETS

With beachside markets and lots of boutique stores you’ll have plenty to spend your hard earned pocket money on.

If you need a little retail therapy make sure you check out Terrigal Markets, on the 1st Saturday of each month for products ranging from from local art, skincare, jewellery and international food. Terrigal also has a lovely selection of boutique clothing and homeware shops which will be sure to relieve you of your hard earned cash! If you miss the Terrigal markets then 

Avoca Beach Markets are on the 4th Sunday of every month. On your way back from Avoca, stop in at La Boheme Fashion and Lifestyle Boutique  for trendy threads and stylish homewares.

FITNESS & WELLNESS 

Holidays are for relaxing and unwinding so here are a few suggestions that will help get that good energy flowing.

Endota Day Spa is your go to for treatments, massages and manicures. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a soothing cup of organic tea and welcomed to unwind in our relaxation lounge. Replenish your mind, body and senses in one of our eight treatment rooms, with the option of adjoining treatment rooms and a five-seater pedicure room with ocean views.

Breakers Country Club is a picturesque 9 hole golf course with a par of 33, perfect for a quick hit! With a fantastic bistro and play area for the kids it’s great for the whole family.

Love & Tonic is a must if you’re in the market for health food and herbs. They even have inhouse healers, naturopaths and herbalists at the ready to remedy you! 

KID FRIENDLY

​If you’re travelling with the kids then the Central Coast has much more than beaches and bushwalks to keep the littles ones entertained. Here are a few activities that will win you some brownie points! ​

  • Terrigal Paddle Boats – Paddle the lagoon and waterways from Terrigal to Wamberal in a peddle boat or hire a stand-up paddleboard – lessons available. Fun for all ages.
  • Kids Playgrounds  – Pack the scooters & bikes because Terrigal has two great options. Banjos by the lagoon is walking distance from town and has a small pump track and play park. For the more serious rider in the pack head over to Terrigal BMX Track (open for all) to really get the blood pumping. 
  • Australian Reptile Park – If you’re not one for tramping the tracks then get your guaranteed wildlife fix at The Australian Reptile park where you can cuddle a Koala, pat a python or even book a private tour.
  • Glenworth Valley – If you’re little ones need a bit more adrenaline in their day then head out to Glenworth Valley for Quad Biking, Laser Skirmish, Horse Riding and Abseiling. 
  • Treetops Adventure Park – If you have a bunch of little monkeys in your tribe then you definitely need to head over to Tree Tops Adventure park where they can swing, leap and bounce the day away.
  • The Chocolate Factory – Explore an immersive world of chocolate, nougat and much, much more. Have a sneak peak of your beloved treats coming to life through the porthole windows, or take part in a guided tour of the factory floor, and learn how our products are made. You can even get hands on with a Junior Chocolatier Workshop!

DONT FORGET THE DOG

If you’re travelling with your four-legged friend then the Central Coast will be as fun for your fur babies and it is for the family.

The Central Coast has to be one of the most dog friendly places in NSW with heaps of pet friendly accommodation. With an long list of dog friendly beaches where Rover can and run and rumble with his buddies your fury friends won’t want to go home! After a long run at the beach, both doggo and owner will be hungry/thirsty so here’s a great list of Dog friendly watering holes. 

For Terrigal and Wamberal we suggest:

WHERE TO STAY

Beach Retreats Central Coast have carefully selected a portfolio of beach abode accommodation either on the beach or within a stones throw to the beach.

We have self contained holiday properties for singles, couples or extended families. On the beachfront or in the trees, with pools, hot tubs, fireplaces or pet friendly properties. We are always happy to curate the perfect holiday for you so please reach out to us to arrange your next Beach Retreat. Yes our properties are also listed on AIRBNB and STAYZ but we will be able to provide the best deal when booking direct.

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