Womeral Lagoon on Remembrance Drive, Terrigal

Terrigal (including Wamberal, Forresters Beach and Wyrrabalong National Park)
Attractive holiday destination on the Central Coast
Terrigal has an airy beauty and ritzy up-market feel. The pleasant ambience may have something to do with the stand of very well-established Norfolk pines along The Esplanade which lend character and beauty to the beachfront. A pathway beneath the trees leads alongside the beach and out to Broken Head where the most prominent natural feature of Terrigal, the oddly-shaped headland known as 'The Skillion', stands.

Terrigal is one of the most popular residential, holiday resort and retirement centres on the Central Coast. It is located 91 km north of Sydney via the Newcastle Freeway. Visitors flock here for fishing, swimming, surfing, boating, waterskiing and the natural scenery. Anglers will find snapper, flathead and jewfish offshore and bream, flathead and blackfish in the surf.

Terrigal Beach marks the southern end of 4 km of unbroken beach which extends northwards to Wamberal Point. Just behind the middle section is Terrigal Lagoon.

The original inhabitants were reputedly the Awabakal or Guringgai Aborigines. It is known that the latter tribe wore possum hair belts (in which they carried their few possessions) and, occasionally, possum skin clothing. The men carried spears, boomerangs, stone axes, boomerangs and shields and hunted large prey such as kangaroos and fish which they speared. The women, however, provided most of the food - fish (caught on fishing lines), shellfish, fruit, tubers, insect larvae, snakes, lizards and small mammals.

The first European settler was John Gray who arrived in 1826 and called his property Tarrygal, after the indigenous place name, signifying 'place of little birds'.

There was a sawmill in the area established by Thomas Davis in the 1870s. It produced about 150 km of wood a week and employed 120 men (including 70 teamsters for carting the logs) and a tramway ran the timber to a jetty for shipment to Sydney.

Dairying later became important to the local economy. Tourism really got under way at the end of the 19th century thanks to a new focus on health and leisure in the culture and the opening up of the area to the general public with the completion of the railway line from Sydney to Newcastle in 1889 and the development of the roads.

Things to see:  

Terrigal Lagoon and Rotary Park
Rotary Park lies between the southern shore of Terrigal Lagoon and Terrigal Drive. Large trees line the lake's foreshore and, on the eastern side of the bridge, in the corner of the large park, is a paddleboat and canoe hire service.

The Skillion

The Skillion
The most prominent feature of Terrigal is the headland, known as Broken Head, just over the hill from the main shopping strip. The northern side of the headland is quite wide and flat, constituting an open grassy parkland. What makes it distinctive is 'The Skillion' on the southern side (called Kurawyba by the Awabakal Aborigines). This narrow section of the headland rises dramatically in an easterly direction to a considerable height over a very short distance. The surface is well-grassed so it makes a good and short walk to the top where there is a lookout south to First Point beyond Avoca Beach and north to Yumbool Point in Wyrrabalong National Point just south of The Entrance.

Terrigal Beach
Terrigal Beach marks the southern end of 4 km of unbroken beach which extends northwards to Spoon Bay on the southern side of Wamberal Point. The northern section is known as Wamberal Beach - a good patrolled family beach with moderate surf and a rockpool area.

Wamberal Lagoon
Just behind the northern beach is tranquil Wamberal Lagoon. The land on either side of the lagoon is a sanctuary for protected birds and animals - best seen from Remembrance Drive, which runs off Ocean View Drive. The car park at the end of Remembrance Drive has an information sign regarding the reserve and is also a convenient access point to Wamberal Beach, the surf lifesaving club and a kiosk, all just around the corner.

Forresters Beach
On the northern side of Wamberal Point is Forresters Beach, named after Robert Forrester who settled there in 1861. It is another holiday area with a quiet beach and scenic views. Hang-gliding is common. Kalakau Avenue runs along the beachfront. There is an elevated viewing platform opposite Crystal St. The beach is about 1 km in length from the rocky headland of Cromarty Hill to the north, within Wyrrabalong National Park. New South Wales' only bungee jumping site is also to be found here, contact (1800) 806 258.

Central Park Family Fun Centre
Central Park Family Fun Centre is located just west of Forresters Beach on the western side of The Entrance Rd. There are waterslides, ten-pin bowling, miniature golf and grand prix cars, contact (02) 434384 2466.

Looking north across Bateau Bay, Wyrrabalong National Park

Wyrrabalong National Park
The park covers 597 ha but is divided into two physically separate sections. Wyrrabalong, meaning 'headland looking over the sea' is a word of the Darkinjung people who once occupied the narrow strip of coastline between Forresters Beach and Bateau Bay, which now constitutes the southern section of the park (140 ha).

The southern section is characterised by high, exposed coastal cliffs of sandstone and shale and extensive rock platforms at either end that are ideal for fishing and exploring at low tide. There are woodlands of blackbutt, spotted gum and bloodwood along the plateau, with shrubs and heath (mostly coastal banksia and she-oak) on the gentler slopes to the west. There is plenty of marine and bird life and mangrove stands at the southern end of Bateau Bay. Fauna includes goannas, bandicoots, fantails and the tawny frogmouth.

Wyrrabalong Lookout is located on Cromarty Hill. There is a car park and an adjacent concrete platform with views to the south and west. A short path leads to Wyrrabalong Lookout on the cliff's edge, 132 m above sea-level, from where there are views south to The Skillion.

A 1.6-km walking track leads along the cliffs through the attractive woodland to the other viewing platform, Crackneck Lookout (274 m high) where there is a large clearing and car park with information boards and a picnic-barbecue area. The walking track continues northwards for another 2 km to Bateau Bay (see entry on The Entrance). For further information contact (02) 4324 4911.

Tours, Cruises and Other Services
Terrigal Dive Centre is located at The Haven, on the headland, contact (02) 4385 1869, as is Terrigal Blue Water Fishing Charters, contact (018-275 536). Terrigal Offshore Charters can be contacted on (02) 4367 6614. Those interested in parasailing should contact Terrigal Sightsee Parasailing on (02) 4381 1563. They depart from Terrigal Haven boat ramp (seas permitting).

A number of operators will pick up clients from their homes, though this may depend upon whether there are sufficient numbers. Central Coast Kayak Tours will pick people up from most Central Coast train stations (there is also a daily coach service from Sydney), contact (02) 4381 0342. Meals are provided and no experience is necessary. Central Coast Bushworks offer guided bushwalks in the area as well as abseiling, all equipment supplied, contact (02) 4363 2028.

Alcheringa Tours at 20 Sierra Crescent, East Gosford, offer tours for small groups of varying duration into the local caves and national parks, contact (02) 4325 5966. It's Easy Tours organise luxury coach holidays with day tours of the Central Coast and out to Wisemans Ferry, contact (02) 4340 1037. Fresh Tracks Safaris specialise in 4WD tours of the Central Coast, the Hunter Vineyards and Aboriginal sites, contact (02) 4385 3024. Blunsdon Day Tours and Charters run mini-coach day tours around the Central Coast and other areas. They will pick you up by arrangement, contact (02) 4328 1317. Aeroflite offer scenic flights over the Central Coast for up to seven passengers, as well as charter flights. They depart from Warnervale aerodrome, just north of Wyong, contact (02) 4392 4199.

	Motels
	Apollo Resort Wamberal 871 The Entrance Rd Wamberal Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 2099 Facsimile: (02) 4385 2035
	Clan Lakeside Lodge 1 Ocean View Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 1566, or 1800 81 1566 Facsimile: (02) 4385 2511 Rating: ****
	Country Comfort Inn 154 Terrigal Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 1166, 1800 065 064 Facsimile: (02) 4385 1480 Rating: ****
	Forresters Beach Resort 960 The Entrance Rd Forresters Beach Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 1222 Facsimile: (02) 4385 3108
	Terrigal Beach House 7 Painter St Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 1423 Facsimile: (02) 4384 6325 Rating: **
	Terrigal Pacific Holiday Motel 224 Terrigal Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 1555 Facsimile: (02) 4385 1476 Rating: ****
	Terrigal Sails 6 Maroomba Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 7444 Facsimile: (02) 4384 7222 Rating: ****
	Hotels
	Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pine Tree Lane Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 9111 Facsimile: (02) 4384 5798 Rating: *****
	Hotel Terrigal Cnr Lake & Havenview Rds Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 1033
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Terrigal Hinterland B&B 26 Lea Ave Wamberal Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 5354 Email: nbracken@tpg.com.au
	Terrigal Lagoon Bed & Breakfast 58a Willoughy Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 7393 Facsimile: (02) 4385 9763 Email: enquiries@terrigalbnb.com.au Rating: ****1/2
	Amilee Bed & Breakfast 2 Beaufort Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 1473
	An-Da-Cer House Bed & Breakfast 28 Serpentine Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4367 8368 Facsimile: (02) 4367 8368 Rating: ****1/2
	Beach Hut Terrigal 6 Ash St Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 3950
	Fairbanks Lodge Bed & Breakfast 250 Scenic Hwy Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 1752 Facsimile: (02) 4384 1573 Rating: ****1/2
	Heronden Bed & Breakfast 399 The Entrance Rd Erina Heights Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 2457
	Kirk's Cottage 90 Brush Rd Wamberal Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4367 7100
	Terrigal Ocean Views B & B 15 Grosvernor Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 6742
	Terrigal Seaview Bed & Breakfast 28 Table Top Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 2329 Facsimile: (02) 4384 2329 Rating: ***1/2
	Terrigal Top View B & B 141 Scenic Hwy Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 2278 Facsimile: (02) 4384 1578 Rating: ****
	Tiarri Terrigal Beach 16 Tiarri Cresent Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 7853 Facsimile: (02) 4385 7854 Rating: ****1/2
	Villa By The Sea cnr Tiarri Crct & Woolung Ave Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 1170 Facsimile: (02) 4385 1170 Rating: ****1/2
	Apartments
	Star of the Sea Terrigal 8 The Esplanade Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 7979 Facsimile: (02) 4323 5656 Rating: *****
	Terrigal Beach Getaway Holiday Apts 40 Havenview Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 5995 Facsimile: (02) 4323 1620 Rating: ***1/2
	Holiday Homes & Units
	Accom Terrigal Sunshine Units 1 Ocean View Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 9564 Facsimile: (02) 4325 6325 Rating: ***
	Blue Haven Units 1/1 Maroomba Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 9564 Facsimile: (02) 4385 6325 Rating: ****
	Casa Bay Vista Holiday House 4 Charles Kay Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4368 3394 Facsimile: (02) 4368 3394 Rating: ****1/2
	Terrigal Beach Getaway 40 Havenview Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 5995 Facsimile: (02) 4324 3739 Rating: ***1/2
	The Chalet, Terrigal 84 Riviera Ave Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4733 4924 Facsimile: (02) 4733 51734 Rating: ****1/2
	Villa By The Sea 27 Tabletop Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 1170 Facsimile: (02) 4385 1170 Rating: ***
	Restaurants
	Aromas On Sea Crown Plaza Resort Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 3501
	Beeches Restaurant 8 Ocean View Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 4117
	Breezes Restaurant Country Comfort Inn 154 Terrigal Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 1166
	Dekk Restaurant & Bar 5 Kurrawyba Ave Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 3100 Facsimile: (02) 4385 5061
	Haven Beach Cafe Restaurant The Haven Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 2061
	Hogs Breath Cafe 90 Terrigal Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 4700
	Jardines Licensed Restaurant 1A Ena St Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 3888
	Lantern Palace Restuarnt 871 The Entrance Rd Wamberal Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 5646
	Manis Restaurant 82a Ocean View Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 1131
	Milno's 80 Ocean View Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 2044
	'N Thai Sing 84 The Esplande Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 9700
	Onda Risorante Italiano 1/150 Terrigal Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 5554
	Peppertree Restaurant 1 Ocean View Dve Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 1566
	Seasalt Crown Plaza Resort Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 9133
	Sirens Restaurant 1 Kurrawyba Ave Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 2602
	Supermex Upstairs Cnr Church St & Campbell Cnrs Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 6289
	Terrigal Memorial Country Club 64 Dover Rd Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 2661
	Terrigal Thai 52 The Esplanade Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 6299
	Terrigal Thai 58 The Esplanade Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 6199
	The Break Restaurant 10 Kurrawyba Ave Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 5522
	The Cowrie 109 Scenic Hwy Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 3016
	The Letterbox Restaurant The Old Post Office 4 Ash St Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 4222
	The Reef Restaurant & Grill The Haven Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 3222
	Cafés
	Dive Inn Cafe On the Beach, The Haven Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4385 3222
	Florida Beach Bar and Terrace Terrigal Esplanade Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 9111
	Tables on Terrigal 112 Terrigal Esplanade Terrigal NSW 2260 Telephone: (02) 4384 7820