FRIDAY

2 PM - Drop Your Bags!

Check into the iconic Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific. Grab your key and head to your room, where you will be greeted by views of the azure waters of Terrigal beach stretching across to Wamberal beach.  Whilst you take in the sea breeze and sounds of the day, your eyes wander down to adventures that await! Let’s get started.

4 PM - Stretch The Legs

If it's been a long drive, we suggest stepping out of the hotel beachside, turning right and heading over the hill to The Haven.

This idyllic cove is home to The Skillion, a majestic headland where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching north to Norah Head Lighthouse and south to Captain Cook Lookout at Copacabana (it’s also the perfect whale watching point in the migration season!).

The Haven also offers calm waters perfect for swimming and paddling, a boat ramp and great rock pools to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Slow it down…
The Crowne Plaza has an amazing pool which may be more your pace; clover-shaped and matched with a large-heated spa where you can sit, and people watch!

6 PM - Pre-dinner Drinks

If you are looking for a vibe for your evening or weekend afternoons, then Pocket Bar Terrigal has it in spades. You cannot help but feel the energy when you enter through the low key entrance and are met with a wall mural that is as detailed and aesthetically pleasing as it is juxtaposing the faux green vine wall and old-style leather couches to the collection of bric-a-brac behind the bar. 

Even with a wide range of craft beers, this is first and foremost a cocktail bar.  Make sure you try the Pocket Bar original Goosebumps, consisting of Grey Goose Vodka, Rosemary and Pear Syrup & Ginger Beer built over crushed ice served with a Rosemary Sprig and Dehydrated Lime, or a Devils Child - the White Rum, infused with Chilli & Red Skins, promises a kick!  

8 PM - Time To Eat

Yellowtail is a master class in what is important in a restaurant – food and wine, and they ensure both are front and centre. You're not getting a waterfront location here and even though the name Yellowtail may suggest they are a seafood-based menu, you are in for a treat with a diverse menu that can include a Thai Curry, a Middle Eastern Spiced Tomahawk and the Yellowtail classic, Sashimi with Finger Lime, Green Chilli, Galangal and Coconut.

We highly suggest the Yellowtail Brussel Sprouts – these bad boys are highly popular and are essential ordering when dining at this continuous surprise of a restaurant.

SATURDAY

6 AM - Get Up & Go

Yes, I wrote 6 AM – I realise many reading this only recognise one 6 o’clock in the day and it is not the AM! In these parts, though you’d be surprised with the hive of activity. 

If you’re super keen to get some activity in early the local running club, Terrigal Trotters, head off from the Surf Club at 6am (visitors are welcome once they’ve registered online and paid a small fee – so you do need to be organised). These keen beans usually knock out 12kms most Saturdays leaving the rest of us to nurse our coffees watching the waves roll in. 

Running not your speed? You will find ocean swimmers departing Terrigal beach every morning. They swim out to the buoys and return to shore, with many heading to the Haven and then returning back.

Slow it down…
Enjoy the balcony of your hotel room, wear the robe, make a tea and perch yourself in the fresh morning sun and listen to the day waking up around you.

8 AM -  Coffee & Breakfast

With potentially the best Keto menu on the Central Coast we suggest heading to Freestate for your morning brew. Serving Ona Coffee this place delivers strong, consistent coffee every time. Their bulletproof coffee is also something to return for if that is your thing. 

The Brisket, Smashed Avo and all the raw treats in the window are some of the better value in town as well as tasting really good – like really good. If you can’t find Freestate, just look for a line growing on the corner of the Esplanade closest to the Crowne Plaza.

10 AM -  Where To Start Exploring

Terrigal is the entry point to explore HMAS Adelaide – so if you’re a licensed scuba diver this gem is only minutes from the boat ramp.  Pro Dive is the group providing the tours leaving from The Haven, they also hold learn to dive lessons too in case you want to be prepared for next time.

Diving not your jam? Down at Terrigal lagoon, you will find the ESS Board store, where experienced riders can hire out SUP’s (they also conduct lessons for anyone who wants to give it a try).  Another option to roam the lagoon is via the Paddle Boats, which will also give you a good leg work out.

Slow it down….
Let's point out the obvious you can slip, slop, slap and just enjoy the beach or pool, read a book and enjoy some fresh air.

1 PM -  Saturdays Are For Lazy Lunches

Arc Brasserie located on Church St. is a relaxed venue for a lazy lunch.  The informal service is matched by casual dining décor and natural touches to the venue.  The menu is loaded with dishes that you may remember from yesteryear, with the prawn cocktail being a shining example.

With a few slices of avocado added to freshen the flavour up together with a beautiful creamy sauce, the dish is served, as you would expect, in an old school cocktail glass.  The fresh oysters and antipasto platter are easy to share whilst you admire the eclectic interiors and beautiful palm tree that the venue is based around.

3 PM - Let's Go Shopping

To walk off lunch, leave Arc and take to the streets.  Church Street has an array of fashion and homeware stores, including Zarlak, a kid’s store that is uber cool, and Sargent Pepper’s - one of the longest-serving clothing stores in Terrigal. Terrigal is designed in such a way you can do a full lap without getting lost in alleys and side streets. From here, head to the forecourt of the Crowne Plaza and discover Ellis Jewellers and the stunning ethical women’s store Aryele - their linen dresses and elegant homewares will continue your holiday mode long after your weekend is over.

5 PM - Afternoon Bevvies

Settle into Terrigal Beach House for a sunset beverage, a full selection of tap beers, and a fabulous cocktail menu (we suggest the spicy margaritas). The relaxed ambiance, great music, and general light atmosphere make it easy to watch the day fade away through the Norfolk Pines. 

7 PM - Time To Eat

A short meander across the street and you will find Rhonda’s.  This Italian restaurant serves great crispy-based pizzas, delicious and traditional style pasta and most recently they launched an Antipasti menu in their upstairs cocktail space. Oh, and the cocktails… they’re good.  This bar and restaurant pack an atmospheric punch as she’s a buzz all night long. 

10 PM - Night Cap

If you’re in search for an evening night cap there are more options…
At The Joker & the Thief, a cocktail bar on the second level of the Esplanade, there’s a creative bar team and a great viewpoint for people watching. Across the street, you will find the raging little rum shack, Mumbo Jumbos, whose hooch is strong and music is loud. 
   
Slow it down…
Maybe an ice cream from the famous Terrigal Ice Creamery or a cookie from Loaded Dough, followed by a walk along the beach back to the Crowne Plaza for a night of slumber.

SUNDAY

7 AM – Breakfast With The Locals

After last night’s restaurant and bar hopping, a quick dip to freshen up is on the cards.  Once the saltwater has stopped stinging your eyes head to the locals’ local – BellyFish. Open from 5 am daily this institution of Terrigal serves an incredible Egg’s Benny and you must try The Goods - a delicious dish consisting of house-cured gin & juniper salmon, house lemon & dill labneh, smashed avo, beetroot hummus, local poached eggs, fresh dill, lime, toasted sourdough, and herb oil; or maybe to satisfy the sweet tooth, try the Sticky Date Pancakes - fluffy house-made pancakes topped with sticky date pudding crumble, butterscotch sauce & vanilla ice cream.

9 AM – Off To New Heights

With two hours before you have to check out – let’s stretch those legs and conquer The Skillion!  Head over the hill (OR if the new fancy walkway from Terrigal Beach to the Haven is open - do that…one less hill!)  and get walking up the steps to the pinnacle lookout over Terrigal.  With your eyes stretching south to Avoca and as North as Forrester Beach the 360-degree view allows you to appreciate this beautiful pocket you’ve had the pleasure of exploring this weekend.  If your energy allows, continue along the headland or take a stroll along the rocks and soak up that sea breeze before you get back to the hotel.

11 AM – Before you go…

With check-out complete and the car packed in case, you need some to nibble on for the road trip home.  Before you drive out stop at Daily Dough Co. for a ‘doughie’ these sweet sensations are also a fabulous takeaway treat for a roommate or family member who wasn’t lucky enough to come and have a weekend at glorious Terrigal Beach!