Terrigal Beach Swimming Guide

Terrigal Beach is located on New South Wales’ beautiful Central Coast, a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Sydney.

Terrigal is known for its seaside village vibe, golden sand beaches, towering Norfolk pines and tranquil lagoon perfect for swimming.

Located at the southern end of the beach, tucked into the cliff side is a small ocean rock pool, Terrigal Ocean Pool.

Just past the ocean pool, is Terrigal Haven, a protected boat harbour with some incredible sights to be seen via scuba diving and snorkeling.

Terrigal is home to many avid ocean swimmers who have formed multiple social ocean swimming groups including the Scozie’s, the Terrigal Tremblers and the Terrigal Hobos. They also have a strong surf lifesaving contingency at the Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club.

Terrigal is said to mean ‘uncertain’ or ‘a place of, or where one can find wild figs’ if based on the Aboriginal word Tarriga. Over the years Terrigal has been spelt different, many different times on maps.

How To Get There

There is ample parking for everyone to enjoy the beach at Terrigal. The first spot is next to the Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club, along the Terrigal Esplanade, you will find a beachfront car park which has free parking. Terrigal Haven also has free all day parking and it’s only a short walk along the boardwalk to Terrigal Beach which offers stunning views.

There is also a multi-story parking station on Wilson Street which has free all day undercover parking.

If you are coming from the city you can catch the train to Gosford before boarding a connecting bus to Terrigal Beach.

If you are catching public transport you can catch bus 68 which will take you straight outside the Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club. If you are venturing out to the coast from the city you can catch the train to Gosford before boarding a connecting bus to Terrigal Beach.

While You're There

Terrigal Beach has been a popular seaside holiday destination among Sydneysiders since the late 90s. And who can blame them with the beautiful clear water, golden sand and the esplanade that is lined with Norfolk pines and buzzing with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars and boutiques.

Just down from Terrigal Beach is Terrigal Haven and not only is it the perfect location for swimming but it is also a great spot to enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and stand up paddleboarding if you haven’t already had enough of the water.

A great way to get to Terrigal Haven is to walk along the boardwalk from Terrigal main beach and enjoy the stunning views, out to sea over the glistening water. You might even be lucky enough to see some marine life swimming close to the surface along the side of the broadwalk.

If you are after a longer walk you can head up to the Skillion lookout which offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean, coastline and steep cliff face below. Starting at Terrigal Beach and finishing at Broken Head the walk will give you views of the Ex-HMAS Adelaide, an old warship scuttled to create an artificial reef, located just off the coast in 32m of water. If you are walking the trail between the months of May and November, you might be lucky enough to spot a humpback whale on its annual migration.

It’s not hard to find a bite to eat and drink at Terrigal Beach with an array of trendy cafes and restaurants located along the Esplanade strip.

The Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club, Island Time Espresso Bar and Luna are all popular places to enjoy a coffee and snack post swim.

Toscano Pasta bar, Thaiger Temple, Mumbo Jumbo’s and Rhonda’s are all popular places for dinner and a cocktail. With the later two offering rooftop’s with stunning sunset views.
ar water, golden sand and the esplanade that is lined with Norfolk pines and buzzing with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars and boutiques.