Destination Terrigal, Central Coast, New South Wales
- Distance from Sydney: 85km
- Distance from Newcastle: 96km
- Population (2006 Census): 9,746
Terrigal's beach front is characterised by the line of well-established Norfolk pines along its esplanade and the beach.
Terrigal is one of the more popular beach resorts in NSW, and has become a sophisticated social centre.
The Esplanade (the name of the main thoroughfare) is situated underneath the Norfolk Pines that lead along the beach to 'The Haven' and the unique headland known as 'The Skillion'.
The Haven is the home and departure point for fishing and dive boats. It has a sheltered beach that is a favourite for families. The Haven oval is also the home ground of the Terrigal Trojans Rugby Union club (formed in 1974), and has been voted the most scenic rugby ground in the world. The Skillion is a favourite tourist attraction for its panoramic views of Terrigal, the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
Accommodation
Terrigal is home to some first class accommodation. At the southern end of the beach stands Crowne Plaza Terrigal. Crowne Plaza Terrigal is a 4½-Star resort. The hotel is situated on the site of the old Florida Hotel, and was opened in 1988 as Peppers by the Sea Resort. The main public bar (also known locally as the beer garden) is named after the original hotel, Florida. The hotel offers 199 rooms and suites catering for up to 400 guests, day spa facilities, in house and public bars, renowned dining, pool, gym and conference facilities.
The Star of the Sea Resort is now situated on the grounds of the former Star of the Sea parish church and primary school. The resort contains 52, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments with spectacular views of Terrigal beach and the Pacific Ocean.
Other accommodation options are available from budget accommodation, to moderately priced motel and B&B rooms.
Attractions/Activities
The Haven and The Skillion
The Haven is referred to by the Chamber, as the ‘Family Haven' as it is safe place for families to enjoy a mixture of activities. When sport is not being played on the oval (Rugby Union is played on the oval in winter months, and cricket is played there during summer months), it provides a large area for family ball games. There are ample picnic and BBQ facilities available around the oval.
The commercial areas of the Haven provide fish and chips, a cafe and Kiosk, and a renowned restaurant.
The Skillion is the most prominent landmark of the region, with a steep cliff facing the ocean rising to a convenient lookout area that is easily accessed by a flat grassy area leading up from the reserve.
Fishing
Most popular activities along the Terrigal stretch of coast are surfing, swimming, boating, water-skiing and fishing. Anglers regularly find flathead, snapper, and jewfish offshore, and flathead, blackfish and bream in the surf.
Terrigal and Wamberal Lagoons
Terrigal and Wamberal Lagoons are adjacent to the beach. Large trees line the Terrigal Lakes foreshore and Wamberal Lagoon is surrounded by a sanctuary for protected birds and animals. Paddle boats and kayaks are available to hire to explore Terrigal Lagoon.
Forresters Beach
Forresters Beach to the north is a quieter beach with scenic views and a popular spot for hang-gliding and bungee jumping.
Wyrrabalong National Park
Wyrrabalong National Park is divided into two separate areas, one a narrow strip of coastline stretching from Forresters Beach to Bateau Bay, and the other further north, a larger area between The Entrance and Norah Head. The park features high exposed coastal cliffs, woodlands of native trees and flora along the plateau, and plenty of mangrove areas, marine and bird life.
Dive Tours
There a number of dive wrecks situated off Terrigal, most notably the Lord Ashley.
The dive locations range from sponge and coral covered reefs to dramatic drop offs with underwater caves and swim throughs.
Many ships have foundered off the central coast and their skeletal remains can be found on the sea bed. These then become artificial reefs and havens great schools of fish. These include the Lord Ashley wreck (sunk in 1877), Galava wreck (sunk in 1927) and the Kiama wreck (sunk in 1952).
Other dives include the Terrigal Haven foreshore and surrounds including 'Foggy Cave' and the 'Skillion Cave'. Both are boat dives but, if calm, the 'Skillion Cave', is a shore dive. Off Wamberal is 2 Poles reef, and at North Avoca is Fifeshires reef.
Terrigal History and Culture
The name Terrigal is said to mean "uncertain". Possibly "a place of, or where one can find wild figs" (if based on the aboriginal word "Tarriga"), or "a place of little birds" (if based on the aboriginal word "Tarragal"). Many different spellings of Terrigal appear on maps over the years.
The original inhabitants were the Awabakal or Guringgai Aborigines.
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 and a tramway that ran the timber to a jetty for shipment to Sydney.
Dairying later became important to the local economy. Tourism started around the end of the 19th century with a new focus on health and leisure in the culture, the development of roads and completion of the railway line from Sydney to Newcastle in 1889.
Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club
Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club is charged with the responsibility of providing a safe aquatic environment on one of the most popular beaches on the Central Coast of NSW used by an estimated 70,000 guests each week.
A small-dedicated group under the leadership of the late Alistar Macarthur-Onslow established the Club in 1925. The Central Coast was one of the first regions to embrace the surf lifesaving movement and Terrigal was one of the first clubs on the Central Coast.
The Club first came into the news in 1938 when it's boat crew was awarded the Royal Humane Society Certificate of Merit when attempting to rescue two people swept off the rocks into treacherous seas near the Skillion.
In 1942, with 72 of its 76 male members of the Club on military service, a group of 15 members of the Ladies Auxiliary banded together to provide water safety on the beach. Their efforts were recorded by the Daily Telegraph "To Terrigal falls the honour of having the first squad of girl lifesavers in the Commonwealth, notwithstanding the fact that they are not officially recognised by the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia".
The Club operated initially from a shed then a one-storey building until the first two-storey clubhouse was constructed in 1956 near the current site. In 2001Gosford Council replaced the earlier building with the current clubhouse.
The club played host, as part of the Australian Nation's Bicentennial Celebrations in 1988, to the Royal Surf Carnival patronised by their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Over the years the Club has been the home of many branch, state and national champions and has provided substantially to local and national representative competition teams and Surf Life Saving administration.
Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club's performance is exemplified by Peter Wyllie, who joined the Club in 1943 at 17 yrs of age, competed for over 40 years and is now a Life Member. The club hosts a number of national champions notably, Paul Lemmon, Amanda White, and Donnica Clarke (who tragically died in a cliff fall in 2007, aged 16). A former club captain and president of the club, Darren Jameson, was named NSW and Australian Lifesaver of the Year in 2000. He is still an active patrolling member.
