Last verified 04/26
Terrigal Haven is a small harbour at the southern end of Terrigal Beach, beside The Skillion. It’s one of my favourite places on the Central Coast.
Most people start with a walk along the boardwalk from Terrigal Beach. Within a few minutes you’ll reach the harbour, fishing boats, waterfront restaurants and the grassy headland below The Skillion.
Some people come to fish. Others come to swim, snorkel or paddle around the bay. Many simply grab a coffee, watch the boats and enjoy the view.
The Haven is also one of the best places in Terrigal for sunsets. As the afternoon light fades, people gather along the waterfront and around the headland to watch the sun go down.
Whether you’re visiting for an hour or spending the whole day, Terrigal Haven is a place that’s easy to enjoy.
Walk the Boardwalk to The Haven
The best way to enjoy Terrigal Haven is walk there from Terrigal Beach.
The boardwalk follows the shoreline from the southern end of the beach to The Haven. The walk takes about 10 minutes and offers great views across the bay.
Along the way you’ll pass swimmers, snorkellers and people fishing from the rocks. The ocean is on one side and Terrigal Beach stretches out on the other.
It’s an easy walk suitable for families, prams and wheelchairs. Early morning and late afternoon are the most beautiful times to do it.
By the time you reach The Haven, you’ll be right beside the harbour, restaurants and the path leading up to The Skillion.
Dog-Friendly Area
If you’re visiting with a dog, Terrigal Haven is one of the best spots in Terrigal.
There’s an off-leash dog exercise area on the large grassy reserve beside the harbour and below The Skillion. Dogs have plenty of space to run and play. The views across the bay are excellent too.
The reserve is not fenced. Keep an eye on your dog, especially near the car park.
You can also walk your dog on leash along the Terrigal Boardwalk. The walk offers beautiful views across the coastline.
Many locals visit The Haven with their dogs every day. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the ocean air together.
Swim at Terrigal Haven
The small beach at Terrigal Haven is one of the best places to swim in Terrigal. The water is usually gentler than the main beach, making it popular with families.
I keep coming back for the views. Fishing boats sit in the harbour and The Skillion rises above the bay.
On warm days, you’ll also see people snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking. After your swim, grab some fish and chips and enjoy the view by the water.
Climb The Skillion
From Terrigal Haven, it’s a short walk across the oval to The Skillion. This grassy headland is one of the most famous landmarks on the Central Coast.
A short but steep path leads to the lookout at the top. Take your time and enjoy the views as you climb.
From the summit, you can see Terrigal Beach to the north and Avoca Beach to the south. Between May and November, keep an eye out for humpback whales passing along the coast.
The views are worth the effort and are some of the best on the Central Coast.
đź“– Local Guide: The Skillion
Fishing at Terrigal Haven
Fishing is one of the most popular things to do at Terrigal Haven. On most days you’ll see locals casting a line from the rocks or breakwall.
The sheltered harbour attracts a range of fish throughout the year. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the busiest times.
Even if you don’t fish, it’s worth taking a walk around the harbour. Watching the boats come and go is part of the experience.
If you’d like to head offshore, several fishing charters operate from the Haven. They offer reef fishing, deep sea fishing and game fishing trips.
Fishing Charters
Central Coast Reef and Game Fishing Charters – deep sea reef fishing, game fishing, kingfish charters, whale watching. 0427 665 544Â
Haven Sport Fishing Charters – marlin fishing, game fishing, sport Fishing, kingfish Jigging, reef fishing. 0419 440 869
Terrigal Fishing Tours – private and shared fishing charters, kids fishing charters and whale watching tours. 0449 999 868
Where to Eat
You won’t find a huge number of places to eat at the Haven, but the location is hard to beat. Restaurants sit right on the waterfront with views across the boats and bay.
Amarilla is a popular spot for Spanish tapas, seafood and share plates. The Tropic serves Mediterranean-style dishes and is a great place for a long lunch.
The Terrigal Pavilion sits right beside the water and is a popular place for lunch, drinks and wood-fired pizza. The ocean views alone are worth the visit.
If you feel like more choice, walk five minutes along the boardwalk into Terrigal. The Esplanade is lined with cafés, restaurants and bars overlooking the beach.
Best Time to Visit
Terrigal Haven is a beautiful spot, but it gets very crowded during summer holidays and long weekends. It’s best to arrive early in the morning or outside of summer and long weekends.
Parking
You’ll find a large free car park at the Haven, close to the boat ramp and oval. It’s one of Terrigal’s main parking spots and is just behind the waterfront, so everything is only a short walk away.
If the car park is full, you can try the Wilson Road multi-storey or look for street parking nearby.
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