Last verified 05/26
The Skillion is one of the best-known landmarks in Terrigal. This steep grassy headland rises beside Terrigal Haven and has open views along the Central Coast.
I’ve climbed The Skillion many times over the years. The walk to the top is short, and the views are hard to beat.
You can see Terrigal and Wamberal to the north. Turn towards the ocean for wide Pacific views, then look south towards Avoca Beach.
Most people head straight to the bottom of The Skillion and climb to the top. I think there’s a much better way to experience it.
Here’s how I recommend visiting The Skillion.
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The Best Way to Walk The Skillion
My tip is to start at Terrigal Haven rather than at the bottom of The Skillion.
Follow the paved path around the grassy headland. You’ll pass three smaller lookouts before reaching The Skillion.
Each lookout gives you a different view of the coast. The first looks back towards Terrigal, while the others open towards the ocean and headland.
I always save The Skillion for last. The view from the top is the best, so it feels like a natural finish to the walk.
The path around The Haven is paved. There are large grassy areas along the way where you’ll often see locals walking their dogs.
Once you reach The Skillion, follow the paved steps to the top.
Is The Skillion Walk Hard?
The climb is short but steep.
A series of short paved staircases leads up the grassy slope to the lookout. The climb only takes a few minutes.
I wouldn’t describe it as a hard walk.
The climb is over so quickly that you’re at the top before it starts to feel difficult. If you have trouble with stairs or steep hills, the climb may be tough. Young children who are confident walkers should manage it.
The large grassy slope is also fun for kids, especially on the way back down.
The View from The Skillion
The view is the main reason to climb The Skillion.
At the top, a fenced lookout gives you wide views in almost every direction. Look north across Terrigal Beach towards Wamberal or turn south towards Avoca Beach.
Straight ahead, the Pacific Ocean seems to stretch forever.
There isn’t one view I prefer over the others. Walk around the lookout and take them all in.
There’s no shade or picnic area at the top. Most people climb up, enjoy the views and head back down.
Whale Watching from The Skillion
The Skillion is one of my favourite places to watch whales on the Central Coast.
Humpback whales pass the coast from May to November during their annual migration. Late June and July are particularly good months for spotting them.
During the peak period, whales can be easy to see from the lookout. Most people watch with the naked eye, although binoculars can help.
Keep looking out across the ocean for movement or a blow above the water.
📖 Local Guide: Best Whale Watching Spots on the Central Coast
Visiting The Skillion with Kids
The Skillion is an easy place to include in a family day in Terrigal.
The climb is short, so children don’t have to walk for long before reaching the top. The large grassy slope also gives them space to run around.
I recommend combining the walk with a swim at Terrigal Haven. The sheltered water is popular with families with young children.
You can also walk along the boardwalk to Terrigal Beach. The beach is patrolled during the warmer months, and cafés are only a short walk away.
Accessibility
The path around parts of Terrigal Haven is paved. However, the climb to the top of The Skillion involves a paved staircase.
The lookout may be difficult for people with limited mobility or anyone who struggles with stairs.
The route I recommend around the headland is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
Where to Park for The Skillion
If you’re visiting The Skillion and Terrigal Haven, I recommend parking at The Haven.
Parking is free, and I usually find it easier to park here than in the centre of Terrigal.
Terrigal gets very busy during summer and school holidays. Parking can fill early, especially on weekends.
If you’re spending the whole day in Terrigal, park in the Wilson Road multi-storey car park in town instead. From there, you can visit the cafés and beach before walking along the boardwalk to The Haven.
The boardwalk takes you beside the ocean and brings you to The Haven within a short walk.
Are There Toilets at The Skillion?
Public toilets on the ground floor of the Terrigal Rugby Clubhouse, only a few metres from The Skillion.
Best Time to Visit The Skillion
You can visit The Skillion at any time of day.
Early in the morning, you’ll often see locals exercising around the headland. Runners and fitness groups sometimes use the hill for training.
During the day, the lookout gives you clear views along the coast when the weather is good.
From May to November, keep an eye on the ocean for migrating humpback whales.
There is no shade at the top, so keep that in mind on very hot days.
What to Do Near The Skillion
One of the best things about The Skillion is its location. You can visit The Skillion and spend the rest of the day exploring Terrigal.
Terrigal Haven sits at the bottom of the headland. Go for a swim, relax on the grass or grab something to eat nearby.
From The Haven, walk along the boardwalk to Terrigal Beach. You’ll pass the ocean pool before reaching the Esplanade and town centre.
Cafés and restaurants are only a short walk away.
That’s what I like most about visiting The Skillion. You can spend ten minutes at the lookout or make it part of a full day in Terrigal.
📖 Local Guide: Terrigal Haven, Boardwalk & The Skillion
📖 Local Guide: Best Things to Do in Terrigal
📖 Local Guide: Best Cafes and restaurants in Terrigal
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