Terrigal, NSW

The Central Coast's flagship beach — a crescent of golden sand backed by Norfolk pines, with the Haven providing sheltered swimming.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Friday 28 August is shaping up to be a beautiful day along our stunning coastline, with the golden sand and Norfolk pines creating a picturesque backdrop for all your outdoor activities. The current temperature is a cool 10C, with a gentle breeze blowing at 8 km/h from the northwest, making it a great morning to get out and enjoy the fresh air. With mostly clear skies and only 20% cloud cover, it's an ideal day to soak up the sunshine.



The ocean conditions are looking exciting for surfers, with wave heights reaching 1.80m, making it suitable for experienced surfers only. The water temperature is a comfortable 18.0C, perfect for a spring suit, and with the high tide having already passed at 08:06 am, the waves are sure to be pumping. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just looking to cool off, the ocean is calling, and with the sheltered swimming area at the Haven, there's something for everyone.



For all you sports and fitness enthusiasts out there, today is a great day to get out and enjoy your favourite activities. Surfers will love the powerful waves, while runners and cyclists will appreciate the cool morning air and scenic views. Anglers can try their luck in the ocean, and paddleboarders can explore the coastline from a different perspective. With the UV index being low, at 0.2, you don't need to worry about special protection, making it a great day to get out and enjoy the sunshine.



As we head into the afternoon, the temperature is expected to remain cool, with a maximum of 10C, and with no rain expected, it's shaping up to be a fantastic day to spend outdoors. The air quality is good, with an AQI of 43, and the low UV index means you can enjoy the sunshine without worrying about excessive sun exposure. So, grab your board, your bike, or your running shoes, and get out to enjoy all that our beautiful coastline has to offer – have a great day, and we'll see you back here tomorrow.

About This Coastline

Terrigal is a polished Central Coast seaside town built around a curving beach, a compact dining strip and the distinctive headland known as the Skillion.

Here, the coast remains central to the identity of the settlement rather than sitting at its edge as a separate attraction.

The Vibe

The beachfront has an easy holiday energy, with families on the sand by day and restaurants filling in the evening.

Despite its popularity, the bay and adjoining Haven retain a small-town scale that separates Terrigal from a large urban resort. Food, exercise, family life and water activity overlap naturally, producing a rhythm that feels lived-in rather than staged.

The Local Anchor

The Skillion is the local visual anchor, rising steeply beside Terrigal Haven and rewarding a short climb with views along the coast.

The Haven also shelters boats and connects the town to fishing, diving and coastal recreation. The strongest landmarks work as orientation points, but they also reveal how generations have interpreted and used the surrounding shore.

The Landscape

Terrigal Beach is relatively protected compared with more exposed stretches nearby, while the headland and rock platforms add texture at the southern end.

Beyond the town, the coastline leads towards quieter coves, lagoons and bush-backed beaches across the Central Coast. Seen as a whole, the area is a mosaic of sand, rock, vegetation and water rather than a single uniform beach.

The enduring appeal lies in the balance between open scenery, local tradition and the practical rhythms of coastal life.