Crowne Plaza Terrigal: The perfect seaside escape

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Crowne Plaza Terrigal offers a family-friendly beachside escape in perfect style. Here’s everything to know before you book your stay.

Terrigal is the perfect setting for a laid-back flop-and-drop getaway. The beach is long, the waves are gentle, the stores are cute and the food offerings are plentiful. Right in the middle of the action, sits the striking, 4.5-star Crowne Plaza Terrigal. Its understated elegance embraces and elevates the relaxed beachside feel, and the staff welcomes guests with warm and genuine smiles.

Perfect for families looking for some bonding time (and plenty of activities to keep young ones occupied), couples looking for a romantic getaway, or groups of friends wanting to hit the bars.

bedroom view at Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Inside or out, the view is unbeatable. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

Location

The location of Crowne Plaza Terrigal really is its shining star. Right next to the heart of Terrigal on New South Wales’ Central Coast, you can barely even call the few steps it takes to reach the beach, or the many restaurants and cafes of this suburb, a walk. Not that you can’t turn it into a beautiful coastal walk if you choose to walk further on to the famous Skillion cliff in one direction, or along the water to Wamberal on the other.

aerial shot of Crowne plaza terrigal beach
Flop-and-drop with a Crowne Plaza Terrigal getaway.

As for Terrigal itself, just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, it’s a suburb that has really been booming in recent years. It’s become one of the happening places to visit on the Coast for seaside dining and/or drinks. You’ll find options that are as casual or as fine dining as you wish your occasion to be with pubs and cafes right next to bars and restaurants.

The beach here tends to be a calmer one, making it good for swimming. Plus there’s an ocean pool and heaps of rocks at the end of the sand for kids to play around.

view from inside a wave on terrigal beach
Take a dive into the calm waters of Terrigal Beach. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

Style and character

Elevated but easy, breezy beach vibes are definitely the order of the day here. With bright, crisp whites trimmed with marble, gold and wood. Crowne Plaza Terrigal has been a local icon for decades, but it still feels fresh and modern, especially once you step inside. The lobby feels quite grand, with a central spiral staircase and a very high roof.

We’ve caught them on a very busy weekend, the first weekend that really feels like summer. So service is a little on the slow side. Despite that, it’s also some of the friendliest service you’ll ever experience.

pacific king room at Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Relax into a colour scheme accentuating breezy beach vibes.

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Facilities

The pool here is amazing, especially for anyone who has ever wished to swim at the beach without dealing with all the sand. It looks out to the ocean and is just elevated enough that you can’t see the

There’s a gym, multiple in-house restaurants, a kids play room and special school holiday kids programs.

pool at Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Watch the beach as you relax by the hotel pool. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

Rooms

Crowne Plaza Terrigal has 199 guest rooms and suites, all with balconies overlooking the outdoor heated swimming pool and outwards to the beach.

We stayed in the large Pacific Suite, complete with a king-sized bedroom, entrance hall, spacious dining and lounge room and a large wrap-around balcony, perfect for catching the sunrise in the morning and enjoying sundowners in the afternoon. The bathroom alone is the size of a small Sydney studio. It screams minimalist elegance, with wide floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the panoramic view and the light.

living room in the pacific king suit Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Spread out in the Pacific Suite.

Food and drink

There are several restaurant and in-room dining options here. Meribella is the upscale offering, with a charming bar attached for a pre-dinner cocktail and a curated degustation menu available. If you do book, add the wine pairing – the passionate sommelier makes it fun and keeps the wine selection unique and interesting. In the morning, Meribella becomes the sight of a buffet breakfast for guests.

meribella dishes at Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Feast on a tasty, curated degustation menu. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Downstairs, Terrigal Beach House offers a fun and funky pub with great views. Perfect for a drink or pub grub. If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your room, there’s an extensive in-room dining menu, or wander down to the pool and order a poolside menu at The Deck.

To be completely honest, the food is absolutely top-notch, but the service was incredibly slow at every venue and even when ordering in-room dining ahead of time. The good news is, that you’re right next door to Terrigal’s incredibly diverse food offerings and range of bars to suit your vibe – whether you’re ordering a pizza to take back to your room or enjoying a modern fine dining experience.

Terrigal Beach House
Enjoy a more relaxed setting at Terrigal Beach House.

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Does Crowne Plaza Sydney have access for guests with disabilities?

All Crowne Plaza Sydney levels are accessed via a lift, making rooms and restaurants easily accessible.

Is Crowne Plaza Sydney family-friendly?

Absolutely. Families with young kids won’t be alone among the guests here. The pool area includes a smaller paddle pool, there’s a kid’s playroom with games like foosball and special school holiday kids programs. Rooms are spacious with plenty of room for families, and the breakfast buffet caters to even fussy eaters.

Details

Address: Pine Tree Ln, Terrigal NSW

Best for: Families and couples

Price: From $260

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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How to spend a restorative weekend on the Central Coast

Leave the frenetic pace of city life behind for a weekend of relaxation and entertainment on the Central Coast.

Home to more than 40 idyllic beaches, an eco-certified wilderness and a burgeoning hospitality scene, the Central Coast is a favoured holiday destination for good reason. Located just 90 minutes north of Sydney, you can easily enjoy a day trip here. But with so much to offer, this coastal haven deserves at least a weekend of your time – especially when a stay at Encore by Mingara makes lingering so effortless.

Here’s how to spend a memorable weekend on the Central Coast discovering its best offerings.

Day 1

Afternoon

Modern, comfortable room interiors at Encore by Mingara, designed for a restful stay on the Central Coast.
Savour a slow morning before heading home.

Holiday mode can be switched on as soon as you check into Encore by Mingara, a centrally located boutique hotel in Tumbi Umbi. Loved for its sleek rooms, diverse offerings and unbeatable location, in 2026 the property even received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Taking cues from its coastal surrounds, the hotel’s design is luxurious yet welcoming. A sophisticated palette of ocean blues, ochre and sand tones is complemented by light joinery and punctuated by abstract artworks by the hotel’s artist in residence, Sarah Isbel Hill.

As the hotel is conveniently found in the Mingara Destination Precinct, you can spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the property’s impressive offerings. Energise the body at Mingara Recreation Club – complete with a world-class gym and Olympic-sized swimming pool – or pop into one of many restaurants or bars. You can also grab a wine from the bottle shop to imbibe in the comfort of your luxurious Harmony or Bravo suite; these generously sized rooms feature plush king beds, separate lounge spaces and dedicated working areas.

Evening

couple dining inside restaurant at encore by mingara
Treat yourself to an evening of great food and cocktails.

There’s no need to venture out when your hotel gives you access to fantastic dining options. Allow plenty of time to savour the culinary dishes at modern Australian restaurant, Hadley’s. Helmed by chef Peter Streckfuss, the relaxed eatery’s menu spans rib-sticking bites such as wood-fired pizzas and chicken parmigiana through to premium meats and fresh seafood. Pair them with the solid line-up of Australian and international wines.

Mosey over to Hadley’s Bar for a post-dinner nightcap. The stylish cocktail lounge’s mixologists shake up masterful tipples using the bar’s extensive spirit collection, as well as pouring local craft beers and fine wines.   

Day 2

Morning

Waterfall along the Girrakool Loop Track, at the Brisbane Water National Park, on the Central Coast.
Explore the Central Coast’s great outdoors. (Image: Destination NSW)

With so much happening onsite, it’s tempting to stay put, but early birds can start their day by catching the sunrise at nearby Toowoon Bay, where a vivid display of warm tones is reflected in the calm waters.

Back at Mingara Recreation Club, top up your caffeine levels and try treats including scrolls, cakes, scones and tarts at The Roasted Berry. Or settle in for smashed avo or a mushroom bruschetta.

Fuelled and ready to go, spend some time exploring the Central Coast’s natural beauty. The region is a playground for outdoor lovers who can discover the Brisbane Water National Park, a haven for hiking, cycling and fishing. The 12,000-hectare reserve features stunning waterfalls, including the three-tiered Somersby Falls, and vantage points such as the Staples Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay.

Afternoon

Friends enjoying a tour through Distillery Botanica, Erina.
Sip the flavours of Distillery Botanica. (Image: Destination NSW)

A well-deserved lunch in the garden at Distillery Botanica awaits just a 20-minute drive away. The brainchild of herbalist and master distiller Philip Moore, this innovative distillery is found in a lush landscape and produces a range of botanically infused craft spirits. Tuck into bruschetta, toasted sandwiches and charcuterie boards, paired with standout concoctions like the Framboise Martini with Botanica Vodka or Botanica Raspberry Liqueur, vanilla, lime and pineapple.

Evening

Head back to Encore by Mingara to freshen up for dinner at the onsite restaurant, Ming Dragon. The Chinese eatery offers a traditional yum cha experience with succulent favourites such as sweet and sour pork and steamed prawn dumplings.

End the night on a high note with entertainment at Mingara Recreation Club. The jam-packed schedule includes live music, major touring acts and big-name tribute band performances, such as Live Baby Live: The INXS Tribute Show.

Morning

Breakfast at The Roasted Berry encore by mingara
Enjoy breakfast at The Roasted Berry.

The dreamy rooms at Encore by Mingara make sleeping in a little too easy, so take the morning at your own pace with a lie-in and a final swim or a yoga or pilates class. Amble down to The Roasted Berry for another delicious breakfast before your departure.

Afternoon

Guest examining a freshly farmed pearl on a tour of the Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney.
End your escape with a pearl farm visit. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another highlight of the Central Coast is the Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the Lower Hawkesbury River, a must-visit on your way home. Head to their ‘shellar door’ and join a tour out on the water, where you’ll discover their working oyster leases and indulge in the freshest Australian Akoya, Angasi and Sydney rock oysters. You’ll also get to witness a live pearl harvest and learn the fine art of pearl grading. Those with an appetite can also enjoy a gourmet grazing lunch while soaking up scenic river views. Commemorate the weekend with an elegant pearl memento from the farm’s shop.

Start planning a Central Coast weekend at your own pace at encorebymingara.com.au.