Terrigal Pavilion is a beachside restaurant, bar and cafe in one

After a sensational year-long wait, Terrigal Pavilion has finally opened its doors. Does this new Central Coast bar live up to its hype?

It was concealed behind a tall barricade for almost a year. As a local, I would regularly walk past and try to get a glimpse of what was slated to be the Central Coast’s hottest new bar. Word spread that it was the clever and cool folk behind Burleigh Pavilion on the Gold Coast, The Joey at Sydney’s Palm Beach and Mrs Sippy in Bali – hospitality duo Ben May and Rob Domjen – who had taken the reins. Terrigal Pavilion was the talk of the town.

The location

The scaffolding has been removed, revealing a stylish two-storey weatherboard dining destination. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Finally, in November, the scaffolding came down. The Pav – as it has quickly been coined – is simple and pared back. The two-storey white weatherboard building doesn’t detract from the beauty of its location, which is undoubtedly its biggest drawcard.

Terrigal Boardwalk from Terrigal Pavilion deck — Terrigal Boardwalk can be seen to the left. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Perched on The Haven – a small beach adjacent to Terrigal, encircled by rocky headlands and parkland – The Pav has dreamy views. A handful of boats gently sway in the sparkling water and locals relax, swim and fish on the beach below. To the left, waves break against Terrigal Boardwalk.

Views of Terrigal Beach from Terrigal Pavilion at the Haven — Unbeatable beachside views of The Haven and Terrigal Beach. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Taking advantage of this outlook, The Pavilion has an undercover verandah and alfresco deck on the upper floor, strung with festoon lights and white umbrellas.

dining with sea views at Terrigal Pavilion — The view alone is unmissable. (Image: Megann Evans Photography)

And downstairs, The Tropic (a Mediterranean restaurant, opening in December) has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to let in the sea breeze.

The first look

indoor seating with sea views at Terrigal Pavilion — The Pavilion has picturesque seating with epic sea views. (Image: Megann Evans Photography)

We arrive on a Saturday afternoon and are warmly welcomed at the door and directed up the terrazzo stairs. Inside The Pavilion, we are greeted by more staff who help us find a table – it feels professional but completely approachable. The space is bright, open and airy, with a high ceiling of exposed beams, plenty of seating, a huge brick pizza oven and two bars, one inside and one out. During our lunch, we don’t experience any queues, and with ample staff, service is efficient. Our water jug is quickly replenished and we are checked on – but not too frequently that it’s imposing.

vibrant food plates at Terrigal Pavilion — Savour succulent seafood plates and plenty more.

The Pav offers a casual bar menu – the likes of freshly shucked oysters, salads, nachos and woodfired pizzas. We share the guacamole with corn chips and pico de gallo, followed by huge juicy prawns, and I have a Benny’s Avo Salad with grilled chicken. The dishes are simple but tasty and filling.

Drinks on the deck at Terrigal Pavilion at the Haven — Summer spritzes and non-alcoholic beverages flow at the rooftop bar. (Image: Kitti Gould)

There’s a great beverage list, and low and no-alcohol options. Server Freddy doesn’t miss a beat: he introduces himself, has a friendly chat and helps us with our cocktail choices. We start with a Tropic Margarita (tequila, bergamot, kaffir lime and oleo sacrum).

pouring sparkling rosé into a glass at Terrigal Pavilion — Think refined dining accompanied by the signature rosé.

Mixologist and bar supervisor Drew says the oleo sacrum (lemon syrup) is made in-house using lemon peel that’s left over from seafood dish prep, with an aim to reduce waste where they can. It’s refreshing with a floral essence and the perfect starter. Later, the Iced Espresso Martini is too easy on the palate.

view of boats from The Pavilion restaurant — The vibes are relaxed. (Image: Megann Evans Photography)

The Pavilion feels casual and relaxed, like a good beachside pub/bistro should, and the reasonable prices reflect this too. It’s still very on trend, though. There’s a mixed crowd of people walking in from a day at the beach, with a few families, but many are dressed up for the occasion. Come late afternoon on weekends, the good-time crowd rolls in with live DJs playing under a shiny disco ball.

Outside, The General Store serves (very good) coffee, smoothies and easy takeaway food – such as acai, bacon and egg rolls and fish and chips. With the beach, oval and parklands steps away, it’s perfect for an easy, breezy feed with the family.

The verdict

Views of the Haven from the deck at Terrigal Pavilion — The Terrigal Pavilion lives up to expectations. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Every element of The Pav has been carefully considered, from its beautiful coastal aesthetics to its food and drink offerings. The excellent service was my biggest takeaway. Overall, The Pav feels casual but cool, like a Central Coast venue should. Summer is looking good.

The details

Location: First Floor/2 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal NSW 2260

Opening hours: The Pavilion is open Monday – Friday: 12pm – late and Saturday – Sunday: 11am – late; The Tropic is open Wednesday to Sunday: 11:30am – late; and The General Store is open every day: 6am – 8pm.

Accessibility: There is ramp access into the venue from the bottom entrance and lift access from the main access doors via the car park.

Website: Terrigal Pavilion

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

NSW gets its own version of iconic Burleigh Pavilion. Does it deliver?