One of the most popular spots on the Central Coast, just north of Sydney, is Terrigal. This beachside suburb is home to an excellent beach and parks, making it popular for both day trippers and those staying on the Central Coast. Find out what you can get up to when you visit Terrigal with a dog…
Are Dogs Allowed on Terrigal Beach?
Not surprisingly, dogs are not allowed on the popular Terrigal Beach, running alongside the suburb. However, head just north of Terrigal Beach and the Lagoon to Wamberal Beach.
Dogs are allowed off-leash on the southern end of Wamberal Beach all day long. The off-leash section starts just north of the entrance to the Terrigal Lagoon and extends north to Surfers Road, running parallel to Ocean View Drive. Double check the exact start and end point on the local signs.
Dog-Friendly Parks in Terrigal
There is a great spot though in Terrigal where dogs are allowed off-leash. There’s an off-leash dog exercise area at Terrigal Haven, the large reserve on the headland just to the south of Terrigal Beach.
The off-leash area is unfenced, but is marked with small signs around the perimeter. It’s a great spot for an off-leash play and walk with your dog, complete with views across Terrigal Beach and even the chance of spotting a whale during the winter and spring months. Just be mindful of the nearby carpark.
For a complete listing of dog-friendly parks and beaches in the Central Coast region, check out this listing, which nows provides maps for all locations.
Dog-Friendly Walks in Terrigal
There’s a number of great dog-friendly walks in Terrigal, taking advantage of its coastal location and many parks.
One of the most popular walking spots in Terrigal at the moment is the Terrigal Boardwalk. This beautiful 200m long boardwalk was completed in 2021, linking Terrigal Beach and Terrigal Haven, jutting out in front of the cliffs. And luckily on-leash dogs are welcome on the boardwalk.
I recommend combining a walk along the boardwalk with a stroll along the promenade behind Terrigal Beach and a loop around the cliffs at Terrigal Haven. In total, the walk is about 3.2km long, and easy if you skip heading up the Skillion.
Start the walk anywhere along Terrigal Beach – I’ve measured the distance starting from the northern end of the Esplanade opposite Painters Lane. At Terrigal Haven, follow the footpath past the boat ramp and the carpark up around the headland. Along the way, you’ll pass the large off-leash area on the hill side – perhaps let your dog off leash for this part of the walk.
Just after the off-leash area is a lookout, but for more great views, continue further. Take the footpath past the parked cars (with your dog back on a leash) and climb the stairs up the Skillion, that rises high up on the headland. It’s quite a climb, but the views from the top are excellent and its the best spot around to glimpse whales. If you’d prefer a more leisurely walk, skip this section.
From Terrigal Haven, retrace your footsteps to Terrigal Beach. It’s also possible to complete this route starting at Terrigal Haven, either starting or ending with the Skillion, thanks to the large carparks making this an easier spot to park.
There’s also a great footpath leading north from Terrigal Beach, to Terrigal Lagoon, with dogs allowed on-leash. There’s no shortage of great coastal walks to do with your dog in Terrigal!
Dog-Friendly Cafes & Pubs in Terrigal
There’s plenty of relaxed cafes in Terrigal with outdoor dining areas, where dogs are likely to be allowed to join you. Alternatively, head to the Terrigal Hotel. Dogs are allowed in the large shaded outdoor seating area with views across to the beach. The pub is open seven days a week.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation near Terrigal
Right on the beachfront in Terrigal is the large Crowne Plaza Terrigal, but unfortunately this hotel is not pet-friendly.
If you want to stay in Terrigal, I recommend instead checking out the latest listings for holiday homes and apartments on websites such as Stayz and Airbnb. Just book well in advance, as I’ve usually found many holiday rentals on the Central Coast don’t allow pets.
For a pet-friendly caravan park near Terrigal, I recommend heading north of Terrigal to the Toowoon Bay Holiday Park, where dogs are welcome on sites year round, although there is a limit of one mild-mannered pet per site during peak periods.
Alternatively, the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort in Umina Beach allow pets on sites outside of the peak seasons (the Christmas, Easter and September/October school holidays). Up to two small dogs under 25kg are permitted per site, with direct bookings essential.
You May Also Like
- Dog-Friendly Central Coast
- Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Central Coast of NSW
- Top Dog-Friendly Walks on the Central Coast of NSW
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.