Terrigal From Above: The Best of Terrigal, NSW Through the Lens of a Local Photographer
Terrigal is one of those places I’ve shot more than 100 times. It’s always different. Whether you’re here for a summer holiday, a morning swim, or just to grab a coffee and stroll the boardwalk, there’s always something that catches your eye and your heart.
As a landscape and lifestyle photographer, I’ve spent countless mornings and evenings chasing the light here. Sometimes it’s the glow across the side of the Skillion and over the Haven just before sunrise. Other times it’s the energy of the Surf Club buzzing with life at dawn. Every corner of this town has its own rhythm. Over the years I’ve captured them all. Here’s my guide to the best of Terrigal, with stories behind the shots that now live as fine-art prints in my collection.
Terrigal Beach & Surf Club
The main beach is the heartbeat of Terrigal. Early mornings are all about swimmers heading for a dip, surfers running across the sand, and locals walking their dogs. The Surf Club stands proudly at the centre of it all.
One of my favourite sights is the hustle and bustle around the swim teams as they get ready to brave the water, full of healthy rivalry and energy. As you can imagine, it can get a little competitive.
The Haven & The Skillion
Just around the headland, The Haven feels like a hidden pocket of calm. Boats bob quietly, families set up for picnics, and in the distance, the Skillion rises. A dramatic cliff face that has become one of Terrigal’s most recognisable landmarks.
I’ve climbed the Skillion countless times. Keep your eyes peeled for runners and fitness fanatics enjoying the “punishment” the climb has to offer. There’s a magic moment when the first light breaks the horizon and throws shadows across the ocean. It’s always worth the early alarm. The run down is fun too.
Crowne Plaza & Terrigal Beach House
The Crowne Plaza is one of Terrigal’s most recognisable landmarks. It stretches across the esplanade with sweeping ocean views. Beneath it, the Terrigal Beach House spills out onto the beachfront. It’s a lively spot for sunsets, live music, and catching up with friends after a day by the water.
For me, this is golden-hour heaven. I often stand back with my camera as the lights of the Beach House flicker on while the sky turns shades of orange and pink. It’s a classic Terrigal moment: people, energy, and the ocean backdrop all blending together.
The Pavilion & Trojans at The Haven
The Haven isn’t just about scenery. It’s also home to some of Terrigal’s best food. The Pavilion offers relaxed coastal dining right by the water, perfect after a swim or a walk up the Skillion. Next door, Trojans has been a long-time local favourite. Big meals, cold drinks, and sweeping views across the Haven make it one of the best spots to sit back and take it all in.
Terrigal Boardwalk
The boardwalk has quickly become one of Terrigal’s most loved features. Connecting the main beach to the Haven, it’s the perfect place for families, couples, and photographers like me to slow down and enjoy the view. And what a view it is.
I’ve shot it in every way possible, but my favourite is definitely a top-down aerial. There’s something special about seeing the boardwalk from above, winding its way across the ocean.
Local Life: Swim Club, Dog Park & Gyms
Beyond the landmarks, it’s the everyday life that makes Terrigal special. The swim club gathering in the cool dawn, dogs chasing each other by the lagoon, the buzz from locals spilling out of gyms onto the esplanade. This is where the community shows its true colours.
I love photographing these smaller moments because they remind me that Terrigal isn’t just a destination. It’s a lifestyle. It’s home.
Closing Thoughts
Terrigal is more than just a coastal town. It’s a community, a lifestyle, and a place where the ocean sets the rhythm. Every photograph I take here is an attempt to capture not just the view, but the feeling of being part of it. That’s what I live for.
If you’d love to bring a piece of Terrigal into your home, you can explore my full Gallery!
