Located in The Clan on the foreshore of Terrigal Lagoon, this Tudor-style establishment called Maccoa is a local favourite for breakfast. The view is fantastic and the menu is superbly fresh. Expect classics like eggs benedict and avo smash plus the Maccoa Big Brekky for hungry hearts. Produce is sourced from Central Coast businesses including Killarney Bakery, Coastal Providores, the Egg Shed and even gin from Distillery Botanica (for later).

A picture perfect postcard of Terrigal! Explore the lagoon on one of many brightly coloured paddleboats for hire. Laughs are almost guaranteed as you and your boating partner navigate the waterway as stylishly as possible, or simply use the time floating along the surface to chill and chat. Plus if you went for that big breakfast at Maccoa, this activity is right next door and ready to work up an appetite for lunch.

Beside Terrigal Lagoon you'll discover a shady, family-friendly green space featuring Parklife Coffee and the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre. Park your excitement to enter the centre and refuel with freshly roasted coffee and a bite at the outdoor cafe. This is a great spot for the whole family, as kids can go wild in the cute playground, while parents take a moment of me-time, or even pull up a picnic rug.

Dive under the surface to learn more about the local marine wonderland at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre. This family-friendly educational experience invites children to explore and interact with the world under the waves by painting a sea creature, building a whale, or creating a turtle. It's also completely adult-friendly, with hands-on museum exhibits and displays with fascinating insight into the HMAS shipwreck just off Terrigal's coast.

As sunset falls over Terrigal's shores, grab a table at one of many restaurants lining the high street. Choose from Thai food at Thaiger Temple, pizza at Four Hands, or fresh seafood from Swells Terrigal. There's a range of global flavours dished up every weekend in the heart of Terrigal, just remember to book ahead to secure your spot as these beachfront dinner venues are often hives of activity.

If you haven't tried to conquer the famous 'Ice cream Sink' at Terrigal Icecreamery, have you even been to Terrigal? This food challenge has long been a favoured past-time for locals of all ages, but it's now a trend for visitors to attempt eating a ridiculous amount of scoops to secure their photo on the parlour's wall. Choose your flavours wisely and definitely enlist a mate.

Stay the night on the edge of the iconic Terrigal Lagoon at The Clan, completing the perfect loop from where you had breakfast in the morning. This accommodation offers a cottage-style elegance that will ensure you feel equal measures of cosiness, comfort, and seaside charm. You can also catch the magnificent sunrise from this location by setting the alarm and stepping out onto the sandy shores of the lagoon.

Before you make your way to spending a day exploring The Haven, start your morning off with a fresh cup of coffee. Located further up the north end of Terrigal Beach, stop by Luna Cafe. Breathe in that fresh sea breeze as you sip away on your cappuccino, and if you're closer to The Haven, stop by Legend Coffee. This coffee bar uses their very own coffee beans roasted in-house at their roastery in West Gosford, so you know you're getting the good stuff with every sip.

If you've dreamt of exploring the world under the sea, grab a chance to learn to scuba dive with the experts at ProDive Central Coast. Explore the ex-HMAS Adelaide, the largest warship off the NSW coast, which sits just a few kilometres off Terrigal's shore. Now considered a world-class dive attraction, this huge vessel is a purposely-scuttled diver recreation area with a lively artificial reef.

Dry off and venture just a stone's throw to the Haven Beach Kiosk for lunch. This place often has a queue for fresh fish and chips around lunchtime. Enjoy your hot parcel of seafood seaside on the cafe's outdoor deck, at one of the picnic tables looking out to Terrigal Beach, or on the grassy hills surrounding The Haven.

One of Terrigal's iconic attractions is its steep headland lookout, The Skillion. Stretch your legs with a short but sharp walk to the peak of this popular spot for panoramic photos. Views extend from Avoca Beach in the south to Forresters Beach in the north. Watch sunset from here or spot a whale during their annual migration, along with occasional pods of dolphins playing off shore.

After swimming, diving and walking up The Skillion, you're probably famished? A short walk along the Terrigal boardwalk will bring you to Meribella, a fine dining restaurant with a contemporary take on old world charm classics. Take in picturesque epic water view thanks to the glass conservatory the restaurant is housed in.  It's highly recommended to book a table, especially if you're dining around dusk when the vistas are spectacular. 

The Star of the Sea luxury apartments boast some of the best accommodation views across the entire Central Coast. Situated atop the headland between the bustling Terrigal Esplanade and The Haven, you're perched in the perfect position to easily access the town centre for its nightlife, and the secluded cove for a revitalising morning swim. 

Start your last morning in Terrigal with a visit to one of Terrigal's longest running cafes, and of course a local favourite; Bellyfish Cafe. Known for its specialty coffee and fresh seasonal dishes, sit back and relax as you enjoy a hearty meal with ocean views - think smashed avo or fluffy pancakes to fuel your morning.

Next, you'll swap your coffee for the salty breeze as you set sail with Terrigal Ocean Tours. Depending on the season, book either their Whale Watching tour and catch glimpses of mighty whales breaching the blue, or book their Seal and Dolphin Tour and watch dolphins dance through the waves in pods. 

Once you're back on dry land, it's time to head back to The Esplanade and pay Lemmy's Deli a visit. Expect hearty, freshly made sandwiches cut into a glorious cross-section. Whether you choose the classic bacon and egg sambo, or their Lemmy's special featuring crispy chicken schnitzel, or you simply prefer a zesty veggie number, every bite you take is a love letter to comfort food. 

Once you let lunch settle, head back to Terrigal Haven and explore the crystal-clear waters of The Haven with an afternoon of snorkelling. Glide over seaweed gardens and spot schools of fish right below you. With the headland sheltering the bay, the water here is calm - great for an underwater adventure!

As the sky turns golden and the last glimpses of light rolls across Terrigal Beach, settle in for dinner at either Bones and Smoke, where classic cuts of meat and bold, smoky flavours are centre stage, or visit Coco Bar and Dining for a refined, coastal dining spot. Whether you're in the mood for smokehouse meats in the style of share plates, or elegant dining, both promise an amazing meal. 

As the night deepens, celebrate a well-deserved weekend away in Terrigal by heading out for a night on the town. Step into the moody allure of Void Bar or Lost Souls, where the art of mixology meets an atmosphere of intrigue. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails in a dimly lit, intimate setting at Void Bar, or head to Lost Souls and revel in their underground vibe and live music whilst you indulge in tasty cocktails.