Terrigal is a major coastal suburb of the Central
Coast region of New South Wales, Australia,
located 12 kilometres (7 mi) east of Gosford on
the Pacific Ocean. Terrigal is part of the City of
Gosford local government area.

Terrigal was first settled in 1826 by European
Settler John Gray, who called his property
Tarrygal, after the indigenous Aboriginal place
name, signifying 'place of little birds'.

Terrigal's long beach is highly popular with
tourists with a large Crowne Plaza hotel. Of
geographical significance are the Terrigal
lagoons. There are in fact two lagoons at
Terrigal, one of which has been filled in to
make way for a traffic oval. A local landmark is
"The Skillion", a promontory which provides a
view of all Terrigal. In recent years the Skillion
has undergone rehabilitation by the local city
council.
Other popular attractions are the numerous
nearby surf schools and trails.

The Skillion is on a preserved area of land
known as "The Haven". The Haven is centered
by a popular public oval which is home of the
"Terrigal Trojans", a Rugby Union club. Their new
club house was provided by Gosford City
Council. During the summer it is used by the
Terrigal Matcham Cricket Club for both senior
and junior fixtures. The Haven also has a
popular boat ramp which is partnered by a
diving club, and a small number of restaurants
and cafes (due to tight development
restrictions on the area).


Terrigal in the 1920s Gosford City Council has
invested Terrigal's CBD with a multi-level car
park, esplanade walkway and stormwater
drainage system.
As a result of improved infrastructure and
increased developer interest, Terrigal has
become substantially more urban since the
1970s, when there was only one market, one
medical centre and several orchards in the
area.

Terrigal's growth as a tourist destination and
investment opportunity for wealthy individuals,
such as holiday homes and small businesses,
has had both positive and negative effects on
the area.