Crowne Plaza Terrigal: The perfect seaside escape

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Crowne Plaza Terrigal offers a family-friendly beachside escape in perfect style. Here’s everything to know before you book your stay.

Terrigal is the perfect setting for a laid-back flop-and-drop getaway. The beach is long, the waves are gentle, the stores are cute and the food offerings are plentiful. Right in the middle of the action, sits the striking, 4.5-star Crowne Plaza Terrigal. Its understated elegance embraces and elevates the relaxed beachside feel, and the staff welcomes guests with warm and genuine smiles.

Perfect for families looking for some bonding time (and plenty of activities to keep young ones occupied), couples looking for a romantic getaway, or groups of friends wanting to hit the bars.

bedroom view at Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Inside or out, the view is unbeatable. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

Location

The location of Crowne Plaza Terrigal really is its shining star. Right next to the heart of Terrigal on New South Wales’ Central Coast, you can barely even call the few steps it takes to reach the beach, or the many restaurants and cafes of this suburb, a walk. Not that you can’t turn it into a beautiful coastal walk if you choose to walk further on to the famous Skillion cliff in one direction, or along the water to Wamberal on the other.

aerial shot of Crowne plaza terrigal beach
Flop-and-drop with a Crowne Plaza Terrigal getaway.

As for Terrigal itself, just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, it’s a suburb that has really been booming in recent years. It’s become one of the happening places to visit on the Coast for seaside dining and/or drinks. You’ll find options that are as casual or as fine dining as you wish your occasion to be with pubs and cafes right next to bars and restaurants.

The beach here tends to be a calmer one, making it good for swimming. Plus there’s an ocean pool and heaps of rocks at the end of the sand for kids to play around.

view from inside a wave on terrigal beach
Take a dive into the calm waters of Terrigal Beach. (Image: Destination Central Coast)

Style and character

Elevated but easy, breezy beach vibes are definitely the order of the day here. With bright, crisp whites trimmed with marble, gold and wood. Crowne Plaza Terrigal has been a local icon for decades, but it still feels fresh and modern, especially once you step inside. The lobby feels quite grand, with a central spiral staircase and a very high roof.

We’ve caught them on a very busy weekend, the first weekend that really feels like summer. So service is a little on the slow side. Despite that, it’s also some of the friendliest service you’ll ever experience.

pacific king room at Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Relax into a colour scheme accentuating breezy beach vibes.

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Facilities

The pool here is amazing, especially for anyone who has ever wished to swim at the beach without dealing with all the sand. It looks out to the ocean and is just elevated enough that you can’t see the

There’s a gym, multiple in-house restaurants, a kids play room and special school holiday kids programs.

pool at Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Watch the beach as you relax by the hotel pool. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

Rooms

Crowne Plaza Terrigal has 199 guest rooms and suites, all with balconies overlooking the outdoor heated swimming pool and outwards to the beach.

We stayed in the large Pacific Suite, complete with a king-sized bedroom, entrance hall, spacious dining and lounge room and a large wrap-around balcony, perfect for catching the sunrise in the morning and enjoying sundowners in the afternoon. The bathroom alone is the size of a small Sydney studio. It screams minimalist elegance, with wide floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the panoramic view and the light.

living room in the pacific king suit Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Spread out in the Pacific Suite.

Food and drink

There are several restaurant and in-room dining options here. Meribella is the upscale offering, with a charming bar attached for a pre-dinner cocktail and a curated degustation menu available. If you do book, add the wine pairing – the passionate sommelier makes it fun and keeps the wine selection unique and interesting. In the morning, Meribella becomes the sight of a buffet breakfast for guests.

meribella dishes at Crowne Plaza Terrigal
Feast on a tasty, curated degustation menu. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Downstairs, Terrigal Beach House offers a fun and funky pub with great views. Perfect for a drink or pub grub. If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your room, there’s an extensive in-room dining menu, or wander down to the pool and order a poolside menu at The Deck.

To be completely honest, the food is absolutely top-notch, but the service was incredibly slow at every venue and even when ordering in-room dining ahead of time. The good news is, that you’re right next door to Terrigal’s incredibly diverse food offerings and range of bars to suit your vibe – whether you’re ordering a pizza to take back to your room or enjoying a modern fine dining experience.

Terrigal Beach House
Enjoy a more relaxed setting at Terrigal Beach House.

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Does Crowne Plaza Sydney have access for guests with disabilities?

All Crowne Plaza Sydney levels are accessed via a lift, making rooms and restaurants easily accessible.

Is Crowne Plaza Sydney family-friendly?

Absolutely. Families with young kids won’t be alone among the guests here. The pool area includes a smaller paddle pool, there’s a kid’s playroom with games like foosball and special school holiday kids programs. Rooms are spacious with plenty of room for families, and the breakfast buffet caters to even fussy eaters.

Details

Address: Pine Tree Ln, Terrigal NSW

Best for: Families and couples

Price: From $260

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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8 reasons it’s time to explore Lismore’s vibrant villages

(Image: Visit Lismore)

    Angela Saurine Angela Saurine
    Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.

    Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.

    1. Nights come to life

    Lismore's vibrant villages have Patrons enjoying a night out at Eltham Hotel.
    Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.

    2. A thriving arts and culture scene

    Racing on Molesworth Steet, Lismore for the BBCC Lismore Cycling Festival. Lismore's vibrant villages is filled with murals.
    Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.

    3. Boutique shopping

    Inside Two Ravens Antiques & Collectables in Lismore's vibrant villages.
    Uncover one-of-a-kind finds. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.

    4. Diverse food offerings

    Bartenders at the The Levee Lounge and Bar, Lismore
    Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.

    Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.

    Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.

    5. Alternative lifestyles reign

    Streetscape of Nimbin with buskers, Northern Rivers
    Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

    This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.

    6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep

    Person enjoying a walk through the rainforest in Nightcap National Park.
    Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.

    7. Boutique stays

    Contained in Nimbin Accommodation.
    Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)

    Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridge secluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.

    8. Form community connections

    Crowds enjoying the Lismore Lantern Parade on the North Coast.
    Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.

    Friday Meet and Make offers relaxed crafting at The Artisans Table, while Fire Twirling in The Quad delivers a high energy evening spectacle. The legendary Tropical Fruits New Years Eve Festival is a bold celebration of inclusion; Lismore Lantern Parade glows through streets with handmade lanterns on the winter solstice and Italian festival LisAmore! brings music and romance to the town.

    Start planning the ultimate getaway at visitlismore.com.au

    Is Crowne Plaza Terrigal still the suburb's best hotel? We find out