Terrey Hills

Nestled between Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the northern beaches, Terrey Hills feels a world away from Sydney’s bustle. This leafy suburb is a gateway to wild bushland, winding scenic drives, and a surprising cluster of art galleries and garden nurseries. With its village atmosphere and easy access to both coast and hinterland, Terrey Hills is a perfect stop for travellers seeking a slower, more local experience on their way to or from the Central Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – Minutes away, this ancient park offers Aboriginal rock engravings, the West Head lookout with jaw-dropping views across Broken Bay, and excellent bushwalking trails like the Resolute Track.
• Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club – A scenic 18-hole golf course set among eucalypts; even non-golfers can enjoy the bistro with its terrace and bush views.
• Art and craft galleries – The area is dotted with studios and galleries, including the acclaimed Mona Vale Gallery and local ceramics workshops.
• Garden nurseries – Plant lovers should visit Terrey Hills Garden Centre and Flower Power for native plants and café pit stops.
• Baha’i House of Worship – A striking lotus-shaped temple in nearby Ingleside, open to all for quiet reflection and guided tours.
• Scenic drives – The loop via McCarrs Creek Road and Mona Vale Road offers sweeping views of Pittwater and the rugged national park.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find half a day enough to explore Terrey Hills itself – perhaps a morning walk in the national park followed by lunch at the golf club or a nursery café. If you plan to hike in Ku-ring-gai Chase or visit the Baha’i temple, allow a full day. Terrey Hills also works well as a quick coffee stop on a self-drive itinerary between Sydney and the Central Coast.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – Endless trails, Aboriginal sites, and water activities; a must for nature lovers.
• Palm Beach – Iconic beach with the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk; 20 minutes east.
• Mona Vale – Surf beach, rock pools, and a lively village centre; 15 minutes south.
• Church Point – Waterfront hamlet with ferry access to Pittwater’s hidden coves; 10 minutes northeast.
• Avalon Beach – Relaxed surf town with a cinema and coastal walks; 20 minutes southeast.
• Gosford & the Central Coast – Continue north for the Australian Reptile Park, rainforest walks, and the waterfront at Gosford.

Please check official sources for current details.