The perfect weekend escape could be just up the road

"When we pulled up, it was apparent almost immediately that this would be a very nice break."

Every parent needs a break every now and again.

Not even necessarily a break from the children, but just a break from the mundane, or the ‘sameness’ of daily life.

So when my wife and I packed our two kids in the car for a two-night getaway to Terrigal, on NSW’s Central Coast, we were a mix of stressed and excited.

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Stressed because we had a longish road trip with two kids under the age of five, and excited because it was something new.

When we pulled up to the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, it was apparent almost immediately that this would be a very nice break.

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Brand new line of suites

We stayed in one of the hotel’s new Pacific Club suites, with gorgeous views over both the pool and the ocean, and enjoyed the fresh look thanks to a recent refurbishment from Coco Republic.

The room was plenty comfortable, but being just a stone’s throw from the beach, and a short walk from the famous Skillion, there was plenty of incentive for small adventures.

First on our list though was an exquisite five-course meal at Meribella, the in-house restaurant.

From a decadent cauliflower tart for starters, through to delicious barramundi and lamb dishes for mains, and finished off with a chocolate cremeux cake that was simply to die for, the food selections can’t be praised enough.

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My daughter was certainly keen on a lamb roast.

Easy dinner down the pub

If fine dining isn’t really your thing, the Plaza is also connected to the Terrigal Beach House, the local watering hole just across the road from the beach.

It serves your typical pub fare, and you’ll either enjoy live music or watch the big game on their big screens more often than not.

And, of course, what good hotel isn’t complete without a great buffet breakfast? This one was particularly good, serving up traditional hot foods, toasts, fruits and pancakes, but also rounding it off with a smorgasbord of pastries and danishes.

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The buffet breakfast will keep even the youngest of your kids happy.

Enjoy the gorgeous ocean views

It’s not just food stuffs at the Crowne Plaza though. If you really need to relax, the resident Endota Spa will pamper you however you see fit, or you can always lounge by the pool with a drink in hand.

Of course, not many young families have the ability to just stay put in a hotel for an entire weekend - the kids will go stir crazy.

Thankfully, there’s plenty to do on the Central Coast, and nothing’s too far from the beautiful setting of Terrigal Beach.

Terrigal itself has myriad food options along the main strip, and no less than four ice-cream options if your kids are sweet tooths.

Once you’ve finished the sugary treat, burn it off with a walk along the Terrigal Boardwalk and up to The Skillion, where you get magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean and the many headlands around the Central Coast.

The walk is mostly pram friendly, and I promise your kids will enjoy running (or rolling) back down the steep hill to The Skillion once you're finished.

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Firescreek Botanical Winery is a treat tucked away about 15 minutes from Terrigal.

Hidden gem tucked off the main track

You can’t just cater for the kids though. We ventured out to the beautiful Firescreek Botanical Winery, tucked away in Holgate, about a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

Firescreek makes delicious fruit wines, which were ably paired with locally made chocolates for a tranquil experience in the winery’s gardens.

If chocolate isn’t your thing, the winery also offers garden tours, winemaking tours, and foraging tours. And, of course, they can all be topped off with a drop at the cellar door.

If you’re looking for more adventure, the Australian Reptile Park will keep both you and the kids entertained.

Although it says ‘reptile park’ on the label, it’s so much more than that. The park naturally has crocs, turtles, and snakes, but also has many of your favourite Aussie animals, including Kangaroos (which the kids will love feeding), koalas, wombats, echidnas, and the elusive Tasmanian devils.

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There's plenty to see at the Australian Reptile Park, but I couldn't go past my personal favourite.

"I promise it's worth it"

We were lucky enough to have a behind-the-scenes tour, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Ever wanted to feed a Galapagos turtle, or throw fruit to a temperamental cassowary? That’s your chance.

Of course, the park is also famous for its milking programs for both spiders and snakes, and if you’re brave enough you’ll also get a demonstration of both.

Our kids did eventually get fed up, so thankfully there was a great playground on offer to burn off the last energy before we loaded back into the car for the trip home.

So if you’re looking for a mini break in Sydney these school holidays, why not look just up the road? I promise it’s worth it.

Originally published as The perfect weekend escape could be just up the road