A locals' shortlist of the best bars, pubs and live music venues within 15 minutes of Forries Beach Cottage — from the Forries Beach Hotel five minutes up the road, to clifftop cocktails at Crowne Plaza Terrigal.
Forries Beach Hotel — the local pub, walkable from the cottage. Beer garden, family-friendly bistro, occasional live music on weekends.
Shelly Beach Surf Club bar — relaxed beachfront bar with sunset views over the water.
Terrigal (10 min)
The Florida Beach Bar (Crowne Plaza Terrigal) — upstairs Mediterranean-style bar with one of the best ocean views on the coast. Cocktails, share plates, sunset drinks.
Pocket Bar Terrigal — small, cosy cocktail bar with a strong local crowd.
The Savoy Hotel — relaxed beachfront pub with one of the largest beer gardens on the coast.
Bombini at Avoca — neighbouring suburb (15 min); celebrated wine bar attached to the restaurant.
Clubs & live music
Terrigal Bowling Club — barefoot social bowls, regular live music, very family-friendly bistro. A genuine local institution and one of the best-value nights out on the coast.
The Entrance Leagues Club — large RSL-style venue with regular touring music acts, family bistro and big screens.
Long Jetty Bowling Club — recently revamped with a hip food and drinks menu and frequent live music.
Lizotte's (Newcastle, 1 hr north) — destination dinner-and-show venue if a major touring act is on.
Wine bars & small bars
Bombini Wine Bar (Avoca) — natural wine list, small plates.
Pocket Bar (Terrigal & Wamberal) — small-batch coffee by day, wine and cocktails by night.
The Cellar Door at Yellowtail (Crowne Plaza) — quiet, refined, strong wine list.