Discover Gerroa
A standout on the South Coast of NSW, Gerroa is a laid-back beach village that laps up summer vibes year-round.
Seven mile beach is famous for many things including where the Crooked River meets the sea, where surf schools teach future surfing champions, being a prime spot for evening fishing, having a reputation for idyllic wind surfing conditions and historically, being the place where Sir Charles Kingsford Smith took off from in the early hours of January 11, 1933 to land in Plymouth, NZ some 14 hours later. Legend has it that flares were lit upon the beach to mark the runway and several thousand locals from nearby and as far away as Sydney came to witness the 2:30 am departure!
A monument commemorating the first commercial flight between Australia and New Zealand, and its pilot, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, is at the entry to Gerroa at Kingsford Smith Memorial Park.
It has one restaurant called the The Blu Swimmer. Take away coffee is served from 7:30 am. Get in early for lunch or dinner as it is very popular.
The local post office at 22 Stafford Street, also serves as a grocery and newsagent.
Download this guide, packed with information on Heart of Gerroa and what to do when you stay here, whether it is on a family holiday or with adult friends on a weekend away!
First of all, you don’t have to do anything! Heart of Gerroa is designed to relax, completely. But if you want a break from relaxation, then there is plenty to choose from including to enjoy the stunning beauty that Gerroa and the South Coast has to offer.
You can enjoy swimming, walking, fishing, surfing, wind surfing at Seven Mile Beach which is just steps from the house. You may even enrol in surfing lessons at the local Surf school.
Children love paddling in Crooked River, particularly in the early evening when the water is warm. They might like to spot the fossils on the wave cut platforms, fish off the rocks, fly a kite or kick a ball on the Gerroa Headland. Stand up paddle boarding or kayaking on Crooked River is a must for anyone who enjoys these activities. The nearby caravan park can rent out equipment.
Golfers can enjoy a few rounds of Golf at the picturesque Gerringong Golf Course, 2 kms away, overlooking Walkers Beach.
Tennis Courts are also available at the Gerringong Tennis Club on Werri beach, and a squash court is at 29 Belinda St.
If alcohol related fun is your thing, then you will be most pleased!
Stoic brewing is based in Gerringong. New brews are launched throughout the year. Make sure to try the PassionBerry Oat Cream Sour, or if IPAs are your favourite tipple then go for the Kia Ora IPA, a nod to our neighbours. Our favourite is the Stoic Pale Ale.
The Shoalhaven Coast wine-growing region stretches from Kiama in the North to Milton in the South and west to Kangaroo Valley on the South Coast NSW. The Shoalhaven Coast wine trail meanders through luscious green valleys and overlooks some of the country’s most pristine beaches. It is one of the few regions in Australia where visitors have the unique experience of meeting vignerons and winemakers at cellar doors.
Click to download the Official Shoalhaven guide to Wine in the region
There are a range of wineries nearby Gerroa.
The nearest winery to Gerroa is Crooked River Winery famous for its classic blends and outdoor events and concerts. Wine tasting is available for a small costs, redeemable against purchases. The restaurant serves formal and casual meals against the jaw dropping vista. Highly recommended.
Coolongatta Estate, is one of the oldest vineyards in the region. Known for Semillon and award-winning Chardonnay. In the last 30 years Coolangatta has won over 2200 wine awards and 210 trophies at International, National and Regional wine shows. Coolangatta Estate is the South Coast’s most awarded and the region’s only 5-star winery.
Two Figs Winery is located on the corner of Back Forest Road, 12 km from Berry and 10km from Gerroa. The winery has a large selection of well known grapes including Rose, Grenache, Shiraz but also some boutique wines such as Fiano and Sienna. Well worth a visit.
Click to download the Official Shoalhaven guides to Canoeing & Kayaking, Surfing, Walking and Whale Watching.
Families will enjoy water filled fun at Jamberoo Action Park with lots of fun rides to occupy the day and amuse the children.
Drive to the Illawarra Fly Top walk and Zipline for amazing views over the rain forest as well as spectacular coastal views. Booking in advance is recommended.
Kangaroo Valley, the Fitzroy Falls, the Southern Highlands, including Bowral and Bundanoon and Jervis Bay are terrific day trips from Gerroa.
Jervis Bay is an hour drive south of Gerroa. The town of Huskisson (known as Husky) is where all the action takes place outside of the famous beaches and national parks.
You can enjoy dolphin or whale watching (in season) at Jervis Bay as well as a range of water sports and cruises.
Gerringong
4km north of Gerroa, it is the quintessential Australian beach town with an all-embracing and welcoming community. It is surrounded by Werri lagoon and Werri beach. Cafes and eateries serving up Aussie favourites and contemporary choices. One of the largest and oldest surfing stores, Natural Necessity, is on the main street. Check it out just to soak up some Aussie surf culture. Sunday afternoon music sessions happen at the surf club during the summer season.
If whale watching is your thing, then Gerringong can sort that for you. A whale watching platform is located above the cliffs on the Gerringong headland. This is the ideal place to watch migrating whales between May and July when they head north and again between September to November on their way back. A short walk will take you to the Boar harbour and rock pool.
Outside the town heading towards Gerroa lies the 18-hole Gerringong golf course with some of the best ocean vistas available anywhere in the world.
Berry
With its charming main street, lush landscape and an assortment of epicurean experiences, it’s easy to see why Berry is a popular escape for Sydneysiders and visitors from Canberra. 12km inland from Gerroa, Berry is a historical and picture-perfect town. Full of heritage buildings, antique stores, shops selling collectibles and handmade goods, there is something for everyone here.
Plus, it has evolved into a foodies paradise in recent years. Be warned, the queues for the Berry Donut Van can stretch the length of the street on busy Sundays!
Kiama
In March 2023, Bernard Salt, famous demographer, wrote in the Australian newspaper that Kiama was the most liveable town in Australia and its people were probably the happiest in the country. A big call! But in Kiama no one was surprised.
People flock to Kiama to witness the force of nature that is the town’s famed blowhole and walk the Kiama Coast Walk, 20 km of sealed paths and stunning views or use Kiama as a base to visit nearby Jamberoo Action Park
There are plenty to choose from. We have put together a guide to a selection of local favourites. Download here