Photo: Poyt448 Peter Woodard / CC BY-SA 3.0
Gerroa is a sleepy coastal village on the South Coast of New South Wales, where the lush green hills of the Seven Mile Beach National Park meet the Tasman Sea. It's the kind of place where you kick off your shoes, breathe in the salt air, and let the rhythm of the waves set your pace. With a laid-back vibe and spectacular natural surrounds, Gerroa is a perfect escape from the city, offering world-class surfing, serene walks, and a genuine taste of coastal Australian life.
Highlights & What to See
- Seven Mile Beach – A stunning stretch of golden sand that lives up to its name, ideal for long walks, swimming, and sunbathing. The northern end is patrolled in summer, while the southern end is a haven for surfers.
- Seven Mile Beach National Park – A protected coastal reserve with walking trails through heathland and dunes, offering excellent birdwatching and panoramic ocean views. Keep an eye out for kangaroos at dawn and dusk.
- Gerroa Boat Harbour – A picturesque working harbour where you can watch fishing boats come in, launch a kayak, or enjoy a fish and chips picnic on the grassy foreshore.
- Surfing at Crooked River – The river mouth creates a reliable right-hand break that's popular with local surfers. It's best on a mid-tide with a southerly swell.
- Headland Walk – A short but rewarding coastal walk from the boat harbour to the headland, with benches to sit and whale-watch during migration season (May–November).
Suggested Time to Spend
Gerroa is a destination you can experience in a day, but it's best enjoyed over a leisurely weekend. If you're driving from Sydney, plan to arrive by mid-morning to make the most of the beach and a coastal walk. For surfers, an overnight stay allows you to catch both the dawn and dusk sessions. Combine Gerroa with nearby towns like Kiama or Berry for a fuller South Coast itinerary.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Kiama – Just 15 minutes north, famous for the Kiama Blowhole, coastal walks, and a charming main street with cafes and galleries.
- Berry – A historic town 20 minutes inland, known for its antique shops, craft breweries, and the scenic Berry Mountain walking trails.
- Shoalhaven Heads – A quiet village at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach, with a golf course and bird-filled wetlands.
- Jervis Bay – About 45 minutes south, home to some of the whitest sands in the world and pristine marine parks perfect for kayaking and dolphin cruises.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Sea Cliff Bridge — illawarrashowcase / CC BY 2.0
- Nan Tien Temple — . Adam ( talk ) / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Kiama — Maksym Kozlenko / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Seven Mile Beach National Park — Kacey Chong / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Shoalhaven Heads — Repomonkey at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5