South Coast Experiences

This charming village is coastal living at its very best. Colourful houses dot the shoreline above the pretty beaches and sparkling blue ocean. This is where you’ll find Seven Mile Beach, which – true to its name – offers over 12 kilometres of golden coastline, with rich foliage behind and gentle waves in front: a great place to learn to surf. Be sure to head up to Gerroa Headland if you’re visiting between May and November – migrating dolphins and whales are frequently spotted off shore. Grab your beach brolly and a picnic and stay for the sunset show.

Things to do

The best activities in Gerroa

1. Soak up the scenery

The scenery in this part of the world is beautiful. A morning stroll along Seven Mile Beach is a must; if you walk far enough you’ll have huge stretches of sand to yourself. You should also catch the sunset at Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial Lookout or Black Head Reserve, where you can often see whales and dolphins offshore.

2. Create something unique

You can feel the artisan spirit of the South Coast in Gerroa. Channel that energy by joining a pottery workshop with Zeynep Testoni at the Gerroa Pottery Studio. Zeynep makes small batch, handmade ceramics in her picturesque studio, where she also runs workshops for levels of ability.

3. Learn to surf

With an incredible stretch of coastline that you’ll often have to yourself, there are few better places to learn to surf (or hone your skills). For those looking for professional advice, the team at Surf Camp Australia have a location here; check out their site for more details. You could also talk to your accommodation for equipment rentals, or head into nearby Gerringong where there are more options to choose from.

Where to stay

The best accommodation in Gerroa

1. Latitude 34 Gerroa

For fantastic views of the ocean and a unique modern design, the luxury beach front house Latitude 34 Gerroa is a great choice for your time on the coast. Sleeping six people, and complete with a wet edge pool, BBQ decking area and fully-equipped chef’s kitchen, this is the kind of accommodation that you’ll find difficult to leave. Read more >

2. The Palm House Gerroa

The Palm House is an idyllic getaway on Black Head reserve in Gerroa, with unobstructed ocean and headland views, direct access to secluded Shelly Beach and a short walk to spectacular Seven Mile Beach. The ultimate coastal getaway. Ideal for two families or a small group of friends, this three-level home includes three queen bedrooms and a kids’ room (with one bunk and an ensemble). Read more >

3. Beach House Gerroa

You can’t get much closer to the sand than Beach House Gerroa, where there are just a few yards separating you from the golden shore. The large French windows are a highlight, giving incredible views of the ocean. Beach House Gerroa sleeps up to 10, with plenty more space for entertaining. Read more >

Where to eat

The best restaurants in Gerroa

1. Blue Swimmer

The Blue Swimmer at Seahaven is as all Modern Australian restaurants should be – bustling with locals and tourists alike, brimming with great local produce and home to a kitchen that knows how to get the best out of it. Grab a fine single-origin coffee and some of the best eggs in NSW and enjoy the light bouncing off the Crooked River at breakfast time, or visit after sunset for great cocktails, local wines and an inventive dinner menu.

2. Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club

This club, event and live music venue serves great bistro food in The SeaHorse Restaurant with a great view of Seven Mile Beach. It’s open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with the seafood menu at ‘the Fisho’s’ the main attraction. Try the oysters kilpatrick for a celebration of great produce, or keep it classic with battered fish and chips. Either way, soak up that view as you eat.

How to get there

The best way to reach Gerroa

Gerroa is around two hours drive from central Sydney along the Grand Pacific Drive. Alternatively, travel by train on the South Coast Line, which takes just about three hours from Sydney Central to Gerringong. From there, the 126 or 130 bus will take around 10 minutes to get into Gerroa, or jump in a taxi at the station. For more information and to see bus timetables for an alternative route, take a look at transportnsw.info.

From Canberra, driving is the easiest option. The journey will take around three hours.

WE CAN HELP YOU PLAN

At South Coast Experiences, we’re here to help you plan the perfect trip to the South Coast NSW – free of charge – so please speak to us if there’s anything we can do to make your planning easier. See our full range of Experiences here >

We also help organise accommodation for groups of any size, so talk to us about what you need. See our South Coast accommodation here >