Gerroa has one of NSW’s prettiest family beaches, tucked away at the end of Seven Mile Beach in the beautiful Kiama region in south coast NSW. A drive down to this special spot will remind you of childhood trips with family in the old holden, walks along the beach collecting driftwood, the spray of the ocean and hot chips for lunch.
For such a peaceful little slice of paradise, it’s not far away from the big smoke – just a two hour drive from Sydney or three hours from Canberra. Lazy days on the beach here make for the perfect weekend escape or longer family holiday.
The beach here is sheltered from the wind and ocean currents and loved by families. Gentle waves flow into shore for the kids to splash in, and the water is calm enough for them to learn to stand up paddle board and surf. Sandcastles on the beach are popular, and the rock platforms at the northern end of the beach are worth exploring, with little pools hiding ocean treasures for kids to discover (but do be careful of blue ringed octopus).
Where the river meets the beach. Pic: Visit NSW
Little ones love paddling in Crooked River that runs right through Gerroa and out to sea, and make sure to bring handlines and rods for fishing from shore. At low tide fishermen and families pump for bait on the sandbars and you can go prawning at dusk – make sure to bring flashlights.
You can also picnic at the Gerroa picnic area just back from the beach, and explore the Sand Track Walk through the native forest.
There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy, you’re really only limited by the gear you strap to the roof of the car, and if you don’t have your own, the Kiama Coast Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park has kayaks and fishing gear for hire.
The holiday park is nestled between Crooked River and Seven Mile Beach and has cabins, safari tents, ensuite sites and powered sites (and while a little more expensive that other parks, they do have a special 4pm check out on Sundays). There’s lots of fun activities for kids like a jumping pillow, kids’ playgrounds, pools, a half court tennis court, foosball and arcade games. The park also has resident goats and birds that you can visit in the aviaries next to the office, and from April to September you can hire a fire pit and enjoy the riverside heated pool. Across the other side the river, Gerroa Discovery Park offers the same amenities including a pool, jumping pillow and a variety of sites and cabins.
Fabulous fishing at Crooked River Pic: @gogogoexplore
If you’re after a holiday house take a look at The Green Dragon, a beachfront home that sleeps six and has views all the way down the coastline. The Palm Oasis sleeps 12 and is just a few steps from Werri Beach, and the Hamptons Escape is a stunning eight bed home overlooking the ocean. If you want the best of the country and coast, The Shed is surrounded by green rolling hills that overlook the crashing waves and you can snuggle up beside the fire in winter or take a splash in the plunge pool in summer. You can find more Gerroa holiday homes for rent here.
While there’s not much in the way of shops in Gerroa itself, it has all you need for a weekend away. Seven Mile Beach Kiosk, on the riverside of the caravan park, has basic supplies, coffee and takeaway food. Supplies and newspapers are also available at the Gerroa Newsagency, Post Office and General Store located on Stafford Street on the northern side of the river.
Beautiful Crooked River Pic @gogogoexplore
You can get a takeaway coffee or enjoy a delicious sit-down meal from the Blue Swimmer Restaurant across the bridge on the northern side of the river. They’re open from the morning for breakfast and lunch and serve dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. At the top of the hill within walking distance from the caravan park you can enjoy a cold drink and a meal with breathtaking views out across Seven Mile Beach at the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club. It’s definitely worth popping in for the view alone even just for one drink. If you’ve got kids with you there’s a grassy hill and open space for them to run around on the beach side of the building.
Seven Mile Beach Pic: Visit NSW
About the author:
Tracey McAndrew loves to travel both within Australia and overseas with her husband and two kids. They’re currently exploring a bit closer to home in their caravan before setting off on a year’s adventure around Australia in January 2021. Follow their adventures at Instagram @gogogoexplore
Photo credit:
Feature photo thanks to Visit NSW.
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