Gerringong, NSW
A vibrant coastal location where rolling green hills meet dramatic blue sea that is spoiled with a thriving bar & restaurant scene.
Where To Stay In Gerringong
Werri Beach Holiday Park occupies some prime real estate right on the famed Werri Beach. This is a spacious and family-friendly park and if you’re not taking the van, we can highly recommend the Cabins on the beach side. This is a Park with plenty to offer in terms of on-site amenities. For those who like to swim but prefer a pool to the ocean, you’re at the right place and no doubt will be spending plenty of time in the resort-style swimming pool. If you’re after dry land activities, there’s a tennis court as well as a playground for the kids, and a well-maintained camp kitchen. Accommodation options include various Cabins including several with private spas, as well as both grassed and concrete Sites. Bringing your four-legged friend? Dogs are welcome seasonally, outside of NSW School Holidays, Public Holidays and Long Weekends.
Where To Eat & Drink In Gerringong
It’s worth the short drive over to Blue Swimmer Restaurant in nearby Gerroa. This fantastic cafe and restaurant is open all day but we love their breakfast offering and head straight for the Eggs Benedict or Ricotta Pancakes. At lunchtime, nestled in the hills behind Gerringong you’ll find Crooked River Wines. This beautiful winery and gourmet restaurant is a hidden secret, we love the lamb shoulder and pairing it with their “Saddleback Mountain” red wine blend, a delicious combination of Chambourcin, Sangiovese, and Cabernet grapes. Come evening time, head on over to The Hill Bar & Kitchen. This stylish drinking and dining establishment has a stunning view across the coast so we highly recommend being there for sunset. Its diverse menu has something for everyone but don’t go past the tacos! For the footy (of the NRL variety) fans, a visit to Cronin’s Hotel is a must-do. Owned by league legend Mick Cronin, this pub is an ode to league history and always hosts an excited crowd on match days.
What To Do In Gerringong
Given we’re on the coast, let’s start with some water-related activities. Equally as visually impressive as it is enjoyable to swim in, the Ourie Ocean Pool, set against the backdrop of Gerringong's dramatic cliffs and rolling green hills, is the perfect place for a relaxing swim away from surf, or simply to capture that next insta shot. If you’re not here in the swimming season all is far from lost. From late May to July you’re sure to spot whales breaching out of the ocean on their migration path north. There’s a purpose-built observation platform at the top of Tasman Drive which is the best place to go to see this. For those looking to get a sweat up, the Kiama Coastal Walk is roughly 20 km spread over three sections of unspoiled ocean views from Gerringong to Minnamurra River. With a mixture of sealed paths, grassed tracks and beach walking, this is suitable for people of all fitness levels and you can turn around at any time.
The Essentials
No need to travel far for the essentials here with Gerringong having a well-stocked IGA and a pharmacy. Issues with your RV? The team at Lockards Canvas Goods located at the back side of town behind the football club are some of the best in the business.
The Drive
As always, we give you the rundown on the drive you’ll take from the three closest capital cities:
From Sydney - At just 133 km from central Sydney, this is a drive to do in one hit. With the majority of your time being spent on the Hume Highway, you’ll take 1:45 assuming reasonable traffic.
From Canberra - At 230 km this is also one that can be done without stops, however, given you’ll be travelling through the beautiful Southern Highlands why not take the opportunity? We recommend stopping in Moss Vale for a stroll through this charming town. Driving time (not including stops) comes to about 2:50.
From Melbourne - There are two routes on offer here, the inland route comes to 822km with likely stopping points being the Victorian Alpine Region and the Southern Highlands of NSW. The coastal route runs at 905km but is well worth the extra drive time as you take what we believe is one of the most scenic routes in Australia, along the Sapphire Coast and through the turquoise waters and winding hinterland of the South Coast more broadly. There’s no shortage of options to stop, if you want one in Victoria we’d recommend Lakes Entrance, then along the coast past the border our favourites are Tathra, Merimbula, Bermagui, Tuross Head and the Jervis Bay region - take your pick!
