We were covering old ground on our trip down the South Coast of New South Wales, however we were determined to uncover some of the treasures we had left undiscovered on our last trip. We decided to stop at the gorgeous little coastal town of Gerringong for a few days as we had only spent a small amount of time here on the last visit. Why Gerringong is a top spot on the South Coast of NSW can be summed up by ten very good reasons.

1.  Werri Beach

Werri Beach in Gerringong

Werri Beach is a surfer’s dream with point breaks at both ends of the beach, so there’s often a nice wave peeling nicely off either the north or south headland. At the southern end there is a ocean pool on the rocks and if you scale the headland there are magnificent views over Werri Beach and to Gerroa.

2.  Gerringong Town

Cemetery with a view on Gerringong Headland

Surrounded by green lush countryside, a headland at each end of Werri Beach and a small town that has everything you need to have a wonderful holiday, Gerringong is a gem. Visit Gerringong Heritage Centre with significant display and information of the historic flight by Kingsford Smith from Seven Mile Beach in the Southern Cross and the history of dairying in the area. Have a beer at Mick Cronin’s Pub in town, scale to the top of the grassy headland to see the cemetery with a view and visit the many wineries in the surrounding area. Golfers will enjoy the ocean views and beautifully manicured greens on the 18-hole course at Gerringong Golf Club.

3.  Gerringong to Kiama Coastal Walk

Views from the Gerringong to Kiama Coastal Walk

There is a 22 Km scenic coastal walk between Minnamurra River to the north of Kiama and Werri Beach to the south at Gerringong, via the Blowhole, Lighthouse, rocky headlands, secret caves, coves and glorious ocean vistas.

4.  Wineries

Crooked River Vineyard at Gerringong

Crooked River Winery is just outside Gerringong where you can taste some local wines. Or try some nice boutique wines at Roselea Vineyard, Coolangatta Estate Winery at Shoalhaven Heads or Two Figs Winery at Berry.

5.  Gerroa

Black Head Reserve at Gerroa

A short driving distance from Gerringong is the beautiful seaside village of Gerroa located at the mouth of the Crooked River and northern end of Seven Mile Beach. Take a stroll on the uncrowded Seven Mile Beach or fish off the rocks at Black Head.

6.  Berry

Berry Museum

Historic Berry, nestled among rolling hills, has a lot of warmth and charm with many buildings with National Trust classification. It is often described as the perfect country getaway and I can see why with its main street that exudes charm with a Pub adorned with Surf Boats on its roof, a black and white cow statue outside the general store, friendly locals and a veritable food bowl of fresh produce.

7.  Kangaroo Valley

Hampden Historical Bridge in Kangaroo Valley

The lush greenness of Jamberoo

Take a drive into the lush green countryside set amongst rolling hills and visit the town of Jamberoo. Drop into Jamberoo Pub and Johnny Warren Museum. This Pub not only boasts Jamberoo’s history but also sporting memorabilia from all codes of football.  My husband spent hours here learning about the sporting life of the great Johnny Warren, Australia’s first Socceroos captain.

9.  Kiama

Kiama Blowhole

Apart from the celebrated Kiama Blowhole there are 9 beautiful beaches, rivers, rock pools, inlets & basins and 2 harbours for boats. Amble through the streets taking in the Historic Terrace Houses and Sandstone Walk Shops – in Collins Lane, Kiama. Originally built for the local quarry workers in 1886, these National Trust classified historic buildings now house a unique selection of crafts, collectables, clothing and eateries.

10. Farm Gate Trail

The Farm Gate Trail includes countryside like this

Eat your way around the area and try local cheeses, wine, teas, oils and olives. Pickup a detailed map from the Kiama Visitors Centre.

Where We Stayed in Gerringong

We stayed at the Werri Beach Holiday Park in Gerringong that was located adjacent to the beach and within a short distance to shops, cafes, bowling club and parklands. Although this holiday park is located perfectly, we found it to be full of permanent caravans and cabins, with limited room for caravan sites. Our caravan site was extremely small and we felt crammed in, however the amenities were good but the caravan park itself is in need of an upgrade.

See I told you this place packed a punch! Gerringong is the perfect place to base yourself to relax and unwind and to take in the treasures of the countryside and country towns within half an hour’s drive of the town. We could have easily lingered longer in Gerringong.

This post is part of the Lovin’ Life Linky with a Lovin’ Life Team of the “ageing positively” kind who are as keen as I am to promote the Lovin’ Life mindset.

The Lovin’ Life Team includes:

Lyndall from Seize the Day Project