Holiday houses in Gerroa

Sun, sand, and surf — Gerroa delivers pretty much everything you could want from an Australian beach holiday. Part of the Kiama region of the South Coast of New South Wales, the sleepy village is not only the gateway to top wineries and some of the state’s most legendary stretches of sand (Seven Mile Beach at the mouth of Crooked River among them), but is also within reach of ancient rainforest in Budderoo National Park.

This primeval landscape of waterfalls and walking trails lies just a few minutes’ drive from your oceanside base, yet offers another world of attractions: hiking, birdwatching (look out for lyrebirds), and wildlife-spotting — wallabies and water dragons are common sights. An array of treks awaits back on the coast as well, one of which takes you north to the town of Kiama, with its record-breaking blowhole spurting seawater metres into the air. Regardless of the direction you take, your waterside wanderings will likely reveal dolphins and whales during their annual migration along Australia’s east coast (May through November).

When the temperature soars and the sun is shining, Gerroa is in full swing. The summer months are busy, with domestic holidaymakers flocking here to swim and surf and eat fish and chips on the sand. The heat and humidity are not ideal for more active outdoor pursuits, which is why hikers and bikers prefer the cooler months. Spring is particularly popular for the fact that surrounding heathland is transformed with wildflowers. Coastal hiking is also a joy from May through November, when resident bottlenose dolphins are joined by migrating humpback and southern right whales.

Seven Mile Beach

This 11-kilometre stretch of sand from Shoalhaven Heads to Gerroa is long enough to offer conditions for every outdoor enthusiast. Surf (schools abound, if you’re a beginner), snorkel, swim, fish, kiteboard, paddleboard — or simply bliss out with a picnic in one of the many waterside parks.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial and Lookout

Seven Mile Beach is almost triple the size of most domestic Australian runways — it was the natural location for take-off of the country’s first commercial flight in 1933. Learn all about aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s record-breaking endeavours at this memorial and lookout, while enjoying stellar views over the beach and beyond.

Sand Track Walk

One of the most scenic ways to take in the Gerroa coastline is to follow the Sand Track Walk, running north and south from town — the former trail weaves across dunes and amid littoral and bangalay forest to a picnic area; the latter through Seven Mile Beach National Park and across sweeping Shoalhaven Heads, with plenty of places to cool off with a swim.