Top Towns for 2022: A quick guide to the very best of Gerringong, NSW

By
hero media
Find a sweet spot in this breezy beach town nestled between green coastal pasture and the Pacific Ocean on the NSW South Coast. Here, we explore Gerringong’s highlights to uncover why the town landed at number 47 on your list of Top 50 Aussie Towns.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here.

At first flush, the green hills of Gerringong look a little bit like England. The cows grazing nonchalantly on pasture that rolls, dramatically, all the way down to the edge of the cliffs.

The unabashed bucolic nature of the scene looks clipped straight from a period drama like Poldark. And yet. This tiny town just a stone’s throw from Kiama on the NSW South Coast is every bit Australian.

Gerringong Beach

Gerringong is your classic Aussie beach town. (Image: Destination NSW/ James Horan)

What to see and do in Gerringong

It’s a classic Aussie beach town, where life revolves around Werri Beach. A popular surf spot patrolled in warmer months, this main beach is bookended to the north by a sheltered lagoon favoured by young families who swim in its shallower waters. And to the south by Ourie Rock Pool, chipped into the rock shelf in the 1930s to cater to campers and entice tourists.

Ourie Rock Pool

Ourie Rock Pool is a local favourite. (Image DNSW)

Further south still, tucked below the cliffs and dating to the early 1900s, Boat Harbour Rock Pool is one of Gerringong’s true hidden gems.

The Kiama Coast Walk, a 20-kilometre trail along the headland with spectacular ocean views, culminates at Werri Beach, too. It’s a must-do when in town – if only walked in part. The six-kilometre Loves Bay to Gerringong section zigzags through the coastal pastures.

Kiama Coastal Walk near Gerringong

Gerringong’s green hills roll right down to the water.

Where to eat in Gerringong

When you’ve worked up an appetite, eat within arm’s reach of the ocean. Sea Vista Cafe offers great options from breakfast through to lunch (brekkie rolls, shakshouka, baked barramundi, steak sandwiches, bliss bowls and burgers) with as-promised ocean views.

Gather by the Hill has a beach backdrop and slick, breezy interiors to complement its wine, cocktails and modern Australian menu.

Located in the Cronin’s Hotel (owned by Rugby League legend Mick Cronin), Jack’s Grill by Smith St. Foods serves up classic pub fare with a few fancier dishes thrown in.

Just outside town, scenically situated Crooked River Wines offers wine tastings, meals and overnight stays.

Tasting at Crooked River Wines

Stop for a sip at Crooked River Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

Or sign up for a cooking class at Buena Vista Farm, with workshops encompassing everything from a sourdough masterclass to cheesemaking.

Where to stay in Gerringong

Accommodation options are plentiful. Werri Beach Holiday Park is a great place to holiday with the whole family, dog included, with its range of cabins as well as powered and unpowered sites.

Set on a vast tract of oceanfront farmland, designer Dovecote is an all-out luxe option as is the gorgeous Greyleigh, a brand-new farm stay in nearby Jerrara.

Inside Dovecote Gerringong

Check into Dovecote for all-out luxury.(Image: Alex Sprichard/ Dovecote)

Views at Dovecote Gerringong

This designer property boasts panoramic
ocean views. (Image: Alex Sprichard/ Dovecote)

Or check into the aptly named The Beach House, a sweet holiday home close to the ocean with solid coastal chic vibes.

Explore more of the NSW South Coast in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.
See all articles
a person holding a cup of coffee at The Hungry Monkey, Kiama cafe
Kiama

A coffee connoisseur’s guide to every unmissable Kiama cafe

Slip into holiday mode over a silky-smooth caffeine fix with our list of every outstanding Kiama cafe.

Read more
a breakfast feast at Diggies Kiama
Kiama

Discover the best restaurants in Kiama: A food lover’s guide

Kiama restaurants are a highlight on any NSW South Coast itinerary.

Read more
the Onyx Loft, Kiama Airbnb
Kiama

11 picture-perfect Kiama Airbnbs for your next seaside escape

Find a homely base right by the ocean with the most exceptional Kiama Airbnbs.

Read more
coastal views from the Bunker House, Kiama accommodation
Kiama

The best Kiama accommodation for every holiday style

Read more

Is this ultimate way to welcome spring?

    By Taylah Darnell
    hero media
    Continue
    Your job? Eat, sip, stroll, repeat.

    The Shoalhaven region on NSW’s South Coast is a place of abundance. A sun-drenched haven where bush meets sea, local towns are abuzz and seasonal produce thrives. Bringing it altogether is Coastal Forage, a weekend celebration of food and wine that takes place at one of the region’s biggest drawcards – the beach.

    The festival

    Emerging as one of Jervis Bay’s best experiences, Coastal Forage is an annual festival that pairs the region’s natural beauty with its fresh produce and culinary excellence. Unfolding across just one weekend each year, the program is packed with mouth-watering events, inviting locals and tourists alike to get a true taste of the region. But while food is the star of the show, Coastal Forage is more than just a long lunch.

    Coastal Forage on the South Coast of NSW

    Stroll between 10 beachfront degustation stations.

    Beginning at Moona Moona Creek Reserve in Huskisson, groups of 20–25 guests make their way along six picturesque kilometres of coastline, where 10 different degustation stations await in intervals. Part gourmet trail, part beachside bushwalk, it’s an opportunity for people to take a breath, enjoy the moment and feel the sand between their toes – literally.

    “Coastal Forage is about slowing down and savouring the connection between place, produce and people,” said Amanda Fry, founder of Experience Nature, the local tourism brand behind the event. “There’s nowhere else in Australia where you can enjoy a ten-course meal with your feet in the sand, whales offshore and a local chef plating up what was caught or harvested fresh locally. It’s pure Shoalhaven.”

    Coastal Forage on the South Coast of NSW

    Dine on fresh produce prepared by local producers.

    Meander along the shore with friends and other festival-goers, paddle your feet in the cool ocean and devour delicious fare cooked up and served by local producers. Afterwards, sun-warmed and satisfied, guests will be transferred back to the start of the trail by boat with Jervis Bay Wild.

    The local cruise company also offers wildlife tours, and with migration season peaking, you’re perfectly positioned to spot whales along the coast. There’s no better way to end an already magical day.

    Moona Moona Creek on the South Coast, NSW

    Guests will be dropped back at Moona Moona Creek Reserve by boat.

    The program

    This year marks six years of Coastal Forage, with a program that speaks to the festival’s steady growth and evolution. It’s part of a wider trend that has seen foodie festivals across NSW ranking among Australia’s top emerging experiences.

    In 2025, the event holds fast to its primary goal – providing an immersive nature-based dining experience for guests while platforming local chefs and producers. While newcomers like Cupitt’s Estate will join the line-up this year, the cast remains mostly the same – much to the delight of attendees.

    Coastal Forage on the South Coast of NSW

    Coastal Forage brings foodies together on the NSW South Coast.

    Returning favourites include Bangalay Dining, Paperbark Camp, Appellation Oysters & John Harley Seafood, Old Salt Distillery, Blackhen Kitchen, Caterina and Trolley’d. All are preparing to plate up everything from sea-foraged delicacies and fire-grilled native ingredients to cool-climate wines and artisan spirits. You know what they say – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

    The details

    Occurring over the second weekend of spring, Coastal Forage is a wonderful way to welcome the new season. It will run for two days only, from 13 to 14 September, with start times staggered every 15 minutes between 10am–3pm.

    With many guests travelling from interstate, Coastal Forage is the perfect excuse for a scenic Sydney to South Coast road trip. The drive takes around three hours, with onsite parking available at Moona Moona Creek Reserve.

    Coastal Forage on the South Coast of NSW

    Groups of up to 25 taste their way along the trail at intervals.

    If you’re making the trek, why not turn it into a memorable weekend away? Jervis Bay is dotted with peaceful places to stay, from cosy farmer cottages to beachfront shacks. Or you can treat yourself to the exclusive Stay Package, which includes two nights at Bangalay Luxury Villas, breakfast and two Coastal Forage tickets, priced at $1680.

    Bookings for Saturday are available now, but are selling fast. Reservations for Sunday are on sale from 8 August – with both days priced at $225 per person. Each ticket includes a 10-course degustation, paired beverages, tasting glass, event booklet and return boat transfer. Coastal Forage is an 18+ event and dietary requirements cannot be accommodated.