Gerroa: Beach, River and Dune Forest

Gerroa can be explored from several coastal perspectives: the long Seven Mile Beach, the mouth of Crooked River and a lookout with sweeping views of the South Coast each reveal a different side of the area. There is also a track through dune forests to Gerroa Picnic Area. Together, these offer distinct holiday experiences: a vast coastal landscape, river activities and a specific forest track.

Seven Mile Beach and Crooked River

Seven Mile Beach stretches for 12 km from Gerroa and Crooked River in the north to Shoalhaven Heads in the south. Its north–south span makes it a long stretch of coastline and also identifies its endpoints. At Gerroa, Seven Mile Beach is known for its beginner-friendly waves. This offers two different perspectives for planning: the expansive coastline and a specific feature of the waves at Gerroa. If you’re interested in surfing, you can factor this into your plans for beach days.

Crooked River flows into the sea at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa. Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are possible there, especially at high tide. This makes the river mouth a distinct place for activities, separate from the beach: what matters here is not only the coastline, but also the tidal conditions. High tide is therefore a specific factor to consider when planning your day if you’re thinking of doing these activities.

Lookouts and tracks through the dunes

From Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial Lookout, you can enjoy sweeping views of Seven Mile Beach, the national park and the South Coast. The beach, park and coastline are all in view; the lookout offers a landscape perspective that differs from the individual activities at the river and beach. If you’d like to take in the surrounding coast and national park as well as the water during your stay, the lookout provides a clearly identified landmark. It adds a focus on scenic views to the range of experiences on offer.

The northern Sand Track, also known as the Waterline Track, passes through dune forests of blackbutt and bangalay trees to Gerroa Picnic Area. Both names refer to the same track, not two different routes. Track conditions can change; check them before setting out. At Gerroa Picnic Area, a step-free concrete path runs past the picnic tables to the toilets.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Gerroa, it helps to first decide what you’d most like to focus on during your trip: water activities, a walk through the dunes, or views of the coast and national park? You can then tailor your search to the experiences that matter most to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Rand, Goolgowi, Wattle Grove, Grose Wold, Howlong, Mumbil, Ebenezer, Ilford

View the broader travel guide: New South Wales.