EXPLORE // Seven Mile Beach Sand Track Loop – South
A Family-Friendly Walk Through Forests and Sandy Shores
Seven Mile Beach is a total STUNNER, and the trails that run alongside it let you soak up all its beauty and the surrounding forest.
We recently spent a couple of hours wandering the south loop starting from the Beach Road Picnic Area, where we strolled past stunning blackbutt trees, hit the beach, and then looped back.
Here’s the rundown of everything you need to know before you head out and experience it yourself.
Family Friendly :: Yepperoo! The loop path is mostly flat, making it great for both big and little feet. It’s a dirt and sand trail with lumps and bumps, so prams might not be the best choice.
FYI, Seven Mile Beach is not patrolled and sometimes has strong rips or currents. If you’re visiting on a warm day and are keen to cool off in the water, we always keep safe by just paddling and splashing in the shallows.
Accessibility :: The sand track loop south starts from the southern end of the Beach Road picnic area. To get here turn off the Princes Highway at Gerringong, drive south through Gerroa, turn left onto Beach Road about 4 km south of the bridge, and follow Beach Road to the end.
There is a decent amount of parking in the picnic area, as well as 2 designated accessible parking spaces.
Oh, and this loop can also be done with a bike that can handle sand and off-road, but be aware cyclists should give way to walkers.
Dog Friendly :: Nope. The beach is part of NSW’s national parks, so leave Fido at home, folks.
Duration :: The loop is 3.6km all up and takes around 1.5- 2 hours. Longer if you stop for a splash in the waves.
Okay, off we go!
OLD BEAUTY
People have been making the most of Seven Mile Beach for around 5,000 to 6,000 years. The local Aboriginal communities found everything they needed to live in this beautiful part of the world. Today, both locals and visitors love soaking in the gorgeous views on a visit [how could they not?!]. And fun fact: Seven Mile Beach has one of the largest patches of natural coastal dunes on the central NSW coast-very cool!
HOW TO EXPLORE
At the Beach Road picnic area, you’ll find a sign with a map that shows the start of the walk and points out the nearest picnic spots and toilets. There’s a toilet block here, and if you need a pre-walk snack, the picnic area is a great spot to relax.
The dirt path through the forest is well-worn and easy to follow, with signposts guiding you along the way. The track forms a loop, so once you hit the beach, just turn left and stroll along the shore until you spot the sign for the picnic area, which will guide you back to the start. Simples!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Beauty and beach views for days! The first half of the loop winds through a forest of towering blackbutt trees, with occasional patches of rare bangalay sand forest and littoral rainforest. You’ll likely cross paths with friendly walkers making the loop in reverse or cyclists, but mostly it’s quiet and serene.
When you reach the beach, get ready to have your breath taken away, because, well, it’s absolutely breathtaking. Every time we visit this stretch of coast, we’re still amazed by its beauty. Standing on the shore, it feels like it goes on forever [seven miles is pretty long], and it’s truly a gem.
Typically, the beach portion of the loop is pretty empty, giving you the feeling of having your own private paradise. You’ll know you’re nearing the path back to the picnic area when you start seeing other beachgoers, usually snapping selfies, flying kites, or splashing in the waves. On good surf days, you’ll likely spot surfers riding the waves as well.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT
The Beach Road picnic area is an excellent place for a pre or post-walk picnic. It has loads of amenities, including toilets and showers, drinking water, picnic tables and barbecues, so you can really make the most out of your visit.
If you feel like pumping those legs a little longer and extending your walk, there are a couple of options available.
You could continue on to Shoalhaven Heads by turning right instead of left when the track meets the beach and heading south along the sand. After a couple of hours, you’ll reach the old mouth of the Shoalhaven River, a seasonal spot for protected shorebirds. Watch out for camouflaged eggs and keep an eye out for white-breasted sea eagles. Then return the same way along the beach.
The other option is to take the north loop which heads in the opposite direction. When you return to the picnic area, look for signs pointing you to the north path. It’s a similar style walk as the south loop, with half in the forest and half on the beach, but might be worth it if you’re trying to get those steps up.
Good To Know :: This area is rarely crowded so it will probably feel like you have the place to yourself. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, so bring your bait and tackle if you feel like casting a line. Sunsets and sunrises are also iconic here, but if you come early [or late] it’s probably best to do the forest part of the walk when the sun is still in the sky to avoid trips and stumbles in the dark
Why We Love It :: Have we mentioned how pretty this beach is?! And because it’s an easy grade walk it’s great for the whole fam-bam. We also love the access to amenities, meaning there’s always a loo pretty close by, as well as showers for that post-paddle rinse-off and a lovely picnic area for a relax.
What’s Nearby :: The towns of Gerroa, Gerringong and Berry are all within a 5-10 minute drive. Stop at the Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club for a feed and a frothie with more cracker beach views. You can also head up to Gerringong for a stroll around town and a cuppa. Check out our guide to Gerringong. Or make your way inland to Berry, which is one of the most charming historic towns in all of NSW. Read more about why we love Berry so much here.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
This article features friends and advertisers of The Fold Media.
We strongly believe in the businesses and information we share with you on The Fold and we fully endorse the content we create and share.
We’re excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses, and it is our sincere hope is that it helps create more awareness for these local businesses, helps keep them top of mind when locals and visitors next need their products or service, and most of all, contributes to creating a strong and thriving local community and economy.
We are so grateful to the local businesses who choose to work with The Fold Media. Without their belief and support in what we do, we wouldn’t be able to keep doing what it is that we love to do. Which is to create and share information about people, places and businesses in our wonderful region. We want to help everyone #LoveLivingLocal and make the most of this wonderful place we are lucky enough to call home.
And to you, our readers? We want to say a big THANK YOU to you. Firstly for taking the time to read this article, but also for supporting local businesses in general, as well as our sponsors who help make The Fold Media possible.
Together, let’s continue to support our local business community, in turn supporting their team, and our wonderful community overall. So let’s all choose local, whenever we possibly can.
