Guide to Gerringong
Explore all the charm of this Illawarra beach town
Gerringong may be one of the Illawarra’s smaller suburbs, but it sure is big on charm. From stunning beaches to loads of lovely cafes along Fern Street, there’s lots to keep you happy.
It’s a little coastal oasis that’s only 40 mins from the centre of Wollongong and just 15 from Kiama- a perfect option for a day trip or getaway. Rollin’ hills behind ya, ocean views in front of ya and some pretty excellent spots for a cuppa or a vino, what more could you ask?
Pack your beach towels and check out our guide for all things Gerringong.
GREAT OUTDOORS
There’s so much outdoorsy goodness in Gerringong, you almost need a good reason to be inside for a change [don’t worry we have some pretty good reasons coming up, including excellent eats and drinks].
But first, let’s start with the stunning beaches. Werri Beach is a fab beach to spend a whole day. Great for surfing, swimming and even fishing. Parts of the beach are also pupper-friendly before 9 am and after 5 pm, so bring your furry pals.
Speaking of beaches, just a short drive from Gerringong you’ll find the famous stunning sands of Seven Mile Beach. Popular all year round [but even more so in the summer] this is the spot for all beach lovers, and in the right conditions kite surfers and paddle boarders can have a field day too.
There are two pristine spots for rock pool swimming in Gerringong. South Werri Ocean Pool is at the southern end of Werri Beach and has plenty of parking as well as change rooms and amenities. The Boat Harbour Ocean Pool is fantastic for snorkelling and a fair amount of space to stretch out for the day.
For some inland fun [but keeping those gorge views] tee off at Gerringong Golf Club, with views over Walkers Beach all across the green, it’s probs one of the most stunning places to work on your swing along the South Coast.
Whilst eyes are on the ocean, head to the Whale Watching Platform near the centre of town in migration season [late May to July or September through to November] and you might just spot an aquatic beauty or two making their way along our coastline.
RETAIL THERAPY
Fern St is considered the main drag of Gerringong and is a top choice for that retail fix. The Collective Beat is a proper cool collab of local and small businesses all under one roof. There’s always something to check out here.
Natural Necessity is Australia’s largest independent surf shop, family owned and operated for over 40 years- love it! Hart & Soul is all about vegan and eco-friendly goodies and at Ziba Lifestyles you’ll find ultra gorge shoes, bags and lifestyle accessories.
Heading away from Fern St, on Belinda St you’ll find 34 Degrees South Trading Company, we just adore all their beachy homewares and gifts. Honestly, you can never have enough seashell candles if you ask us. We also LURVE Corner D’or Vintage Interiors for both modern and vintage pieces that will make your home pop.
WINING + DINING
Gerringong locals and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to wining and dining. Caffeine lovers can take their pick of excellent cafes and Clay Coffee Collective is one we enjoy for its mix of tasty coffee and creative vibes. The pastries at Gerringong Bakery are yummo-scrummo and the staff are friendly as.
For lunch or dinner with a view then you can’t go past The Hill Bar + Kitchen with their down to earth but delish meals and their crackers views of Werri Beach from the balcony. Bella Char Restaurant & Wine Bar inside the Mercure is fancy but fantastic, hello dreamy date night.
Beer lovers know that Stoic Brewing is first-rate, they have exciting beers on tap, tasting paddles, tours, regular live music and bangin’ burgers. They’ve recently started serving coffee in the morns as well- magic.
Of course, we can’t talk about Gerringong without giving a shout out to one of Illawarra’s top wineries – Crooked River. Family owned and going for over 24 years it’s a local fave, no doubt. They have an excellent cellar door, a spectacular restaurant and hold some pretty epic events throughout the year.
ARTS & CULTURE
How’s this for creative? Luxury Clay Experiences in Gerringong is a mobile clay-work business. Yep, they’ll bring the creativity to you. Great for parties and hen-dos, you can also order an at-home kit for a cute date-night idea.
Another clay-riffic destination is Soul Clay Studios on Rowlins Road. They offer one-off, weekly and intensive master classes, so something for all timeframes. We adore the sound of the Friday Night Clay Date’s for an alternative to your usual dinner and a movie plus they have kids’ classes for your little creatives- how good?
To ogle some awesome art head to Fern Street Gallery in town, it’s a contemporary gallery that showcases the quality work of local artists. Plus, they bring in some top-notch artists from around the country for special exhibitions.
For live entertainment Gerringong Bowling Club, The Mercure and Stoic all have regular live gigs on weekends. Keep an eye on our events page for who’s playing where and when.
STEP BACK IN TIME
The Gerringong District Historical Society is a massive wealth of knowledge when it comes to learning the history of the area. The Gerringong area was settled in the late 1820s by cedar cutters but as they cleared the land, dairy farming took over, and it’s still a big deal there today.
To learn more about this as well as other interesting info about the town head to the Gerringong Historical Museum inside the restored School of Arts building. They are open Fridays and Saturdays and also hold regular interesting events and exhibitions that are worth checking out.
JUST FOR KIDS
There’s loads of fun for the little ones in Gerringong. Right in the centre of town, you’ll find Old School Park, it’s fully shaded and has plenty of room to run around. Gerringong Bowlo also has a nifty play area so kiddos can let loose whilst popping in for a meal or drink.
For a little action and adventure sign the kids up for surf lessons with Gerringong Surf School. They do school programs, after school and weekends and even private lessons. Adults are encouraged too, so get the whole family riding the waves.
If riding a horse sounds like more fun, then Kimberley Park Stud is not far from town and offers all ages riding lessons. The mini-lessons are a great way to get a beginner’s taste.
To give the kids a taste of #farmlife go to Buena Vista Farm. Meet goats, pigs, geese and turkeys on one of their farm tours. We also love their regular workshops and goat therapy so much, that you could almost say it floats our goat… sorry, not sorry!
SPECIAL EVENTS
For a classic seaside market’s experience, Gerringong Rotary Markets are held on the third Saturday of every month in the centre of town.
Amping things up, SurfLife Music Festival is a celebration of all things surfing, music, and fun. Held over a weekend usually in March or April it’s not one to miss.
Crooked River Wines holds heaps of awesome events throughout the year including the epic Winter Wine Festival, Unwind in The Vines and for the first time in 2023 they’ve teamed up with the guys behind Better Beer for the Dave Ferrit Festival. Headliners for this festival include DMA’s and Icehouse so you just know it’s gonna be lit.
WHAT’S NEARBY
Gerroa is Gerringong’s nearest neighbour to the south and is a beach bum’s delight. Get gnarly at Seven Mile Beach and then kick back and relax with a cold frothy at Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club aka Fishos. To find out more about lovely Gerroa read our guide here.
Granties Maze is only about a 5-minute drive inland from Gerringong and has a maze, amusement park rides and attractions that will keep the little ones entertained for a few good hours.
Head north and you’ll find Kiama, it’s a hotspot for both locals and tourists and with so many excellent cafes, bars and restaurants as well as loads to do and see, we totally get why everybody loves Kiama.
SUPPORTING LOCAL BIZ
There are some fab local businesses in Gerringong, and our Business Directory is the place to find them! From mechanics to medical centres, landscapers to legal services, beauty salons to builders…The Fold’s Business Directory has got you covered.
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