Top Things to See and Do in Gerringong, Australia

Seven Mile Beach is one of the most stunning landscapes of the south coast, running for exactly – you guessed it – seven miles. If you want the true Aussie experience, you can’t go past taking a board out into the waves and giving it your best shot. Luckily, Land’s Edge Surf School can lend their expertise. Established by a group of seasoned surfers, all the instructors are locals with expert knowledge about the area and local surf conditions. Even if you only stand for a few seconds – the rush is totally worth it.

The largest vineyard on the south coast, Crooked River Winery is a family-owned and operated vineyard well-known for numerous innovative blends. While they still house all the classics, they are always experimenting with different blends, which makes their wine tasting different every time. Wine tastings are $7 per person, and groups with six or more can make it an event with wine and cheese pairings, and a tour of the vineyard. If the wine makes you hungry, their restaurant Oak Room Eleven has an inspiring menu created with local produce that will hit the spot.

Held on the third Saturday of each month, the local markets are held in the old Town Hall gardens, with beautiful views of the beach and sprawling pastures of the farms. Stalls sell handmade jewellery, bouquets of flowers, homemade cakes and jams, local art, leather, wool, and of course, fresh farm-grown produce. It’s the perfect way to while away the morning, with a coffee in hand and the scent of the ocean and fresh baked scones wafting through the air.

Werri Beach is the iconic curved bay that Gerringong is best known for, with stretches of white sand, walking tracks and a surf pool. It epitomises the beach culture in this coastal town, with surfers rising with the sun to get the best breaks of the day and walkers letting their dogs jump in the waves before the shores become too busy. The southern end boasts an expanse of rockpools, perfect for exploring and sunbathing. Head across the road to Werri Beach Fish and Chip shop for some of the freshest catches in the area and spread a blanket in the beach’s adjoining park to enjoy them. Keep an eye out for dolphins among the waves – they’ve been known to frequent the area.

From the first tee-off, this golf course boasts the most beautiful views of the sweeping bay and golden crescent. The course makes great use of the landscape, with all 18 holes proving a panoramic view of the ocean – enough to distract you from your game! Keep focussed though, this golf course is one of the best in the south coast area. 18 holes will set you back a mere $35, and hiring a golf cart (recommended, the course can get quite hilly in parts) costs $40. Don’t forget to wave to the surfers cutting across the green to the beach on the other side.

Buena Vista is a family-run farm dedicated to sustainable living and organic produce and began running cooking workshops at the end of 2013. The classes are based around their passion for from-scratch food and wholefood cooking, and start by gathering the produce used in the workshops from the farm itself – think collecting eggs, milking cows and plucking fresh tomatoes straight from the vines.

A landmark in Gerringong, The Schoolhouse boasts that its most loyal customers used to be pupils at the school, and can now visit and have coffee without the fear of homework or detention. While the building was unused for many years, it’s been renovated into a quiet boutique café that is renowned for their locally grown teas and handmade cheeses. A high tea at The Schoolhouse is a unique experience – forget everything you know about tiny quiches and miniscule petite fours, this is gourmet of the homemade variety, with beautiful homemade cakes, scones and of course, their special blends of tea.