Fast facts
- Small coastal town close to pristine and majestic beaches
- Set on a headland overlooking the estuary of the Crooked River
- 130 km south of Sydney, population 500
Why go there
Gerroa is the closest town to Seven Mile Beach National Park, a grand and inspiring sweep of sand with an extensive dune system and a wealth of bird and mammal life.
Gerroa offers easy access to several national parks and fine beaches as well as many of the prime attractions of the Illawarra, such as wineries, quaint country towns and historic attractions.
History
Gerroa developed as a holiday town, although Seven Mile Beach had been used for horse racing as early as the 1860s.
In 1933, aviator Charles Kingsford-Smith used this beach as the runway for his pioneering flight across the Tasman to New Zealand.
Things to do
- Feast on fresh prawns, bream and flathead from the estuary of the Crooked River.
- Discover the fossils at Black Head, at the end of Stafford Street, one of the best coastal fossil sites.
- Admire the panoramic view from Kingsford Smith Memorial Park over Seven Mile Beach National Park.
Don’t miss
- Birdwatching at Seven Mile Beach.
- Summer fishing for whiting.
- Canoeing in the Crooked River.
- The walk along the coastal track to Gerringong.
- Flying a kite on Seven Mile Beach.
