Extending from Minnamurra to Gerroa, the Kiama region of the South Coast is paradise for those who like sea, sunshine and sand. From beaches with great breaks to the calmer waters of an ocean pool, the most difficult decision to make is where to start

Destination NSW
Feb 2025 -
5
min readCatch a wave
Just off the Minnamurra River lies one of the coast’s most legendary surf spots: Minnamurra Beach, known locally as Mystics, stretching from a rocky headland to a volcanic outcrop. The swell here is so reliable that the area has been proclaimed part of Killalea State Park’s National Surfing Reserve.
Travelling south toward Kiama you’ll discover yet more breaks at Jones, Boneyard and Bombo beaches. In Kiama itself, Surf Beach draws board-bearers to its northern break, known as ‘The Wedge’. Further south still you’ll find Werri Beach, in the sleepy seaside village of Gerringong, where point breaks flank the sand on each side.

Werri Beach, Gerringong
Learn to surf
If you’re new to the sport, or want to brush up on your skills, Gerroa’s Seven Mile Beach is the place to be. Here you can sign up for lessons with Land’s Edge Surf School, Gerroa Surf School, Surf Camp Australia or Gerringong Surf School.

Surf Camp, Gerroa
Family-friendly swim spots
Don’t be fooled by its name – Kiama’s Surf Beach includes a calm, sheltered bay, ideal for swimming and splashing about with kids. Equally family-friendly is Kendalls Beach, with shallow waters and gentle waves, and sheltered Easts Beach, a short walk from the Little Blowhole.

Kendalls Beach, Kiama
Because of its length, Seven Mile Beach offers a variety of conditions; avoid the waves and you’ll find calm waters great for swimming – as well as fishing and snorkelling – before retiring to one of the picnic areas for a barbecue.

Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa and Shoalhaven Heads
On-the-water activities
At the entrance of Seven Mile Beach, you can find Crooked River, which flows into the northern end at Gerroa. It’s a popular sport for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking – especially at high tide.
The sparkling turquoise waters of Minnamurra River also provide the perfect conditions for a day of kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Take some time to enjoy the vibrant grassy hills and relax with a picnic after a long day on the water.

Paddleboarders on the river, Minnamurra - Credit: Kiama Municipal Council
Take your pick of ocean pools
NSW boasts more than 100 ocean pools, built over the sea or carved directly into the coastal rock. You’ll discover a few on the South Coast, including two in Kiama: the 50-metre-long Continental Rock Pool in Black Beach Reserve, and Blowhole Point Rock Pool, which includes a shallow wading area for kids.
A short drive south in Gerringong, Ourie Ocean Pool occupies the southern end of Werri Beach and features a separate wading pool, while Boat Harbour Rock Pool is a postcard-perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling – it’s south of the Whale Watching Platform.

Blowhole Point Rock Pool, Kiama