After months of early sunsets and rainy winter weekends spent indoors, spring is finally giving us more daylight to work with and a good excuse to get out of the city. NSW has no shortage of stellar escapes, from the buzz of Byron Bay and Yamba to the string of seaside towns along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive. But if you’ve left your long-weekend planning until the last minute, you don’t need to travel far for a change of scenery. Just a short drive from Sydney, Gerringong offers a lovely weekend escape pairing golden-hued beaches, trendy waterside eateries, plenty of outdoor activities and migrating whales passing offshore in the warmer months. And one unlikely attraction has put the small South Coast town in the spotlight. Tasman Drive has gone viral on social media, thanks to a striking stretch of road framed by green countryside and turquoise ocean views, with users dubbing it ‘Australia’s prettiest street‘. Keen to see it yourself? Here’s how to plan a weekend getaway to Gerringong.
Things to do in Gerringong in spring
Gerringong’s pristine coastline is the perfect place to start, particularly at Werri Beach, which stretches along the eastern edge of town between Werri Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. The beach is patrolled during the warmer months and has surf breaks at either end, but you don’t have to venture into the waves for a swim. At the southern end, Ourie Pool is carved into the rock shelf and filled by the ocean, with uninterrupted views out to the glittering sea. Boat Harbour Rock Pool offers another sheltered swimming spot nearby, along with grassy areas for a picnic if you just want to soak up the sun.
Spring is also prime time to look for whales travelling south, and the Gerringong Whale Watching Platform provides a dedicated vantage point above the coastline. For a longer adventure, follow the Kiama Coast Walk north from Werri Beach, with the trail winding past headlands, beaches, rocky coves and open coastal countryside on its way towards Kiama and Minnamurra.
No trip to Gerringong would be complete without a drive along Tasman Drive, with the road perched between green hills and the vast ocean, delivering the most picture-perfect scenery all year round. Away from the coast, nearby Fern Street Gallery showcases work from established and emerging Australian artists, while Buena Vista Farm runs hands-on workshops and farm experiences covering everything from sourdough baking to coffee growing and roasting. You can also tee off at Gerringong Golf Club, an 18-hole course set high above the coastline with sweeping ocean views throughout.
Other ways to enjoy the town
Looking for something to eat? Start the day with breakfast and coffee at The Blue Goose Cafe, grab a pie or something sweet from Gerringong Bakery, or settle in for lunch at The Hill Bar & Kitchen, which overlooks the beach. For something local to drink, Stoic Brewing produces its own range of craft beers and cider, while Crooked River Estate pairs wine tastings and restaurant dining with views across the surrounding countryside. Other local favourites include Clay Collective Cafe for quality brews and Sea Vista Cafe for tasty food paired with a side of sea views.
Shopping and markets
Leave some time to browse The Collective Beat, which brings together fashion, homewares, art and pieces from independent makers, or stop by 34 Degrees South Trading Company for coastal-inspired homewares and gifts. If you’re visiting on the third Saturday of the month, the Gerringong Rotary Markets are also worth adding to your itinerary, with stalls offering everything from local produce, handmade goods, clothing and food. Read more about Gerringong and find accommodation options here.
Getting there
Gerringong is around a 1.5 to 2-hour drive south of Sydney, depending on traffic, and sits just 10 minutes south of Kiama along the Grand Pacific Drive. If you’re travelling without a car, South Coast Line trains run from Sydney Central to Gerringong, with the journey taking around 2.5 to three hours and generally requiring a change at Kiama. The station is within walking distance of the town centre, although having a car is useful if you want to explore the surrounding beaches and countryside. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
