Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa, NSW
Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa, NSW, is one of the most impressive beaches in the country. Its major appeal lies in the Seven Mile Beach National Park behind it. But there are good swimming and surfing spots.
Gerroa, NSW, is effectively a suburb of Gerringong. But it does play host to arguably the best beach in the Illawarra region – and one of the best in New South Wales.
Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa, NSW
Seven Mile Beach doesn’t get its name by accident. It stretches more than 12km from the mouth of the Crooked River to Shoalhaven Heads. For the vast majority of that 12km, Seven Mile Beach feels wild and untamed. It curves beautifully, backed by native bushland. In fact, the vegetation backing the beach is part of a national park. Seven Mile Beach National Park is hardly the most famous or biggest in Australia, but it sure feels delightful when you’re there.
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Gerroa, NSW: Beach Road Picnic Area and walking tracks
The first major interjection into the national park south of Gerroa is the Beach Road Picnic Area. With free barbecue facilities and parking, the Beach Road Picnic Area is a great spot to head to for a leisurely beach session.
Both branches of the Sand Track meet at the Beach Road Picnic Area. The 3km north section of the Sand Track finishes just south of Gerroa. It has a Grade 4 difficulty rating, and heads along sandy tracks through subtly changing forest. There’s plenty of birdlife along the way. Honeyeaters, brown cuckoo doves and thornbills are easy to see.
The Sand Track South is shorter – about 2km long – and emerges in roughly the middle of Seven Mile Beach. Again, it’s rated as a Grade 4 walk, mainly for the sandy surfaces. But you’ve got a good chance of seeing rainbow lorikeets and crimson rosellas on the way.
Swimming and surfing at Seven Mile Beach, NSW
Swimming at Seven Mile Beach is generally safer at the northern end near Gerroa, as it is partially protected by a reef. The shallows around the Crooked River mouth are best for paddling children.
There are several surf breaks along Seven Mile Beach, many of which are pretty good, but not world class. It is a popular spot for surfing lessons, too. Surf Camp Australia is based here, and is aimed at those who want to learn to surf well over several days.
Other good beaches in the Illawarra region include Werri Beach, Windang Beach, Austinmer Beach and Stanwell Park Beach.
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