Werri Beach, Gerringong, NSW: Surfing, rock pool & holiday park
Between Kiama and Gerringong, New South Wales, Werri Beach is a surfer favourite. Swimmers are best off staying between the flags or using the rock pool at the southern end of the beach
Werri Beach, between Kiama and Gerringong in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, is something of a surfer favourite. It’s also possible to swim at Werri Beach, but it’s definitely one where you should stay between the flags.
Werri Beach is about 1.9km long, and has consistent surf breaks at both the northern and southern ends. The waves tend to peel off the headlands, but there will often be good beach breaks in the south coming off the sandbanks too.
Swimming at Werri Beach, Gerringong
It is possible to swim at Werri Beach, but the waves can be uncompromisingly rough. The beach is patrolled on weekends and public holidays by volunteer lifeguards, but only between October and April.
From mid-December to late January, as well as during the April school holidays, council lifeguards step in from Monday to Friday to patrol Werri Beach.
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Werri Beach rock pool
If the water looks too intimidating, there’s always the option of swimming in the rock pool at the southern end of the beach. The southern end is also where you’ll find the Gerringong Surf Club and Gerringong Bowling Club.
If you want beachside accommodation in Gerringong, then try the Werri Beach Holiday Park. Elsewhere in town, you’ll find the sprawling Mercure Gerringong Resort.
Werri Beach lagoon
At the northern end, meanwhile, there is a lagoon created by the Werri Gully attempting to make its way into the ocean.
No-one is going to call Werri Beach the most beautiful beach in Australia. The sand errs towards the browner side of golden. But it is still an impressive site, especially when the surfers are in action.
Where to stay in Gerringong, NSW?
The best Gerringong accommodation options are:
- For two pools and a restaurant: Mercure Gerringong Resort.
- For a holiday park that the kids will love: Werri Beach Holiday Park.
- For overall quality: Park Ridge Retreat.
Other attractions nearby include the Kiama Blowhole, Blowhole Point Ocean Pool and Bombo Headland.
If you’re looking for idyllic, calm, white sand beaches on the New South Wales South Coast, you need to head further south. The likes of Callala Beach, Blenheim Beach, Greenfield Beach and Iluka Beach in Jervis Bay are much more conducive to swimming.
This article came as a result of a Melbourne to Sydney coastal road trip in March/ April 2022. This trip was supported by Tourism Australia.