Gerroa: Beach, River and Coastal Views

Get to know Gerroa through several distinct landscapes: the long Seven Mile Beach, Crooked River at the beach’s northern end, and the sweeping view from the Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial Lookout. A path through dune forests also leads to the Gerroa Picnic Area. These different highlights give you a clear set of options for planning your trip: coastline, water activities, views, or a walking route with a named destination.

Seven Mile Beach and its length

Seven Mile Beach stretches 12 kilometres from Gerroa and Crooked River in the north to Shoalhaven Heads in the south. The two endpoints help put the beach’s length into perspective: it runs along the coast as one long stretch. Near Gerroa, the beach is known for its beginner waves. Those interested in the waves will find a different focus here than at Crooked River, where river activities are available. Its length, location and waves make the beach a defining reference point for exploring Gerroa’s different sides.

Water activities on Crooked River

Crooked River flows into the northern end of Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa. You can swim, stand-up paddle and kayak there, especially at high tide. For planning purposes, this is a specific difference from the beach: the tidal conditions are part of the described setting for these river activities. If you want to focus on the water, you can choose between the beach, known for its beginner waves, and activities on the river. Checking the tides can help you plan your visit for these river activities.

Sweeping views from the lookout

From the Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial Lookout, you can enjoy sweeping views of Seven Mile Beach, the national park and the southern coastline. The beach, national park and coastline to the south are all in view. This is a different way to experience Gerroa than being right by the water: the focus here is on taking in the landscape as a whole. For travellers who want to appreciate the coast’s wider setting as well as enjoy a specific activity, the lookout offers a distinct highlight.

Through dune forests to the picnic area

The northern Sand Track, also called the Waterline Track, passes through dune forests of Blackbutt and Bangalay to the Gerroa Picnic Area. A guide published in 2023 describes this route; track conditions can change. Check them before setting out. Unlike the sweeping views from the lookout, the focus here is on a walking route through the named forest types. The track offers another perspective on the landscape: not as a panorama, but along a path leading to a named destination.

The route information answers different planning questions. The Sand Track describes the path through the dune forests to the picnic area; within the picnic area, a step-free concrete path passes the picnic tables and leads to the toilets. This helps distinguish the route from the wayfinding at the destination.

Discover more destinations: Springvale, Mount Colah, Clarence Town, Colyton, Scotts Head, Junee, Yarra, Wollomombi.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.