GERRINGONG
THIS CHARMING NSW SOUTH COAST TOWN IS A GREAT BASE FOR EXPLORING THE REGION AND ITS GROWING AGRITOURISM.
TUCKED BETWEEN HEADLANDS on the NSW South Coast, the small village of Gerringong hugs Werri Beach and is surrounded by rolling hills and farmlands. Less than two hours from Sydney, the town has a population of about 4000 people and its natural beauty, great food and wine, as well as a relaxed vibe is attracting a growing number of holiday-makers. It’s not just the beaches and surf that people come to experience; it’s a flourishing agritourism industry that builds on the region’s proud farming and dairying heritage. Fiona Weir Walmsley of Buena Vista Farm grew up here and returned with her husband Adam and their three young children six years ago. Fiona, 44, and Adam, 46, offer cooking workshops at their seven-hectare farm, which is part of the original land Fiona’s great-great grandfather purchased in 1859. Today they also have a commercial market garden, run a herd of 20 dairy goats, and sell ferments and bone broth at the local farmers’ market in Kiama. “I feel deeply rooted in this community and I love that everyone knows my kids,” Fiona says. “There are meal rosters when someone is unwell. I know it exists in other small towns but it’s particularly strong in Gerringong. Not only is it a genuinely close community but it’s also ridiculously beautiful, with a fantastic climate and soil.” “There’s a strong cheese culture and a new generation of micro-dairying on the south coast,” she adds. “It’s opening up as an agritourist destination because we have a strong agricultural tradition. There are lots of opportunities for people to have an on-farm experience.” Melissa Matters, 50 and her son Josh, 28, own Fern St. Kiosk in Gerringong, and will open The Hill Bar and Kitchen in early October. They belong to one of the region’s original dairying families, and their new venture will be located inside a building owned by the Noble brothers, whose family has held the property since 1912. “This is still very much a country community,” Melissa says. For more information, visit kiama.com.au