THE ESSENTIALS

Gerringong is 130 kilometres south of Sydney via the Princes Highway or Grand Pacific Drive, with a drive time of close to two hours. There is a regular train to Sydney as well as coach services that connect to Sydney and Melbourne. CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT The produce on offer at Buena Vista Farm; surfers after the next break at Werri Beach; take the kids horseriding on the sand; pick up a surfboard at Natural Necessity; Boat Harbour Rock Pool is made for swimming and snorkelling; Fiona Weir Walmsley and one of her dairy goats at Buena Vista Farm. FACING PAGE, CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Salesperson Mary Anderson in Deer Willow at Kiama; Deer Willow specialises in one-off pieces with an organic appeal to suit coastal style.

REASONS TO VISIT

BUENA VISTA FARM Try your hand at making sourdough bread, jam and yoghurt at this family-owned property. 0414 703 958; buenavistafarm.com.au KIAMA COAST WALK This route is a 22-kilometre track from Minnamurra Railway Station to Werri Beach offering dramatic coastal views along the way. kiamacoastwalk.com MARY MAKER STUDIO Learn the traditional art of macramé in Kiama. marymakerstudio.com.au SOUTH COAST EXPERIENCES

can tailor a range of activities or experiences including horseriding on the beach with a picnic, an outdoor film night under the stars, and private yoga lessons and retreats. 0411 614 486; southcoastexperiences.net.au

REASONS TO STAY

BEACHES Fabulous local beachside spots include Werri, popular for surf, and Seven Mile, plus the ocean pool at Boat Harbour is a favourite.

KIAMA FARMERS’ MARKET Stock up on seasonal produce each Wednesday from 2pm-5pm at Surf Beach, Kiama. facebook.com/kiamafarmersmarket THE SCHOOLHOUSE holds a regular tapas evening that features its own handmade cheese as well as local produce. Also available for functions. 2 Victoria Street, Gerringong. (02) 4234 0050; theschoolhouse.com.au WINERIES to check out include Crooked River Wines and Roselea Vineyard, both in Gerringong, and Mountain Ridge Wines up on Coolangatta Mountain. crookedriver wines.com; mountainridgewines. com.au; roseleavineyard.com.au

SHOP

DEER WILLOW Discover homewares, fashion and accessories from around the globe. 12 Manning Street, Kiama. (02) 4293 1033; follow @deerwillow on Instagram.

NATURAL NECESSITY This surf shop stocks more than 500 brands. 115 Fern Street, Gerringong. (02) 4234 1636; naturalnecessity.com.au THE PERFECT BREAK CAFÉ Grab a bite right next door. (02) 4234 1211.

EAT

THE BLUE SWIMMER is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the foreshore of Seven Mile Beach. Try the Fisherman’s Stew. Open seven days from 7am-3pm, plus Thursday to Saturday for dinner from 5.30pm. 19 Riverleigh Avenue, Gerroa. (02) 4234 3796; theblueswimmer.com.au DANDELION & MALLOW is a wholefood catering business that also hosts cooking classes and events. 0411 439 602; dandelionandmallow.com.au FERN ST. KIOSK This eatery offers great food and coffee. 100 Fern Street, Gerringong. 0411 061 961. WILD PATCH is a busy wholefood café in Kiama. The Nourish Bowl is popular for brunch. Open 6.30am– 4pm weekdays and 7am–4pm on weekends. 14 Manning Street, Kiama. 0477 340 312; wildpatchcafe.com

STAY

JERRYMARA is a renovated dairy cottage on 20 hectares in Willow Vale, ten minutes from Gerringong. It sleeps 11 guests and has a tennis court and swimming pool. airbnb.com.au/rooms/ 20424977; follow @jerrymara_estate on Instagram.

OCEAN FARM for coastal views on a working farm. 25 Princes Highway, Gerringong. oceanfarm.com.au SOUTH COAST HOLIDAYS has a range of private beach and country retreats available. (02) 4234 2065; southcoastholidays.com.au SOUL OF GERRINGONG is a beautiful farmhouse with a relaxed beach vibe. With seven guestrooms, each with an ensuite, it’s ideal for holidays and functions. 143 Belinda Street, Gerringong. soulofgerringong.com.au