24 Hours In Gerringong With Popcar

24 hours in Gerringong: The perfect itinerary for a weekend getaway from Sydney

If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from Sydney, spending a night in the beachside town of Gerringong is an ideal way to relax, reset and get back in touch with nature. It’s only a two-hour drive south on the coastal roads, but with the golden sands, rolling surf and undulating green pastures, it’s easy to convince yourself you’re a very long way from home. 

Here’s the SCx itinerary on how to spend 24 hours in Gerringong…

DAY 1

MORNING: THE ROUTE FROM SYDNEY

The take the scenic route from Sydney

Head out from Sydney at first light via the Grand Pacific Drive – a 140km stretch of spectacular coastal scenery that winds from the Royal National Park to Nowra. The highlight en route is the 665m-long Sea Cliff Bridge; an icon for locals and travellers alike. Pull up your car at the viewing platform to take in the ocean views – you might even spot migrating whales during whale season (May-November).

Stop for breakfast en route at Earthwalker Café

Just over an hour south of Sydney, at about the half-way point, you’ll find Earthwalker Café in the coastal town of Coledale – a great spot for breakfast en route. This sustainable café is certified ‘ocean-friendly’ and plastic-free, with a goal of working towards zero waste. They serve a wholesome all-day menu featuring freshly baked sourdough, sweet potato burgers and halloumi pumpkin rolls. 

Pop into The Farm Killalea to stretch the legs

A further 40 minutes on from Earthwalker Café, nearing the end of your drive, take a quick detour to Killalea Beach – or ‘The Farm’ as the locals call it. It’s one of the most popular surfing beaches on the South Coast, surrounded by 250 hectares of pristine coastal reserve. It’s a great place to stretch your legs after the long drive, with striking views in all directions and lots of walking trails to choose from. From here, it’s only 20 minutes on to reach Gerringong. 

LUNCH: ARRIVING AT YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Have lunch waiting on arrival

There are a number of beautiful properties to choose from in Gerringong – if you need inspiration, check out our hand-picked accommodation here or talk to us for personalised recommendations. We can also have a celebratory hamper lunch waiting on arrival, finished with a signature cocktail for you to create. All ingredients are provided: you just need to mix, shake and enjoy.

AFTERNOON: EXPLORING GERRINGONG

Grab a coffee and explore the town

Gerringong is a lovely place to explore on foot, visiting the 19th-century Gerringong Uniting Church – with its magical stained-glass windows – and the historic Boat Harbour Store, which opened in 1856. Stop for a coffee at The Kiosk, a café just back from Seven Mile Beach, before heading out for a walk on the sand (or even a quick swim in the sea!). In town, you could visit Fern Street Gallery – an award-winning contemporary art gallery, host to frequent exhibitions and an array of workshops – or do some shopping at the beautiful boutique shop, Ziba Lifestyle.

Visit a sustainable farm

For a real taste of the Gerringong countryside, head to Buena Vista Farm – a picturesque sustainable agricultural farm, home to laying hens, chickens, honey bees, ducks and dairy goats. You can walk around the farm with a guide, learning more about their organic farming practices as you visit the ocean-facing kitchen garden, medicinal herb garden and coffee grove with over 100 established coffee trees. They also host cooking workshops if you’re in the mood to be creative. 

EVENING: DRINKS AND DINNER

Have a pre-dinner drink at Stoic Brewery 

At this family-owned and operated brewery-bar, you can enjoy handmade beer and cider brewed on site. Their flavours are always inventive, from smoked porters and red IPAs to peanut butter stouts and ice-cold lagers. At the weekend, they usually have food trucks and live music, which makes it a great place to spend an hour or two before dinner. It’s best to check their instagram page beforehand to find out about the latest happenings and events.

Dinner at the Hill Bar and Kitchen

Enjoy dinner with sweeping views of Werri Beach at the Hill Bar and Kitchen. They have a cool outside terrace and chic wooden interiors, reflecting the rugged coastal surroundings. Grab a cold beer or glass of wine, and enjoy their modern Australian menu made from sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients. After dinner, a walk beneath the stars on Werri Beach is a charming way to end the day. 

DAY 2 

Start the day right: Sunrise and Pilates 

Rise early and watch the sunrise on Werri Beach, which usually breaks around 6am. Catching the colours change from purple to red to orange in the rock pools’ reflections is a beautiful way to start the day. If you’re feeling active, Body In-Line Pilates is open from 6am, just back from the beach. They welcome all visitors, with mat and barre classes offering lovely views of the coast. 

Enjoy a day of creativity before you head back to Sydney

For something a little different before you head back home, we’ve put together a South Coast Experiences creative day. We tailor the day to you, but it usually begins with a walk outside (perhaps around a vegetable garden if the day is about food, or at a botanic garden discussing weaving mediums), before a masterclass across a catered lunch, and then a hands-on afternoon workshop. You can pick from visual artists, weaving, writing and candle making, to cocktail creating, ceramics and cooking classes. It’s a really fun way to enjoy the creativity of the South Coast before you head back home. 

WANT TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP?

Check out the South Coast Experiences Inspiration page for guides to the nearby towns, or visit Experiences to see other great things to do in the area. At South Coast Experiences, we’re here to help you plan the perfect trip to the South Coast NSW – free of charge – so please speak to us if there’s anything we can do to make your planning easier.