Werri Beach: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting (2024)

Werri Beach (AKA Gerringong Beach) is a beautiful, long and curved beach in Gerringong near Kiama. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best beaches on the South Coast of New South Wales. The beach has great facilities, amenities and accessibility, while Gerringong’s town centre is conveniently located nearby. Gerringong is home to many excellent accommodation options near the beach, including Werri Beach Holiday Park. Facing opposite Werri Beach, the holiday park offers superb beachfront accommodation.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Gerringong’s Werri Beach. This will include details about staying at one of the most popular Werri Beach accommodation options – Werri Beach Holiday Park.

Check out the best things to do in Kiama

Werri Beach (AKA Gerringong Beach) – Overview

Werri Beach is the main beach at Gerringong stretching well over 1.5km. Interestingly, the beach was originally known as Lagoon Beach, owing to Werri Lagoon, which is located at the northern end. These days, the beach is often referred to as Gerringong Beach given its location.

The beach has high headlands at either end. In between the northern Red Cliff and southern Werri Point, you’ll find a gorgeously curved horse-shoe style beach. Beck and I found it’s just as much a pleasure to see the spectacular views of the beach from either headland as it is to simply wander along the beach’s golden sand.

Most of the beach is backed by houses. At the southern end, you’ll find the iconic Werri Beach Fish Shop, Gerringong Bowling Club, Gerringong Surf Club and Werri Beach Holiday Park. As mentioned, the holiday park at Werri Beach offers one of the best beachside accommodation options in Gerringong. So, we’ll talk more about the holiday park later in this article.

For now, let’s look at exactly where this serene beach is located.

Where Is Werri Beach?

Werri Beach is located in Gerringong on the South Coast of New South Wales. It’s located near the well-known area of Kiama. To help you get your bearings, please click on the interactive map below to check out the location.

Werri Beach: Things to Do

So, what to do at Werri Beach? Other than great things to do at the beach, there are loads of awesome places to explore nearby. Below, we’ll look at all of your options so you know exactly what to do during a visit.

Activities at Werri Beach

Of course, swimming should be at the top of your priority list during your time at the beach. The beach is patrolled over the summer holidays and other times of the year. The calmest area of the beach is at the southern end. So, this is where you’ll usually see the flags set up.

If the conditions are a bit rough for the kids, there are a few backup options for swimming. There is a rock pool at the southern end of the beach, which is usually a little calmer. Otherwise, at the northern end of the beach, the Werri Lagoon is a decent place for a paddle. And, if you’re staying at Werri Beach Holiday Park, the resort-style rock swimming pool is a great option for a swim if the beach is a bit choppy.

Of course, the rougher conditions can make for ideal surfing. There is usually plenty of swell and surf breaks at either end of the beach, with the average height of waves reaching about 1.5 metres. Indeed, you’ll either see surfers approach the northern end opposite Werri Lagoon or at the other end, heading out to Werri Point.

Fishing is another popular activity at the beach. The rocks at the southern end are wide and flat, which provide decent access to deep water. Of course, it’s worth checking the tides and swell to ensure conditions are safe for rock fishing.

Werri Lagoon

Located at the northern end of the beach, you’ll find Werri Lagoon. As mentioned, the lagoon is a great option for kids wanting to go for a paddle. On top of that, the lagoon is backed by serene rolling green hills, providing a tranquil natural setting.

Fed by Oaree Creek, the lagoon is backed by a 200 metre wide low barrier, an initiative from the local government, to help drain it when necessary. Often, the lagoon breaks out across the northern end of the beach.

When Beck and I visited, the break was quite minimal. We could easily jump across the stream. Indeed, we didn’t have to wade or anything like that. Needless to say, conditions are always changing. So, exercise caution, especially if there is a larger outpour from the lagoon than usual.

Werri Beach Rock Pool (Ourie Pool)

At the opposite end of the beach, you’ll find a rock pool, which is known as Ourie Pool or simply the Werri Beach Rock Pool. This is a popular spot for locals to go for a morning dip. Certainly, if you find the waves at the beach unsettling, you can find refuge at the rock pool. With a car park located at the southern end of the beach, the rock pool is easy to access. You can simply bypass the beach and hop straight into the rock pool.

Werri Point

If you’re looking to stretch your legs, you’ll want to head straight to the top of the headland at the southern end of the beach. From Werri Point, you’ll enjoy incredible views of Werri Beach as it curves around to its northern headland. Atop Werri Point, you’ll even find a bench to rest and soak in the glorious views. To this day, Beck and I think some of the nicest views along the South Coast are seen from this headland.

Gerringong Whale Watching Platform

At Werri Point, you’ll also find the Gerringong Whale Watching Platform. If you visit Gerringong during the whale migratory season between May and November, you’ll definitely want to head to the viewing area.

Sure, you’ll feel quite far away from the ocean. But, you’ll enjoy sweeping views, which is ideal for spotting a whale or two. Beck and I last visited in November during the tail end of migration. So, we didn’t see any whales from the platform. Hopefully, you have better luck than us!

Gerringong Boat Harbour Rock Pool

Not far from Werri Beach and Point, you can also check out the charming Gerringong Boat Harbour. This is where you’ll find Cooke Park, which is a lovely oceanside park with amenities such as BBQs and public toilets. Around the corner from the park, hidden from sight, there is another stunning ocean rock pool. For sure, the Gerringong Boat Harbour Rock Pool is one of the best hidden gems on the South Coast.

Nearby Walks: Kiama Coast Walk

If stretching your legs to Werri Point and the Gerringong Boat Harbour isn’t enough, there are other nearby walks to consider. Werri Beach itself is backed by a paved footpath. So, you could walk up and down the footpath to your heart’s content.

Otherwise, you may want to do the underrated Kiama Coastal Walk. Werri Beach is the southern point of the 21.5km coastal walk that stretches up to Minnamurra via Kiama. So, you can start or end the Kiama Coastal Walk at the beach. Personally, Beck and I started the walk in Minnamurra and found Werri Beach an excellent place to end the walk. After a long but enjoyable walk, we think the beach is the ideal place to rest and unwind.

Read more: Kiama Coastal Walk – Everything You Need to Know

Now you know exactly what to do at Werri Beach! So, what about nearby accommodation? Let’s talk about the popular Werri Beach Holiday Park.

Werri Beach Holiday Park

Werri Beach Holiday Park (AKA the Werri Beach Caravan Park) is one of five brilliant holiday parks managed by Kiama Coast Holiday Parks. When it comes to the best beachfront accommodation at Werri Beach, and one of the best overall places to stay in Gerringong, it’s hard to beat Werri Beach Holiday Park.

One of the reasons it’s so popular is because of its varied accommodation types. Indeed, there is accommodation to suit all budgets and needs. As well as its luxurious cabins, Werri Beach Holiday Park offers powered and unpowered sites for those with caravans and campers wanting to pitch a tent. Below, we’ll look at more details about this caravan park’s gorgeous cabins as well as its serene camping options.

FYI – Werri Beach Holiday Park offers dog-friendly cabins and campsites. Although, you’ll have to call directly to book a pet-friendly cabin or campsite. Additionally, pets are only allowed outside of NSW school holidays and long weekends.

Werri Beach Holiday Park Cabins

At Werri Beach Holiday Park, there are five outstanding cabins to choose from. There are the beachcomber, oceanside, small spa, large spa and deluxe spa cabins. Other than enjoying superb views of the beach from your cabin, the holiday park, as a whole, offers a vast array of family-friendly facilities, amenities and services.

These include a sheltered resort-style pool, a half-sized tennis court, BBQs, a camp kitchen and a laundry. Additionally, the kids will love the playground featuring a jumping pillow and the adults will equally enjoy the Kids Club over the summer holidays.

If you want to find out more details, such as sussing out a Werri Beach Holiday Park map, reading some reviews, looking at more photos, or weighing up prices, head straight to Booking.com.

Werri Beach Holiday Park Camping

When it comes to Werri Beach camping, your best option is to book a site at Werri Beach Holiday Park. Both powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites are available in a natural bushland setting within a short distance of the amenity blocks, camp kitchen and entertainment areas.

Bear in mind, that you can’t book these sites online. To make a booking, you’ll have to contact the holiday park directly at (02) 4234 1285.

Other Nearby Holiday Parks

There are other excellent holiday parks nearby. So, if Werri Beach Holiday Park is booked out, don’t worry, you can stay at a nearby holiday park and visit the beach on a day trip.

In particular, there are three excellent beachfront holiday parks in Kiama and one in Gerroa. For your convenience, we’ll detail these other beachfront holiday parks below.

• Kiama Surf Beach Holiday Park: found near the Kiama town centre, the holiday park’s location at Kiama’s main beach is super convenient.
• Kendalls On The Beach Holiday Park: this is one of the most popular holiday parks for families in Kiama.
• BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park: the holiday park at Easts Beach is perhaps one of the most well-known and highly sought-after holiday parks on the South Coast.
• Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park: located south of Gerringong, in Gerroa, this holiday park enjoys an equally impressive natural and quiet setting doubled with great facilities.

Other Nearby Beaches

There are loads of great beaches along the South Coast near Gerringong. Many of these beaches are located north of Gerringong, in the Killalea State Park and Kiama. Also, south of Gerringong, there are tonnes of stunning beaches in the Shoalhaven area. Below, we’ve listed just some of the best beaches near Werri Beach that are also worth exploring.

• Killalea Beach (AKA The Farm)
• Minnamurra Beach (AKA Mystics)
• Jones Beach
• Boneyard Beach
• Bombo Beach
• Black Beach
• Kiama Surf Beach
• Kendalls Beach
• Easts Beach
• Walkers Beach
• Seven Mile Beach

Read more: 10 Epic Kiama Beaches (With Parking, Surfing & Patrol Details)

How to Get to Werri Beach

The easiest and quickest way to get to Werri Beach is to drive. Conveniently, there is a car park at either end of the beach along Pacific Avenue.

If you don’t have a car, we recommend hiring one for your trip to Gerringong.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

It’s also possible to use public transport to get to Gerringong. From Sydney, simply jump on a train to Gerringong Station. Albeit, from Gerringong Station, it’s around a 2km walk to the southern end of the beach. So, all in all, it’s much easier to be able to drive and park directly at either end of the beach. If you have no choice but to use public transport, we recommend using the Transport NSW Trip Planner or app to help plan your journey.

Werri Beach Facilities

There are excellent facilities at either end of the beach.

At the northern end of the beach, you’ll find a car park, public toilets, a BBQ and a picnic area. While at the southern end, you’ll find another car park, more public toilets and picnic tables, showers, a rock pool, a playground and outdoor gym equipment.

As mentioned, the beach is patrolled during certain times of the year. Head to our FAQs to find out more details about this.

Werri Beach Accessibility

There are wheelchair-accessible toilets at either end of Werri Beach. There is also a paved footpath running parallel to the beach, which is wheelchair friendly.

Werri Beach FAQs

Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about the beach.

Does Gerringong Have a Beach?

It certainly does, and this guide tells you all about it!

How Long Is Werri Beach?

It’s roughly 1.7km long.

Can You Swim in Werri Lagoon?

Yes, if the conditions are safe, it’s possible.

Is Werri Lagoon Open to the Sea?

Yes, the lagoon sometimes opens into the ocean at the northern end of the beach.

Is Werri Beach Dog-Friendly?

Yes, the beach has on-leash areas. These can only be used at certain times of the day. The on-leash areas are accessed via four designated entrances between Moore Street and 63 Pacific Avenue. Use of the on-leash areas are before 9am and after 5pm between September and April, and before 9am and after 3pm between May and August.

Is Werri Beach Patrolled?

Yes, the beach is patrolled daily over the summer holidays. This is usually between 18 December to 30 January, Monday to Friday, 10am to 5:30pm. Between the end of September and the end of January, the beach is patrolled on weekends and public holidays from 10am to 4pm, and from 10am to 5:30pm during school holidays.

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We acknowledge and respect the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land/water that we visited and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.