Kiama, Gerringong & Berry
4 days | 3 nights | 300 km return
This South Coast road trip from Sydney to Kiama, Berry, and Gerringong delivers coastal drama, country charm, and foodie discoveries in a perfect long weekend loop. Around 1.5 to 2 hours south of Sydney, the accessible route combines Kiama’s blowhole and coastal walks with Berry’s heritage cafes and Gerringong’s family-friendly beaches – spending one night in each town to fully experience their distinct characters.
The 4-day, 3-night itinerary includes limited driving on days 2 and 3 to allow enough time to explore these three different towns without rushing. This trip works well for families, couples, foodies or groups and can be tailored to keep it relaxed or pack in the sights at each location.
Our complete South Coast road trip guide covers the perfect day-by-day itinerary to experience the northern South Coast’s variety within an easy long weekend from Sydney.
Next Escape is your guide to real places and real experiences across NSW — honest, practical travel advice based on genuine visits. The beaches we’ve swum at, the restaurants we’ve eaten at, the walks we’ve actually done. This page may contain affiliate links; if you book or buy through them, Next Escape may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Highlights:
- Blowhole & coastal walks in Kiama
- Heritage village cafes & shopping in Berry
- Family-friendly beaches in Gerringong
- Quality dining from casual to upscale
Daily plan
- Day 1: Sydney to Kiama (1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, 122 km)
- Day 2: Kiama to Gerringong (15 minutes, 12 km)
- Day 3: Gerringong to Berry (20 minutes, 16 km)
- Day 4: Berry to Sydney (2 hours, 153 km)
Route map
Day 1: Sydney to Kiama
1.5 to 2 hours (122 km) drive | Stay in Kiama
Afternoon
From Sydney, your South Coast journey begins with a 122 km drive south along the M1 Princes Motorway. The drive takes between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on traffic.
Exit at Kiama and follow signs into the town centre. Check into your Kiama accommodation, then head straight to the famous Kiama Blowhole while the afternoon light is still good. This natural feature shoots ocean spray high into the air when strong swells combine with high tide – most spectacular on rough days, but worth visiting in any conditions for the coastal scenery.
The blowhole sits just a short 5-10 minute walk from town centre. There’s a lighthouse and a cafe at the visitor information centre nearby if you need an afternoon coffee, and the area is free to access. Spend 30-60 minutes here depending on how active the blowhole is and whether you explore the surrounding headland paths.
Evening
Return to your accommodation to freshen up, then choose your first South Coast dinner. For waterfront views and excellent seafood, Silica delivers gorgeous ocean views, a solid wine list and fabulous cocktails (book ahead on a weekend).
Alternatively, Miss Arda offers share plates and cocktails in a more intimate setting. For a range of our favourite dining options in Kiama, see the “Where to eat and drink in Kiama” section of our detailed Kiama page.
After dinner, take an evening stroll down to the beach – Kiama’s beachfront promenade is particularly beautiful at night.
Accommodation options
Kiama has the widest range of accommodation options on this trip, including apartments, hotels and cabins.
- For couples: Kove Apartments are well positioned, self-contained, close to the waterfront and restaurants. If you’d prefer more facilities (like a gym, restaurant and bar), the Sebel is a good option.
- For families: Kiama Harbour Cabins are spacious and relaxed with easy access to the beach and blowhole.
- For budget travellers: Check booking.com for motel options or consider Kendalls Beach Holiday Park (this is one beach over from the main Surf Beach but still walking distance)
We’ve selected these and others to consider in our detailed Kiama page here.
Day 2: Kiama to Gerringong
10-15 minutes (12 km) drive | Stay in Gerringong
Morning in Kiama
Start with breakfast at Penny Whistlers Cafe or Flower Water Salt, then dedicate your morning to the Kiama Coastal Walk. You have two main options:
North route (towards Minnamurra): Quieter coastal scenery, whale-watching platform, Cathedral Rocks, and Bombo Headland.
South route (beyond blowhole towards Gerringong): Cliff-top section with panoramic ocean views, heading in the direction of your next destination.
Both directions deliver beautiful coastal scenery and photo opportunities and you can walk as far as you feel comfortable before heading back. The walk is well-maintained with varying surfaces – comfortable shoes, a water bottle and sunscreen are recommended.
Pack your bags and depart Kiama. The short drive south to Gerringong follows the coastal route, offering beautiful ocean glimpses along the way. Gerringong is very different to busy Kiama – more of a quiet, coastal atmosphere even in summer.
Afternoon
On arriving in Gerringong in time for lunch, a couple of easy options are:
Chrissy Fish & Chips for casual beachside fish and chips eaten on the sand
The Hill Bar & Kitchen for dining with Werri Beach views and great tapas-style share plates. This is up the hill from the beach, in the town centre.
After lunch, Werri Beach is yours to explore. This patrolled surf beach is popular with both surfers and families, offering gentle waves suitable for learner surfers and families, plus an ocean pool and lagoon for young children who aren’t quite ready for waves.
Evening
Return to your accommodation to freshen up after your beach afternoon. For dinner, Stoic Brewery in Gerringong offers an excellent selection of beers on tap plus burgers and bar food, or return to The Hill Bar & Kitchen if you didn’t lunch there. Alternatively, The Noble Bar & Restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday and offers a relaxed but classy atmosphere with share plates and an excellent grill menu. For an overview of these, and other, dining options, see “Where to eat and drink in Gerringong” in our detailed Gerringong page.
Gerringong evenings are quiet and peaceful – perfect for early nights after active beach days, or leisurely sunset walks along the beach.
Accommodation options
Gerringong accommodation is mostly holiday houses, rather than hotels, which may require more planning in advance unless you are travelling mid-week or off-season.
- For couples: Park Ridge Retreat is centrally located for an easy walk to lunch or dinner options. The Mercure is also good but is an uphill walk or short drive to get to town.
- For families: The Mercure has family rooms, plus a pool and tennis court (but note the uphill walk or drive to get to town). Werri Beach Holiday Park has 2-bedroom cabins, a pool and is right on the beach.
- For budget travellers: Werri Beach Holiday Park is quite reasonable (depending on whether you are mid-season or off-season). You may find accommodation in Kiama is cheaper (as there is more choice) so you could adjust your plan to stay in Kiama for 2 nights and just do a day trip to Gerringong.
There is a little more detail on our detailed Gerringong page here or you can check booking.com.
Day 3: Gerringong to Berry
15-20 minutes (16 km) drive | Stay in Berry
Morning
With only a short drive ahead of you and no rush to hit the road, have a morning swim at Werri Beach – either in the surf or the ocean pool. For breakfast, grab something in the town centre (try to snag an outdoor table at the Sea Vista Cafe).
The drive from Gerringong to Berry takes you inland, away from the coast. You can take the direct route via Princes Highway, or for gorgeous country scenery, follow Crooked River Road and Beach Road – this scenic option adds just 5-10 minutes but has beautiful rural views.
Afternoon
Check into your Berry accommodation, then head straight to lunch.
Lunch at The Garden Cafe or one of the cafes on Queen Street will set you up well for an afternoon exploring Queen Street. If The Garden Cafe is too busy, there are plenty of other cafes and pubs offering quality country dining. For a selection of our favourite dining options in Berry for lunch or dinner, check out the “Where to eat and drink in Berry” section of our detailed Berry page.
After lunch, explore Berry on foot. Queen Street is the heart of Berry – an easily walkable strip with boutiques, bakeries and cafes. Homewares are a particular speciality, and there are several small independent boutiques worth browsing.
A personal favourite is Moss Nest on Queen Street – a good spot to park nearby and start your meander down the main street. This can easily take half a day of coffees, browsing and absorbing the village atmosphere.
Don’t miss the Berry Donut Van for an afternoon treat.
Evening
For dinner, choose from Berry’s excellent dining options. South on Albany offers a chef’s set menu of 3 courses that changes every couple of weeks, generally featuring modern Australian dishes with regional food and wine – book well in advance, especially for weekend dining.
The village atmosphere in the evening is particularly charming – quiet, relaxed, and peaceful after any day trippers have left.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Berry is mostly country houses and cottages, rather than hotels. Like Gerringong, this may require a little more planning in advance unless you are travelling mid-week or off-season.
- For couples: Mandala Signature or Berry Inn are centrally located for an easy walk to boutiques, dining and pubs. There are also options for cottages and houses on booking.com for a more romantic stay.
- For families: Mandala Signature has family rooms available. For more room and outdoor space, there are great options for holiday houses on booking.com.
- For budget travellers: Check the prices at the hotels and motels we have outlined in our Berry article (they may be reasonable for off-season or mid-week), but a holiday house would likely be the best option.
A few hotel and motel options are outlined in our detailed Berry article.
Day 4: Berry to Sydney
2 hours (153 km) drive
Morning
Enjoy a leisurely Berry breakfast at one of Queen Street’s quality cafes. Spend your morning exploring any shops or galleries you missed yesterday, or simply enjoy the relaxed village pace over a coffee before heading back to Sydney.
If you have time before heading back to Sydney, you could also head to the Treat Factory to stock up on chocolate and lollies. If you have a free afternoon (and a designated driver), there are wineries close to Berry for an afternoon tasting. Popular options include Two Figs Winery, known for its elevated views across the Shoalhaven, Silos Estate for its historic setting, alpacas and sunsets, and Mountain Ridge Wines, which pairs tastings with a restaurant overlooking the vines.
Extending this trip
Add Southern Highlands (+1-2 nights):
- Bowral: Corbett Gardens, fine dining, Southern Highlands hub (1 hour 15 minutes from Berry)
- Berrima: Historic village, antique shops (1 hour 15 minutes from Berry)
- Makes it: 5-6 day extended trip
- Best combined: Add after Berry (Day 4-5), before returning to Sydney
Extend south from Gerringong (+1-2 nights):
- Jervis Bay: Huskisson, Vincentia, white sand beaches (55 minutes south of Gerringong)
- Makes it: 5-6 day full South Coast trip
- Best combined: Add between Gerringong and Berry (Days 3-4)
Add Minnamurra Rainforest Centre/Jamberoo Action Park (+4 hours):
- Minnamurra Rainforest Centre for walks (20-25 minutes from Kiama), or
- Jamberoo Action Park for a water theme park (20-25 minutes from Kiama)
- Either could also replace the Kiama Coastal Walk
- Adds: Half day, no extra accommodation needed
- Best combined: Day 2 morning before leaving Kiama
Most popular extension: Southern Highlands (Bowral + Berrima) – combines beautifully with this coastal route for 5-6 day trip covering coast and country. The progression becomes: Coast (Kiama, Gerringong) → Inland village (Berry) → Highlands (Bowral, Berrima) → Sydney.
Planning for this road trip
In planning for this road trip, there are a few things it will pay to do in advance:
- Book some of the key restaurants, including Silica in Kiama and South on Albany in Berry. South on Albany isn’t open every day so if this is a must-do on your list then this will impact the timing of your road trip.
- Book your accommodation in advance, especially if the trip falls over a weekend or is in school holidays. Accommodation is more limited in Gerringong and Berry so prioritise those two locations.
- If you are planning on swimming at the beach, check the beachsafe website to ensure it’s patrolled. While the beaches at Kiama and Gerringong are patrolled, this isn’t year-round.
FAQs
You can take this trip at any time of year and enjoy it, but it will be a very different experience depending on the time of year.
Spring: possibly the best time for the coastal walk for the wildflowers and likely warm enough for swimming. Ideal timing, especially on sunny spring days.
Summer: will be the most crowded at the beaches, especially during school holidays. However, it’s perfect swimming weather and makes this more of a beachy trip. Berry then works well at the end after two beach days.
Autumn: great for the coastal walk in Kiama and autumn leaves and cosy cafes in Berry but likely too cold for swimming for most people. For your beach days you could replace this with walks at Seven Mile Beach or Minnamurra Rainforest.
Winter: off-season rates and no crowds. You’ll need to bring layers for the coastal walk. There are wineries near Gerringong and Berry for afternoon visits to replace your beach days. If you are travelling with kids this is a tougher time of year (especially if it’s raining) as most of the activities are outdoor.
Yes, the itinerary works well in either direction. You could pick your direction based on the weather (keep the sunny days for Kiama and Gerringong), the days when particular restaurants are open and the days when you can snag the accommodation you want.
You can even mix up the order once you get to the South Coast if the weather or your bookings need it (e.g. Kiama, then Berry, then Gerringong). While it will add a little more to your drive time, the locations are close enough together that it’s manageable.
Yes, with a few tweaks. Gerringong’s Werri Beach is a standout family stop — it has an ocean pool and lagoon suitable for young children who aren’t ready for surf. Kiama’s blowhole is a hit with kids of all ages, and the coastal walk is manageable for older children. Berry is less structured for young kids but the open-air browsing, donut van, and village pace works well for a short half-day. For accommodation, prioritise self-contained options in Gerringong and Berry so you have space and kitchen access. Jamberoo Action Park (20-25 minutes from Kiama) is worth considering as a Day 2 morning add-on if you’re travelling with kids who’d enjoy a water park.
Yes – drop one night by combining Kiama and Gerringong into a single day. Leave Sydney early, visit the Kiama Blowhole in the morning, drive to Gerringong for lunch and an afternoon at Werri Beach, then stay overnight in Gerringong. Day 2 moves to Berry as planned, and Day 3 is the return to Sydney. You lose the Kiama Coastal Walk and the evening in Kiama, but the core highlights of all three towns are still achievable. Alternatively, skip the Gerringong overnight entirely and do it as a quick stop on the drive from Kiama to Berry.
