South Coast Beach Life - Kiama and Gerringong

I find the South Coast of NSW to be a soothing and tranquil place. Its strange that I take such delight in this place. It's not like I come down here to escape the hustle and bustle of city life - I live on the beach! No, the South Coast has an aura about it, it pulls you in and makes you want more.

Along the coast line is the perfect mix of country farms and chic little beach towns. A weekend get away is sometimes all you need to experience and fall in love with the South coast.Depending on how much time you - is the direct relation as to how far down you can go. For a weekend trip from Sydney, I would recommend heading to Kiama or Gerringong.

Kiama is a hub for tourists, so the novelty can wear off pretty fast. But please do stop here! I recommend using it as a 'break stop'. Stop on the way down and on the way back! There are some great walking paths to stretch your legs and take in the sea air - after being couped up in a car for hours, this will be welcomed!

Sites worth seeing around Kiama:

• Kiama Blowhole - This is actually great to see when the weather is not so good - Take an umbrella or a poncho

• Little Blowhole - Is the little brother of the big blowhole
• The Lighthouse

There are plenty of things to see and do - This website here has a great list.

Moving further south, 20min from Kiama is the very small town of Gerringong. I LOVE this town.

It is quiet, peaceful. the beaches are pretty and the people are friendly.

If you are looking for a weekend get away and want to splurge than I would recommend staying at www.mercuregerringong.com.au - This was formally known as the Bella Chara and was very famous amongst the locals. It still has beautiful rooms and great service!

The restaurant there serves amazing food and If you up for a bit of a night out - Start you Friday with Cheap Cocktails during happy hour!

Eating out in Gerringong is easy! There are plenty of dining options - My favorite is Point Break Cafe - Its a veggie cafe and serves amazing food (The nachos are the best), it is connected to the major surf shop in town.

Into swimming and surfing? The beaches around this area are sure to please, they tend to pull in a good swell. Gerringong also has an ocean bath for though who do not like to swim directly in the surf!

To wrap it all off - If you are a keen hiker (like me) you can put your hiking boots on and head out on the Gerringong to Kiama coastal walk - Its not too hard - and has the MOST amazing views!

Photo of the week...

Find Meet me in Montauk as 'photo of the week' on Going Solo Adventures!

Click here to see...

Big thank you to Going Solo Adventures and everyone who voted!

Sarah-Louise

Light the way

Norah head lighthouse was constructed in 1903 and is a magnificent piece of history to visit on the Central Coast.

The history of this light house is really interesting, to read about it, I would recommend a visit to this website - www.norahheadlighthouse.com.au

This is a very popular spot for photography enthusiasts, family photos and of course weddings. The crispness of the white lighthouse against a royal blue sky can have you gazing in admiration at this man made beauty.

The beaches surrounding the lighthouse are amazing and tranquil. They require a little more effort to get to then a standard beach (There is a set of stair to climb down and up again) but it is worth the mini step workout!

You can walk across the beaches, over the sea rocks and spend hours looking at the mini marine world that inhabit the little crevasses and pool in the rocks.

I love any type of bush walking or beach walking! I recommend to grab a picnic lunch and your bathers and enjoy the calming surrounds!

There is accommodation at the lighthouse. The small town of Norah head also has a few small take-away food outlets and a small general store. If you're 'just driving by' stop! and have a look, take in the beauty and the amazing views.