One final look at Boat Harbour and Gerringong. I like how the water on the rock platform reflects the rolling hills.
It really was a gorgeous day in a gorgeous place. Pity that all this is might be gone soon. I spotted a few paddocks that were up for sale for future development. In 10 years time Gerringong might turn into Kiama.
The rock pool was active with seagulls, but there were no pelicans this time.
And around the corner was a little rock swimming pool, although there was no one in sight on that winter’s day.
On the south side of Gerringong town is Boat Harbour. It’s a quiet little cove with a shingle beach, where fishermen go.
It’s also surrounded by those glorious hills complete with grazing dairy cows.
Now that’s the kind view I can look at all day.
Looking southward, Werri Beach stretched down toward the town of Gerringong.
The surf here was roaring.
So it wasn’t unusual to see a surfer scouting out the best breaks. If I could surf I’d be out there too.
Most people know Gerringong for the vast expanse of Werri Beach, so let’s go and explore.
On the north end of the beach is Werri Lagoon, which at high tide flows into the sea. We had to wade to get to Red Cliff and its rock platform. The hills behind the town was a wonderful green after recent rains.
It was a wild sea that day.
So much so that the rushing waves set off these two mini blowholes.
I like the Illawarra coast, and last week I got to visit the seaside town of Gerringong. Gerringong has always been the smaller brother of Kiama, a few k’s up the coast, but with the coming of the by-pass it’s about to get very big. I’m glad that I made this visit before it changed for good.
We took a little walk along the relatively new Kiama to Gerringong Coast Track to the other side of Red Cliff. Walking along the shoreline, Hubby told me that the cliff was made up of Permian aged sandstone, rich in iron (hence the red).
Meanwhile, the rock platform below was made up of black basalt, meaning that there was volcanic activity here at some stage. Other local landmarks such as Bombo and the Blowhole are also made of basalt. It’s spectacular when the swell is up.
Gerringong is Kiama’s more down-to-earth sister. Less touristy, but is still expanding, judging by the development on the edge of town. Fortunately there are some brilliant nooks and crannies, like Boat Harbour with its small colony of pelicans and secluded rock pool. The locals say this is the best place to swim of a morning.
One of my favourite weekend drives has to be down the coast, past Kiama, to the villages of Gerringong and Gerroa. Gerringong is the bigger of the two, with a substantial surf beach, shops and rock pool. It’s what Kiama used to be 15 years ago.
But even Gerringong has its secret spots. I discovered Boat Harbour on a weekend stay.
It’s a secluded, little cove with its own colony of pelicans, cow pastures, and a cute little rock pool that’s wonderful on a summer’s morning.
Static and Silence 