Relax and unwind at Discovery Holiday Parks Gerroa on the NSW south coast

​Travel writer, Susan Kurosawa, once described the summer holiday as ‘the most sacred of Australian rites for those lucky enough to while away a few weeks by the beach’.

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I was fortunate in that my parents always took us exploring, or wandering, as my father would say. We ventured to the south coast regularly, particularly after my parents bought land – first at Sunpatch (now Tomakin) and then Malua Bay.
 
When my children were small, their dad and I decided it would be a good idea to treat the family to an annual getaway – just the four of us. Like many folks, we found our ‘favourite spot’ and every January from then on we spent a week in a seaside cabin at Kiama in NSW.
 
We rarely ventured off the beaten track during our staycations, preferring to soak up the surf, sand and sunshine every possible minute of our full seven days. Decades later, my children still have fond memories of their holidays in Kiama.

Nowadays, the best thing is that Peter, too, loves Kiama, having lived in Warilla (not for away) during his childhood. As such, we have been going to Kiama together for holidays over the last decade.
 
Funny how folks find a good thing and stick to it.
 
One Canberra friend takes his loved ones to the village of Narrawallee on the NSW south coast. ‘I want my ashes scattered on the rocks there,’ he told me. A friend who lives in Adelaide spends holidays by the beach at Coffin Bay with her grandchildren, while another Canberra pal makes an annual pilgrimage with her family to the Gold Coast.
 
Recently, we had the opportunity to re-visit Kiama and explore Gerroa and Gerringong, further afield, thanks to the generosity of the wonderful people from the Kiama Municipal Council. It had been decades since either of us had been to Gerroa and Gerringong - and I must tell you that we were more than  pleasantly surprised. Actually, the district was so beautiful, and we had such a good time and met so many wonderful people, that we can hardly wait to visit again.

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Postcards and morsels - Discovery Holiday Parks Gerroa...

Our itinerary included a two-night stay at Discovery Holiday Parks in Gerroa. Our hosts, Park Managers, Wendy and Rod Thomas, welcomed us with warm smiles, open arms and two bottles of locally-produced wine and a platter of cheese and fruit. We were shown to our Deluxe Waterfront Spa cabin, overlooking the Crooked River.

The vistas surrounding the park are quite spectacular. We loved seeing the rolling green hills, silvery reflections on the river and the magical light that changed throughout the day - from muted reds at sunrise to the golden shades of the afternoon. The cabins sit amongst lush, well maintained gardens. So, this is paradise for anyone with a keen eye for photography.

Despite the flow of traffic across the nearby bridge, it was actually very quiet and we slept soundly, snuggled under the crisp linen on the deliciously comfortable bed.

During our stay, we were invited to attend a Tourism After Hours event, during which time we were shown through two of the larger cabins - both were modern, spacious and exceptionally well appointed. Let's now take a walk around the park.

Deluxe cabins along the river front at Discovery Parks Gerroa (photo supplied)

Clivias or native bush lilies in bloom outside our cabin

The light was spectacular, particularly at sunrise and sunrise

The kitchen, dining and living area of our cabin (photo supplied)

Looking out across the balcony to the Crooked River at low tide

Crisp linen and a deliciously comfortable bed in the master bedroom

The spa bath in the master bedroom of our cabin

The cabins sit amongst lush, well maintained gardens

Sunset over the Crooked River

The bouncing pillow and playground

The solar-heated swimming pool at the Park

A man gathers bait on the river at sunrise

Inside one of the larger riverfront cabins (above)

A Norfolk Island Pine looking out over the ocean

That would be me, in my happy place, with the beach in the background

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About Discover Holiday Parks - Gerroa

Situated on the mouth of the Crooked River, Discovery Holiday Parks Gerroa offers a quiet getaway for folks all ages. While away the days watching the birdlife on the river from the balcony of your cabin; sit quietly and read a book; splash about in the solar-heated pool; or visit the nearby Seven Mile Beach, where you can fish, swim, surf or simply stroll along the white sands of the beach.

Accommodation options include Deluxe Waterfront Spa cabins; Deluxe Riverside cabins; Superior Waterview Spa cabins; Standard Cedar cabins; standard holiday units and family studio apartments; as well as powered and unpowered sites. Park facilities include a barbecue, bicycle and pedal cart hire, camp kitchen, games room, solar-heated swimming pool and a bouncing pillow and children's playground.

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Getting there...

Discovery Holiday Parks Gerroa is located at 107 Crooked River Road, Gerroa on the south coast of New South Wales. It is approximately two hours from Sydney and just under three hours from the Canberra CBD. For information and bookings, visit the web site. The park is popular, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Surrounding attractions include the pretty townships of Gerroa, Kiama, Berry and Gerringong - as well as the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk; the Kiama Blowhole; Jamberoo Action Park; Minnamurra Rainforest; Nowra Wildlife Park; the Shoalhaven Zoo; and Seven Mile Beach. Those who appreciate wining and dining will enjoy visiting Crooked River Wines; The Blue Swimmer Restaurant; and Buena Vista Farm and cooking school; among numerous other venues. (More on these in an upcoming post).

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The Good Things team enjoyed a short break at Discovery Holiday Parks Gerroa as guests of the owners and the Kiama Municipal Council (thank you again!). We made our own way to and from the coast via private vehicle. This is not a sponsored post and all opinions are our own.

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Tell me dear readers, do you have a favourite holiday destination? Whereabouts is it and what do you love about it? Thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment. I do love hearing from you!