Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach is a mellow, broad sand-bottom beach break that spills gently across its gradual slope, making it the most accessible introductory surf spot on the New South Wales south coast. Both southeast groundswell and south to southeast swell produce rideable conditions that favour lightweight, rolling peaks over hollow, demanding waves. The spot is affected by rip currents, particularly at the northern and southern ends and during periods of large swell, alongside scattered rocks along the shoreline. Despite working across all tidal states, the beach peaks during winter months when offshore winds from the northwest clean up the conditions most consistently.

Seven Mile Beach has been recognised as a significant Australian location since the 1930s, when it served as the landing strip for Sir Kingsford Smith's historic first commercial flight between Australia and New Zealand. More recently, it established itself as the developmental ground for Sally Fitzgibbons, one of Australia's most accomplished female surfers on the professional tour. The beach remains primarily known as a learning destination rather than a competition venue.

Access varies between the northern end at Gerroa, where waves tend to be gentler and more predictable, and the southern end near Shoalhaven Heads, which faces rougher conditions. The 12.5-kilometre stretch is part of Seven Mile Beach National Park and benefits from seasonal lifeguard patrols during summer holidays, though remains unpatrolled during the rest of the year. The northern Gerroa section is the safer choice for less experienced swimmers.