Guests often ask us about the best walks to do near by during their stay. The South Coast offers an incredible mix of coastal paths, rainforest, waterfall walks and escarpment lookouts—all within a short drive of Berry.
This guide brings together our favourite walking trails in the region, from easy scenic strolls to more rewarding hikes.
Drawing Room Rocks Walk Lookout
Quick Answer: Best Walks Near Berry NSW
If you’re short on time, these are the most popular walks near Berry:
- Best panoramic views: Drawing Room Rocks
- Best beach walk: Seven Mile Beach (Gerroa)
- Best rainforest walk: Minnamurra Rainforest Loop
- Best hidden waterfall: Bundewallah Waterfall
- Best river and rock formations: Bens Walk (Nowra)
- Best long coastal walk: Kiama Coast Walk
- Best easy nature walk near Berry: Bomaderry Creek Walk
1. Drawing Room Rocks (Barren Grounds Nature Reserve)
- Distance: 4.5 km return
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2–3 hours
Drawing Room Rocks is one of the most iconic hikes near Berry, known for its unusual sandstone formations and sweeping coastal views.
The walk begins in shaded eucalypt forest before gradually climbing toward exposed rock platforms at the summit.
At the top, walkers are rewarded with 360-degree views stretching from the Illawarra coastline to the Shoalhaven hinterland.
This is one of the best sunrise or late afternoon walks in the region.
Drawing Room Rocks Walk
2. Seven Mile Beach Walk (Gerroa)
- Distance: Up to 12 km one way
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 1–4 hours
Seven Mile Beach is a long, open stretch of coastline just a short drive from Berry.
This walk can be as short or as long as you like, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
Expect:
- Wide sandy beaches
- Gentle surf
- Coastal birdlife
- Dolphins offshore (on lucky days)
- Beautiful sunrise and sunset light
It’s also historically significant as the departure point of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s 1933 trans-Pacific flight.
Seven Mile Beach
3. Bundewallah Waterfall (Hidden Local Walk)
- Distance: 2.3 km return
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: ~1 hour
Bundewallah Waterfall is a lesser-known local walk tucked into the hills near Berry.
It’s a short, peaceful walk through bushland leading to a small waterfall and natural rock pools.
Because it is still relatively quiet, it offers a more secluded nature experience compared to some of the region’s more popular trails.
4. Bomaderry Creek Regional Park Walk
- Distance: 5 km return
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
- Time: 1–2 hours
Located near Nowra, this walk features sandstone overhangs, caves, river views and native bushland.
Highlights include:
- Rock formations and caves
- Birdlife and wildflowers
- Creekside walking sections
- Elevated forest tracks
Some sections include steps and uneven ground, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
5. Ben’s Walk (Shoalhaven River)
- Distance: ~5 km loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 1–2 hours
Ben’s Walk begins near Hanging Rock Lookout and follows a scenic loop along the Shoalhaven River.
Expect a mix of:
- River views
- Rock overhangs
- Suspension bridge
- Forest tracks
- Quiet picnic spots
It’s a relaxed walk suitable for most fitness levels.
Bens Walk, Nowra
6. Minnamurra Rainforest Loop Walk (Budderoo National Park)
- Distance: 4.2 km loop
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
This is one of the most accessible rainforest experiences near Berry.
Located in Budderoo National Park, the walk features elevated boardwalks and shaded forest trails through subtropical rainforest.
Highlights include:
- Cascading waterfalls
- Tall tree canopy
- River views
- Birdlife (including lyrebirds)
- Educational nature signage
It’s an excellent option for hot or wet weather.
Minamurra Loop Walk
7. Kiama Coast Walk
- Distance: 22 km (can be done in sections)
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
- Time: 1.5–6 hours depending on section
The Kiama Coast Walk is one of the most scenic coastal trails in NSW.
It can be divided into smaller sections, each offering:
- Ocean cliffs
- Beaches and bays
- Blowholes and basalt formations
- Coastal towns and cafés
This is a great full-day or multi-stop walking experience.
Kiama Coast Walk
Dramatic Coastline
Why Walks Around Berry Are So Special
The Berry region sits at the intersection of coastline, rainforest and escarpment landscapes.
This creates an unusually diverse range of walking experiences within a short driving distance.
In a single day, you can:
- Walk through rainforest
- Stand on cliff-top lookouts
- Stroll along empty beaches
- Explore river valleys
- Return to boutique dining in Berry
It’s this variety that makes the South Coast such a rewarding destination for nature lovers.
Tips for Walking Near Berry
- Wear sturdy walking shoes for bush and escarpment trails
- Bring water and sun protection
- Check conditions after heavy rain (some tracks become slippery)
- Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography
- Combine walks with nearby cafés or wineries for a full day out
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best walks near Berry NSW?
The most popular walks include Drawing Room Rocks, Seven Mile Beach, Minnamurra Rainforest Loop, and Bundewallah Waterfall.
Are there easy walks near Berry?
Yes. Seven Mile Beach, Bundewallah Waterfall and parts of Bomaderry Creek Walk are suitable for beginners.
What is the most scenic walk near Berry?
Drawing Room Rocks is widely considered the most scenic short hike due to its panoramic coastal and escarpment views.
Can you do coastal walks near Berry?
Yes. Seven Mile Beach and the Kiama Coast Walk both offer excellent coastal walking experiences.
Where to Relax After a Walk
After exploring the trails, many guests return to Mt Hay Retreat to unwind with:
- A swim in the heated indoor pool
- A soak in the spa
- A quiet moment on your private balcony
- Or simply resting and enjoying the views
It’s the perfect way to balance activity with relaxation during a South Coast stay.
Planning a stay near Berry?
Mt Hay Retreat offers luxury accommodation just minutes from many of these walking trails.
