Australia's 'most beautiful' street fed up with viral fame

Viral social media posts have transformed a quiet seaside town into an overcrowded hotspot — much to the frustration of its residents.
Just two hours south of Sydney, Gerringong is known for its scenic coastal views and upscale homes. But recent Instagram, TikTok and RedNote posts featuring Tasman Drive have drawn waves of tourists eager to capture the “most beautiful street in Australia”. Locals say the attention has become overwhelming.

Residents complain of traffic disruptions, unsafe driving, littering and visitors standing in the middle of the road for photos. “It’s getting beyond a joke”, said 81-year-old Peter Hainsworth. Some have taken matters into their own hands, using garden sprinklers to deter tourists from stepping onto private lawns. Others are pushing for Tasman Drive to become a one-way street to ease congestion. One homeowner reportedly sold their property to escape the chaos.
While some locals appreciate that people enjoy the view, many feel the influx has gone too far.

Linda Bruce, 76, described it as “weird” to see so many people travel long distances just for a quick photo. She noted a rise in visitors from across Asia, something previously uncommon in the area.
Tourists, however, remain captivated. Sydney-based taxi driver Sagar Munjal said the view left him “totally stunned”, while Andy Liao, originally from China, made the trip after seeing it online. Both acknowledged the beauty — and the locals’ concerns. “If I lived here, I wouldn’t want too many people coming to my backyard”, Liao admitted.

Not all visitors are sympathetic. Kevin Medina, a tourist from Colombia, argued that locals should be happy their town is gaining recognition.
A major concern for residents is that many tourists don’t support local businesses — they arrive, take photos and leave. Deputy mayor Melissa Matters said the economic impact is mixed: some businesses benefit, while others see little change.
Though Gerringong has always welcomed visitors, the scale and behaviour of this new wave have sparked tension. As Bruce put it, the question remains: Are tourists truly appreciating the place or simply ticking it off a list?