When I was overseas, our guide would always pause to point out “Instagram opportunities.” Not heritage sites or places of deep meaning, just spots where everyone stands to take the photo.

Sometimes I would look and silently ask myself, “Why here?” Other times, I got it.

Either way, I played along, quietly reflecting on how strange the world had become. Another day, another first world problem.

So you can imagine my mixed feelings now that Gerringong has its own Instagram altar: Tasman Drive.

While doing my usual Saturday 10am to 2pm tour of local happenings, I swung by Tasman Drive, now officially crowned by TikTok as the most Instagrammable spot in NSW.

And right on cue, I spotted this lovely family just standing there, gazing out at the view.

They weren’t snapping selfies or staging TikToks. Just soaking it in.

The Adhikari Family sharing Tasman Drive's tourism appeal with the Nepalese community through the Nepalese News (Mero Kapuri-Ka)

Curious, I asked where they were from. “Sydney,” they said. “We saw this place online and had to see it for ourselves.”

Turns out, the dad is a journalist for a Nepalese newspaper.

So naturally I said, “Well, I’m from the Kiama paper. Mind if I take your photo? We’re both documenting TikTok tourism in action.”

So here we are. One global family, one local coastline, one very photogenic moment. This once sleepy strip with million dollar ocean views has become a backdrop for thousands of holiday snaps.

Tourists call it a hidden gem. Locals just call it “trying to reverse out of my driveway while dodging influencers and Kombis.”

Ever since Shruti and Dishant Rawat posted their viral video marvelling at the “underrated beauty” of this cliff hugging stretch, things have escalated.

Cars roll in from Sydney like a sunset chasing parade.

Strangers stand in driveways for the perfect panorama of Werri Beach.

One bloke reportedly mistook a front garden for a public lookout and set up a drone launch pad between the wheelie bins.

“It’s a beautiful view,” said one long time resident. “But sometimes I look out my window and see more tripods than lomandra.”

Locals have developed coping strategies. Bin night is now stealthy and swift.

Dog walks are re-routed to avoid photobombing engagement shoots.

And the Gerringong Facebook group keeps a tally of how many driveways have been mistaken for the path to Bali.

Still, not everyone minds. A few residents have embraced their accidental fame.

One now offers drone battery top ups and sells lemonade. Another painted a sign that reads: Yes, we know it’s beautiful. Please don’t climb the retaining wall.

And just quietly, the view is just as good from the grassed headland.

No need to balance your tripod on someone’s front path.

Because while some tourist spots ask for ropes, maps and emergency beacons, Tasman Drive just asks for patience, a bit of humour and a very firm grip on your recycling bin.