This submit might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, when you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
Kiama, NSW, is likely one of the most idyllic small coastal cities south of Sydney.
It’s identified for its iconic Kiama Blowhole, a cliffside cavern the place seawater shoots into the air throughout tough tides, however there are such a lot of extra issues to do in Kiama it’s price visiting for greater than a day journey from Sydney.
This quiet coastal retreat affords a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life in Sydney, and affords coastal walks, whale-watching alternatives, nice surf and blissful seashores.
Whether or not you’re in search of nature, seashores, cultural experiences, or to find the craft beer and foodie scene, don’t miss these prime actions!
Issues to do in Kiama, NSW
1. Take a look at the Kiama Blowhole
In fact I knew in regards to the Kiama blowhole earlier than visiting. The well-known spouting water drawing guests from throughout the globe.
I assumed the Kiama blowhole could be far out from the city, not a 5 minute stroll from the primary road on the headland – and I imply THE essential road.
‘Kiama’ means “the place the ocean makes a noise,” precisely describing the Kiama Blowhole. It’s the most well-liked attraction in Kiama.
Below sure circumstances, the blowhole can spray 50 litres of water as much as 25 metres (82 ft) within the air. Put together for the opportunity of getting drenched.
There’s a second much less well-known blowhole in Kiama, identified to the locals as “Little Blowhole.” It’s a smaller, extra slim basalt stack, which makes it extra dependable than the Kiama Blowhole, and could be simply as spectacular.
It’s situated on the Little Blowhole Reserve, Tingira Crescent, Kiama, 2km south of the primary blowhole.
Generally, the well-known Kiama blowhole simply is perhaps a gap. Prefer it was for us.
All of it is determined by nature people. We received a glimpse of it the subsequent morning. It was spouting a little bit of a puff, sufficient for Kalyra to scream “It’s blowing!!”
We noticed the blowhole blow.
It was fully surprising. A bit quiet dose of serenity in a distinct facet of Australia coastal life.
You gained’t be overrun by vacationers whenever you arrive. You would even probably have the entire place to your self.
2. Benefit from the Relaxed small-town vibe of Kiama, NSW
I used to be shocked when after researching locations to remain in Kiama it didn’t return a lot.
“What do you imply there aren’t that many locations? It’s Kiama, the house of the well-known blow gap. There should be streets filled with vacation models, caravan parks and B & B’s.”
Thank goodness there isn’t.
Kiama is a sleepy, seaside village on the south coast of New South Wales. The sort of place you anticipate to see on the shoreline of Wales or Eire.
It’s black and rugged and the headlands and rolling inexperienced hills considerably remind me of Eire.
As an alternative of the hills rolling into naked, craggy mountains like on the Emerald Isle, right here they transfer into the escarpments so acquainted of the Australian bush.
It’s bloody stunning. It’s quiet, it’s lazy, it’s easy, and laid again.
In case you like a night stroll and a day spent whiling away in cafes then Kiama is for you.
In case you love spending the day at pristine seashores with loads of sand so that you can lay on, then the encompassing seashores are for you.
3. Go on a Coastal Stroll in Kiama
If you’re a surfer, I doubt you’ll must combat for waves. Kiama is for you. As we walked on our Kiama coastal stroll from the blowhole to Surfers Seaside we may hear the surfers yahooing as they rode a wave into shore – a wave they didn’t must combat to get.
In case you like heading off into the bush for cool, stress-free walks or scaring your self over metal walkways on prime of the cover then Kiama is for you.
The Kiama Coast Stroll might be one of the simplest ways to see the scenic coastal great thing about the world.
The stroll is 20km, however divided into three sections so that you don’t must hike the entire thing.
You’ll be able to both hike Minnamurra River to Kiama Blowhole, Kiama Blowhole to Loves Bay or Loves Bay to Gerringong.
I like to recommend the Minnamurra River to Kiama Blowhole part as you possibly can then hike again into city.
4. Go to the close by Minnamurra Rainforest
Head out to Minnamurra Rainforest to see the Minnamurra Waterfall and stroll within the shades of the towering timber and ferns.
The Minnamurra Rainforest is within the Budderoo Nationwide Park in NSW. It’s a brief day journey from Sydney and a straightforward go to from Kiama.
You’ll be able to wander the community of elevated walkways by the uncommon remnant rainforest that when reached all through the Illawarra.
There may be a simple, hour-long rainforest loop stroll contains suspension bridges, viewing platforms and lookouts and interpretive indicators alongside the best way.
It’s an excellent shady escape in summer season. You’ll have a fowl’s eye view over this primeval world as you wander the elevated walkway.
The waterfalls stroll begins midway by the Rainforest loop at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre.
It’s an elevated walkway and paved observe which passes streams, the Minnamurra River, moss-covered rocks and feathered ferns.
It affords breathtaking views over the rainforest cover and canyon and has viewing platforms on the decrease and higher Minnamurra Falls.
5. Witness Illawarra Fly for Valley views
The Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures and Stroll is a 500 metre metal stroll within the treetop cover about 30 metres above floor.
It ends at a spiral tower, rising 45 metres above the forest ground and giving stunning views from the escarpment over Illawarra, the valley farming lands and the ocean.
We are saying go to the rainforest or discover some views from the escarpment that come at no cost.
The Illawarra Fly was good, however method overpriced. The Illawarra Fly additionally has the best zipline tour in Australia.
The Illawarra Fly Zipline Tour entails flying on a collection of elevated cable spans and navigating suspension bridges from one tree platform to a different, 35 metres above the forest ground.
6. Calm down on the Kiama Seashores
Being on the coast, Kiama will not be in need of seashores. Within the city, the 2 essential seashores are Kendalls Seaside and Kiama Surf Seaside, which because the identify suggests, is a superb spot for browsing.
In case you’ve by no means surfed earlier than, this can be a nice seaside to get browsing classes. Gerringong Surf Faculty, situated simply quarter-hour drive out of Kiama, affords classes for newbies, each adults and youngsters, and supply non-public and group classes.
Another stunning seashores within the space are Bombo Seaside, which has wonderful rock formations, Werri Seaside, which is one other good browsing seaside, and Seven Mile Seaside, which was as soon as used as a runway by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith for the primary industrial flight between Australia and New Zealand.
Minnamurra Seaside, also referred to as Mystics, is a hidden gem with a beautiful rocky headland and volcanic outcrop.
For one thing a bit totally different, Boneyard Seaside has a pebbly floor and is sheltered by the bay, so the water is calm sufficient to launch a arise paddle board or for younger children to paddle in.
7. Search for whales from Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform
The South NSW coast is well-known for its marine life, particularly humpback whales who frequent these waters within the winter months (Might to November).
Luckily, you don’t must go far to see them. The Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform, which is situated above the headland of northern Jones Seaside in Kiama Downs, is an effective place to see them.
From its peak, it affords a transparent vantage level of the ocean spanning for miles, and on a relaxed day, you could spot some whales breaching. Even when you don’t see whales, the view remains to be fairly.
8. Grand Pacific Drive
The Grand Pacific Drive is a scenic drive that spans from Royal Nationwide Park to Shoalhaven.
It extends for 140-km alongside the coast, passing by Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Kiama. In case you’re driving from Sydney, little question you’ll drive alongside this route with out realizing it, however ensure you make a remark of the stops alongside the best way.
A spotlight of the drive is the Sea Cliff Bridge. If you wish to plan a street journey to Kiama from Sydney, then check out the Grand Pacific Drive web site for some concepts for locations to cease. You’ll be able to see extra in our submit on issues to do in Wollongong.
9. Cathedral Rocks
Though well-known for the Blowhole, this isn’t the one rock formation price seeing in Kiama. Cathedral Rocks are a basalt rock formation that’s been formed by waves in Kiama Downs.
They’re finest seen at dawn when the waters are calm, which displays the morning rays onto the rocks and casts them in an ethereal glow.
10. Take the youngsters to Jamberoo Motion Park
In case you’re visiting in the summertime, then you definately may wish to cool off at Jamberoo Motion Park, a seasonal water theme park (September to April) and options water slides, swimming pools and amusement rides.
11. Bombo Headland Quarry Geological Website
One other place to take a look at the distinctive rocky panorama in Kiama is Bombo Quarry Headland Geological Website, a heritage listed former quarry identified for its distinctive rock formations.
I discussed earlier that Kiama jogged my memory of Eire – nicely, that is perhaps due to Bombo Headland Quarry, which jogs my memory of the well-known Giants Causeway.
12. Kiama Farmers Market
We love a farmer’s market, and when you occur to be visiting on a Wednesday between 3pm and 6pm, be sure that to go to the Kiama Farmers Market and decide up some recent produce for a picnic.
You could find solely the most effective and freshest fruit and veg from native growers, in addition to crafts and humanities by native artisans and crafters.
Different South Coast NSW Journey Ideas
In case you’re visiting different components of the NSW South Coast, try these different guides!
Have you ever been to Kiama earlier than? Have you learnt some other nice issues to do in Kiama? Tell us within the feedback.