Kiama, just 90 minutes by car from Sydney or 2 hours from Canberra, is the gateway to the South Coast. Here you will see rolling hills dotted with black and white dairy cows, the famous Blowhole and the Lighthouse on Kiama Point, the world class Minnamurra Rainforest and some of the finest sandy beaches in the world. Accommodation in Kiama is available year round.
Kiama Accommodation Day Tripper: From Kiama you can take a day trip to Berry, Jervis Bay, Kangaroo Valley, the Southern Highlands, Wollongong and north to the delightful villages of Shellharbour, Austinmer and Thirroul. Kiama is 7 minutes from Werri Beach, Gerringong and Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa
The Blowhole: The name Kiama is from the Aboriginal word Kiarama-a, perhaps meaning "where the sea makes a noise" - a reference to the famous Blowhole, Kiama's best known attraction. When there is a south-east swell, water is whipped up into the blowhole cavern and can reach as high as 60 metres. The area is floodlit until 9.30pm. Also, about 3km south of Kiama is the Little Blowhole which performs on a northerly swell often more consistently than its big brother. Big Blowhole on Blowhole Point Road, Little Blowhole on Tingira Crescent. In 1797, explorer George Bass (after whom Bass Strait between the Australian mainland and Tasmania is named), noted the tremendous roar of the Blowhole when he visited the area. The Lighthouse and Pilot's Cottage: The Lighthouse was built in 1887 and converted to electricity in 1969. Its light shines out for 27kms. The nearby Pilot's Cottage is a maritime museum and opens Sat, Sun and Mon from 11am. When you are visiting the Blowhole and Lighthouse, drop into the Kiama Tourist Information Centre for help from the friendly staff.
Minnamurra Rainforest: This is a rare tract of subtropical rainforest in Budderoo National Park. An elevated boardwalk makes it possible for people of all abilities to enjoy the ancient figs and lush ferns and palms. The rainforest is open daily from 9am to 5pm. An entrance fee applies. (Also see Jamberoo)
Great Surf Beaches: The area boasts some of the best beaches on the coast - all within a 10 to 15 minute drive of each other. There's Bombo Beach just before you enter Kiama, Surf Beach in the centre of town, Kendall's Beach and East's Beach as you head south, then onto Werri Beach in Gerringong and Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa. There is a beach for every level of surfer, body surfer or just those that want to play in the sand by the edge of the water. Mystics at Minnamurra and nearby The Farm at Killelea State Recreational Area have been named in Tracks Magazine's 101 best Australian Waves.
Shoppers: New stores open all the time in Kiama. You're guaranteed to find something to please everyone in the family in one of the delightful Terraces in Collins Street (originally quarry workers' houses these date from around 1886 and are now classified by the National Trust).
There are fabulous homewares and fashion shops, handbags, books, shoes, toys, beach gear, jewellery ... it's all here! Then there are the great cafes and restaurants where you can rest those weary shoppers' feet.
The Markets: Kiama Seaside Market is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9am to 3pm at Black Beach (downtown on your way to the Blowhole). Stallholder bookings: Contact Bobbie & Chris on 4232 4110. There will be an extra market on the Monday of the October long weekend & also on Easter Monday. Kiama Produce Markets are held on the 4th Saturday of each month from 8am to 1pm at Black Beach.
Barren Grounds Nature Reserve: This is located at the top of Jamberoo pass. The area boasts stunning coastal views from rocky outcrops and is a 1750 hectare bird watcher's mecca. Defined as a 'hanging swamp', it offers several walks through the heathland. Griffiths Trail, an 8km circular track, is a relatively flat but scenic route through the heathland and a variety of other habitats. Cooks Nose Lookout is a shorter 6km return walk with excellent escarpment views over Kangaroo Valley. Picnic facilities are located here. Access from Jamberoo Mtn Rd, 19km west of Kiama.
Great Walks: the Kiama Hinterland Trail can take three hours for the complete circuit. Take a picnic and spend an extra hour at any of the picnic sites marked on the map (available from Tourism Kiama near the Blowhole or we can post you a copy). If you have less time, take the shorter circuit to Saddleback Mountain and Jamberoo or Minnamurra Rainforest and return to Kiama via Spring Creek Wetlands. For a touch of Ireland, the Bushbank Mill Track is a must, locatd just south of Kiama. Hoddles Track begins on Saddleback Mountain (a place where views are just to die for) and this offers a return walk with some great views along the coast on the way back to the escarpment.
Carrington Falls: Located in Budderoo National Park, this is a great place to walk, picnic or just relax. There are excellent plateau walking tracks (including one suitable for wheel chairs) with fine escarpment views towards Kangeroo Valley. Three lookouts provide superb views of the falls. A short walk leads to Nellies Glen, a delightful place for relaxing in summer.
Visit our Things to Do in Kiama page for more ideas on how to spend your Kiama escape. Why not book dinner at a Kiama restaurant at the same time as booking your accommodation in Kiama?
Kiama Accommodation and Kiama Holiday Rentals: Find the best Kiama accommodation and best Kiama holiday rentals from luxury houses to classic family holiday homes. Great deals and prices at South Coast Holidays!
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