This coastal town 120km south of Sydney draws visitors to its famous blowhole, where waves shoot water up to 20 meters high through volcanic rock formations.
Kiama sits along the New South Wales coast, 120 kilometers south of Sydney. Watch seawater shoot through the Kiama Blowhole, surf at Mystics Beach, or walk trails past Cathedral Rocks. The town holds weekly farmers' markets next to Surf Beach, music festivals, and cafes using local ingredients. A lighthouse stands by the harbor, and rock pools along the coast are popular for swimming. From Saddleback Mountain, you can see views stretching over the ocean and countryside.
Visit the Kiama Blowhole and Lighthouse
The Kiama Blowhole, formed in volcanic rock, sends water up to 25 meters high when waves from the southeast push against it. Listen for the loud rush of air before each spray, a sight known to the Wodi Wodi people for thousands of years. Time your visit around high tide for the strongest sprays, and keep to marked paths—the rocks near the edge can be dangerous. A smaller spray called the Little Blowhole sits a short walk south, often with fewer visitors. Next to the main site, a white lighthouse built in 1887 still operates, and the old pilot’s cottage nearby displays exhibits on shipwrecks and early settlers.
Swim and Surf at Beaches Near Town
Surf Beach has lifeguards during summer and waves suitable for beginners. Kendalls Beach, sheltered by cliffs, has shallow water for children to paddle. Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Minnamurra River, where the water stays smooth even on windy days. Snorkel around the rocky edges of Bombo Quarry to spot colorful fish and sea urchins. Jones Beach, a 15-minute walk north of the town center, has soft sand and clear views of Cathedral Rocks, a cluster of sea stacks rising from the ocean.
Walk the Kiama Coastal Trail
This 22-kilometer path starts at Minnamurra River and ends at Werri Lagoon, passing cliffs, beaches, and farms. Begin at Surf Beach to see the Blowhole first, then continue to Bombo Headland, where hexagonal rock columns create dramatic shapes against the water. Bring shoes with good grip for the steep paths down to small beaches like Little Blowhole Beach. The northern part of the trail includes wooden walkways through wetlands where birds like herons and egrets feed. Use the free Alpaca Map app to find rest areas, drinking fountains, and sections where dogs are allowed.
See Views from Saddleback Mountain
Drive 15 minutes southwest of Kiama to reach the top of Saddleback Mountain, 600 meters above sea level. On cloudless days, you can spot Wollongong’s port to the north and the Shoalhaven River mouth to the south. A short walking track leads from the lookout through a forest of eucalyptus trees and ferns. Visit at dawn to see the sun rise over farmland dotted with cows and horses. Watch for large birds like wedge-tailed eagles circling above the cliffs.
Shop at Weekly Markets and Explore Farms
Every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Surf Beach hosts a market with fresh vegetables, honey, and cheeses from nearby farms. Try oysters opened right in front of you or hot pizza baked in portable ovens. Inland, the village of Jamberoo has fields with dairy cows and a water park called Jamberoo Action Park, which has slides and pools surrounded by hills. Walk the 6-kilometer Kiama Coast Walk loop through pastures and past old stone barns to see how the area’s farmland has changed over time.
Discover Local History and Culture
The Pilot’s Cottage Museum near the Blowhole explains how Kiama’s basalt quarries and whaling ships shaped its economy in the 1800s. Join a tour led by Wodi Wodi guides to learn about fishing traditions and bush tucker practices. Visit Bonaira Native Gardens behind Kiama High School to see plants used for food and medicine, with signs explaining their roles in Aboriginal life. On Terralong Street, the bright pink post office built in 1893 reflects the town’s wealth during its mining boom.
Time Your Trip for Wildlife and Festivals
From May to November, book a boat tour to watch humpback whales swim past the coast. In September, free jazz and blues concerts take over parks and pubs during the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival. The July Winter Wine Festival highlights wines from local vineyards in the Shoalhaven area. Look for the “Big Poo” sculpture near the town center, a humorous nod to Kiama’s early sewage system. Check Kiama Council’s website before your trip for dates of annual events like surf contests and agricultural shows.
How to Reach Kiama
Drive from Sydney via the M1 and Princes Highway, taking about 90 minutes. Trains from Sydney Central Station take 2.5 hours and stop at Kiama Station, a 5-minute walk from the beach. While the town is easy to explore on foot, renting a car helps reach trails and mountain lookouts. If you have extra time, stop in the village of Berry for antique stores or visit Minnamurra Rainforest Centre to walk beside waterfalls. Free parking is available near the Blowhole, Surf Beach, and Kendalls Beach.
