Things to do in Kiama
Just south of Sydney lies an idyllic coastal hot spot hiding in plain sight.
Kiama’s historic harbour, rainforest hinterland and coastline scalloped with white-sand beaches make for an idyllic getaway. Located just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, the seaside town is best known for the Kiama Blowhole – the largest in the world, reaching record heights of 30m – but there’s much more to the region than meets the eye.
The journey itself is also part of the attraction. Driving from Sydney, travellers can opt to take the route via Sea Cliff Bridge, a 665m stretch of elevated road that was engineered to solve the problem of regular rockfalls blocking the road between Coalcliff and Clifton. The $52m construction is a space-age sensation; your car seemingly glides at a distance from the cliff face, and high above the sea and jagged shoreline. Be sure to park at the lookout to see a wider view of the Sea Cliff Bridge and coastline as well as the Royal National Park from above.
From Bombo to Willow Vale, explore the 13 best things to do in the multiplicity of Kiama and surrounds.
Things to do in Kiama
Kiama Coast Walk
Check conditions on the magnificent Kiama Coast Walk with the Visitor Information Centre, and set an early wake-up call. As the sun rises, sling swimmers, a towel, water and sunscreen into a backpack. Moody ocean, big sky and sweeping land vistas characterise the cliff-side path. Watch for whale pods catching currents north in autumn and south in spring with their calves. On shore, trains worm in and out of tunnels in the rolling pastures. Prior to European settlement, these lands of the Dharawal Nation were covered in red cedar-canopied rainforest and marshlands characterised by swamp oak. Two dreaming poles at Werri Lagoon remind walkers of the enduring indigenous connection to this place.
The Blue Swimmer Cafe
Fifteen minutes’ drive from Kiama, Gerroa’s The Blue Swimmer cafe is famous with locals. The outlook, from inside and out on the veranda, takes in Crooked River estuary and the white-railed footbridge across to Seven Mile Beach. Head chef Lauren Brown and culinary co-conspirator Dan Dewhurst are influenced by studies in Italy and travels in South America, and intriguing flavour combinations result. Speck croquettes with tomato relish; tender pork-and-ricotta meatballs with pumpkin-seed pesto; and chevre with zucchini, fennel, black barley and mint, are some choices for a light lunch to share, maybe accompanied by Hastwell & Lightfoot pinot grigio. Then sink a spoon into halloumi doughnuts with jam and vanilla anglaise. Breakfast and dinner are just as enticing.
Wild Ginger
If you’re looking for Southeast Asian cuisine alongside a cocktail, look no further than Wild Ginger. Following the success of their Jervis Bay outfit, the team at Wild Ginger opened a second establishment in Kiama at the end of March 2022. Expect crispy pork belly, chargrilled king prawns with chilli and lime, blue swimmer crab with pickled cucumber and salmon caviar, and much more. Let the chefs choose what’s for lunch or dinner by selecting either their classic or three course banquet options with matching beverages to boot. With happy hour starting at 3pm to 5pm, try one of their Bloody Aperol Sours, a margherita or a Grifter Brewing Co beer.
Pilots Cottage Museum
Arriving at Kiama’s famous Blowhole Point, you’ll notice the Pilots Cottage Museum. Restored and run by knowledgeable members of Kiama and District Historical Society, the cottage welcomed a new neighbour 2020, the excellent Kiama Visitor Information Centre; together they provide then-and-now perspectives of the region. Last century’s harbour pilot had a full schedule — tending the gas-fired lighthouse beacon, reporting weather conditions to Sydney, collecting mooring fees, and assisting ships in distress. Note: The blowhole is fickle, relying on the right tidal settings to create its booming spectacle.
Fly Treetop Adventures
Gain the perspective of a sugar glider at the recently reopened Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures (weekends only), where visitors tread an elevated metal walkway through the tall eucalypt canopy of a patch of temperate rainforest on the escarpment behind Lake Illawarra. Stare down the 20-30m drop to the forest floor, where tree ferns radiate in cool green patterns, echidnas amble and lyrebirds scratch among the leaf litter. Standing on the springy cantilevered ends of the walkway with views to Wollongong is thrilling. For the ultimate flying-possum experience, clip yourself into a harness and zip-line through the forest on a guided tour. Be the first to arrive, at 9am, or the last to leave at 5pm, for the best chance of seeing wildlife on the move.
Crooked River Wines
If you’re looking to take a drive around the outskirts of Kiama, there’s no better pit stop than family owned and operated Crooked River Wines just off the Princes Highway in coastal Gerringong. Award-winning reds and whites such as their chambourcin or savagnin have been perfected since the winery opened in 1998, enveloping the flavours of Gerringong’s rich volcanic alluvial soil. Vines meet sea at the establishment, with breathtaking views of the south coast to be enjoyed from both their cellar door, restaurant and on-site brewery Uncle Joe’s Brew if you’re looking to quench your thirst with something else. For a longer stay, consider staying in the Willowvale Estate House on the property with family or friends, built with four bedrooms, a large dining room and verandas to appreciate the rolling cascade of vines. However, what really brings to the crowds to Gerringong is the Winter Wine Festival and Unwind in the Vines at Crooked River Wines, which have hosted the likes of Ziggy Alberts, Amy Shark and The Ruebens.
Bombo Headland Quarry
It’s a stage set for a rock opera. The dramatic environment of the abandoned Bombo Headland quarry is listed with the NSW Heritage Council as a site of geological significance. From the 1870s the headland shook with explosions of dynamite and rang with the sound of men wielding knapping hammers to smash basalt into blue metal that would form the base for Sydney’s road, rail and tram networks. Mining continued until the 1960s, removing a vast chunk of the headland and leaving a ragged rim of towering latite columns. Within this spectacular arena, blue wrens, sea eagles and black cockatoos now stage their own performances as the sea surges and froths into rifts.
The Historical Aviation Restoration Society Museum
Remember when people dressed up to fly overseas and passenger planes had curtains? What does it feel like to sit in the cockpit of an F-111 tactical attack aircraft? Would you get nostalgic walking down the economy-class aisle of a 747? The Historical Aviation Restoration Society Museum, which was reopened only on Monday at Illawarra Regional Airport, is most often compared to a time machine, says our guide, a former commercial pilot and one of many passionate volunteers who run HARS. The $20 admission charge ($8 for children; $55 for a family) includes a tour with a guide who recounts tales of Australian aviation history as you stroll around the hangar among more than 40 exhibits. Connie, an elegant Lockheed Super Constellation — the workhorse of 1960s commercial flight — was restored from dereliction by HARS engineers at the Davis-Monthan Aircraft Boneyard in the US, and flown back to join the collection, which includes Catalina, Caribou, Sabre and Mirage aircraft.
Gerringong and Wollongong Ocean Pools
On a longer visit to the region, you could make it your mission to swim in every ocean pool between the Gongs — Wollongong and Gerringong. Each little beach seems to have one of these opaline-hued gifts to humanity, where waves at high tide refresh the water. Kiama has one on either side of the entrance to its harbour. The wonky-shaped Blowhole Point pool, first formed in the 1880s and then reserved for men, has a spectacular view back to Bombo Headland. The Continental or Pheasant Point pool, once reserved for women, beckons morning lap swimmers as the sun spills in from the east.
Flour Water Salt
Joost and Kirsty Hilkemeijer have mastered the art of authentic and artisan sourdough, using only the ingredients in their business’ name. After opening Berry Organic Sourdough Bakery in 2002 in Berry, NSW, the Hilkemeijers extended its bakery cafes to Milton, Huskisson and of course, Kiama. At their Kiama cafe, expect a few menu options sourced from the best ingredients available from their local suppliers. Organic and home grown produce are the star of what they make, such as Kristy’s jams and preserves available in store with what she can find. Tourism and Transport Forum Marge Osmand said when visiting Kiama’s beautiful coastal cliffs and beaches, be sure to stop at, “Flour Water Salt bakery for fresh sourdough and delicious cakes.”
Silica Restaurant
On the edge of Kiama’s Surf Beach sits fine dining star Silica Restaurant. This two story restaurants sources organic vegetables, local community farm herbs and seafood based around what’s seasonally caught. The downstairs dining area offers a more relaxed dining experience, with high wooden tables and stools as well as couches for extra comfort. Upstairs is more formal, with tables donned with white table cloths and sweeping views of Kiama’s coastline. If you’re lounging on the beach and looking picnic instead, get the ‘Silica-to-go’ takeaway option, including fresh fish, hand-cut scallops and a coffee. Otherwise, find a table and perhaps enjoy chargrilled octopus, kingfish sashimi or even Sydney rock oysters.
Parfait Patisserie
Parfait Patisserie in Manning Street has pastries and great coffee, perfect fuel for walking 5km to Loves Bay and back. Offering a wide range of Fresh inspired pastries, cakes, petite gauteux and breads, Parfait is made on site and fresh daily, with cakes available for order. If visiting on the weekend, look out for their specials. In the past, fresh flaky croissants filled with a pineapple curd, glazed then topped with a coconut cream have been on the menu, as well as sticky date filled croissants. The ideal spot to get your sugar fix.
Collins Street
In the 1880s, timber terrace houses were constructed in Kiama’s Collins Street to accommodate the Bombo quarry workers and their families. Now under a conservation order, the rows of neatly painted dwellings are occupied by boutiques and cafes, including the Hungry Monkey bar and restaurant. It’s a top spot for happy hour drinks, with social distancing of course, and the restaurant is open at reduced capacity. Takeaway and delivery services include a hearty Sunday roast of stuffed pork belly roll, apple sauce, crispy potatoes, braised cabbage and gravy suitable for four. The “handcrafted” burgers are also highly recommended.
History of Kiama
Formerly a cedar port, Kiama officially became a town in 1839. However, traditional stories share that the Dharawal people were the first to come to Illawarra, as well as the nomadic Wadi Wadi tribes that passed through. By 1797, European settlers made their way to what would be Kiama, taking advantage of its cedar forests and carving out basalt quarries. In the 1800s, rapid development began for Kiama, and it is now known for its dairy and mixed farming, blue-metal or basalt quarrying and coal mining.
Places to visit near Kiama
If you’re up for a day trip, head to the Gerringong area where you’ll find Seven Mile Beach which makes up more than 12 kilometres of coastline. The hilltop town of Gerringong is also home to cafes, restaurants, wineries and microbreweries. West of Kiama, Saddleback Mountain sits about 10 minutes from Kiama’s Blowhole, and on a clear day, views of Cronulla all the way to Milton can be enjoyed from its lookout. For the surfers looking for some top waves, head north to Killalea Regional Park located between Shellharbour and Kiama. It’s also the perfect place for fishing, coastal camping and long beach walks.
How to get to Kiama
There are three options you can consider to get yourself to Kiama. By car, it’s a 120km journey from Sydney which can take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic. Otherwise, Premier Coach and Greyhound Australia offer bus services that travel down to Kiama in a similar time. A direct train from Sydney to Kiama also run hourly, and you can expected to arrive a little more than two hours from the time you leave.
Public transport in Kiama
- Kiama Cabs: Servicing Kiama and surrounds.
- Kiama Mini Coach Charters: Weddings, Airport and Cruise ship transfers, local tours and school excursions.
- Kiama Coachlines: Servicing Kiama, Jamberoo, Gerringong and Gerroa on weekdays only.
- Premier Illawarra: Servicing Kiama, Kiama Downs and through to Shellharbour & Wollongong.
- Sydney Trains: Services running daily between Sydney and Nowra. Kiama trains arrive and depart hourly.
- Kiama Scenic Tours: Extended tours, day trips, winery tours and coach charters.
Best places to stay in Kiama
- The Pause holiday house, Gerringong
- Soul of Gerringong, Gerringong
- The Headland House - Dovecote, Gerringong
- Bask at Loves Bay, Kiama
- Greyleigh, Kiama
This story was originally published in June 2020 and has since been updated with new information.