While the blowhole is the obvious starting point for a trip to Kiama, there is a great deal more to see and do: a 20 km coastal walk, two ocean pools, excellent cafes, family-friendly surf beaches, and easy day trips to nearby small towns.

Kiama is around 90 minutes from Sydney and just under 3 hours from Canberra, putting it in easy reach for a weekend escape.

This article focuses on activities and things to do in Kiama. For a more detailed guide including accommodation and restaurants, check out the Next Escape Kiama Travel Guide.

Next Escape is your guide to real places and real experiences, with honest, practical, independent travel advice based on first-hand visits: the beaches we’ve swum at, the restaurants we’ve eaten at, the walks we’ve actually done. This page may contain affiliate links; if you book or buy through them, Next Escape may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Kiama Blowhole

This is the go-to spot in Kiama and one of the largest blowholes in the world. The blowhole is most active when strong south-easterly swells combine with high tide. It’s an easy visit with a lighthouse, cafe and car park nearby and is a short walk from town. Entry is free.

Personal note: The blowhole has never been hugely active when we have visited – I think we’ve timed it badly with the tide – however it’s still worth a visit to wander around the rocks and take in the views.

If the main blowhole is subdued on your visit, the Little Blowhole at Kendalls Beach is also worth checking out. It’s about a 45-minute walk, and takes you along both Surf Beach (the main Kiama beach) and Kendalls Beach. This is also part of the larger Kiama Coastal Walk.

Walk the Kiama Coastal Walk

The Kiama coastal walk is a 20 km mix of paths, grass tracks and beach walks with Kiama sitting 8.4 km from the northern end. If you are staying in Kiama for a couple of days, you don’t need to do this all in one go. You could head north towards Minnamurra River one day and see the Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform, Cathedral Rocks and Bombo Headland. Then the next day, head south towards Loves Bay and on to Gerringong with gorgeous coastal views along the way.

Important note: There are some areas with unprotected cliff tops which may be tricky with younger children.

The walk is generally divided into three sections:

• North section: Minnamurra River to Kiama Blowhole (8.4 km, allow about 3 hours)
• Mid section: Kiama Blowhole to Loves Bay (5 km, allow about 1.5 hours)
• South section: Loves Bay to Gerringong (6 km, allow about 2 hours)

It can get hot and windy, so be sure to take sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and a hat.

Swim at Kiama Surf Beach

Kiama Surf Beach is the closest beach to town, family-friendly, and patrolled from around October through to Easter. The exact dates vary each year, so be sure to check the beachsafe website before visiting. There’s a picnic area, BBQ, toilets and showers. The beach is an easy walk from town and most accommodation.

If you are visiting during the week, the Kiama Farmers’ Market is on every Wednesday afternoon at Coronation Park, right next to Surf Beach, and is worth a visit after you finish your beach day.

Visit Minnamurra Rainforest

If you haven’t had enough walking with the Kiama Coastal Walk, or are looking for a good walk with kids, the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre is a 20-minute drive inland and has two great walks. This is also a good option on warmer days as it’s generally a little cooler and shadier than the Kiama Coastal Walk. The Lyrebird loop walk is an easy 1.6 km (allow 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many times you stop to take in the scenery) and the Minnamurra Falls Walk is 4.2 km with some steep sections. You can also combine both. Park entry fees of $12 per vehicle per day apply.

Swim in the Ocean Pools

There are two excellent ocean pools in Kiama. The larger pool (Continental Ocean Pool, also called Olympic Pool) is at the northern end of Black Beach Reserve. The smaller pool sits at Blowhole Point.

There are changing facilities at both pools.

Visit the Kiama Markets

Kiama has monthly seaside markets and weekly farmers’ markets. Both are worth a visit if your time in Kiama coincides with the dates they are on.

If you can time your visit for the third Sunday of the month, the Kiama seaside markets are on at Black Beach Reserve. You’ll find local produce, takeaway food, arts and crafts, and clothing stalls.

Right next to the surf beach in Coronation Park you’ll find the Kiama Farmers’ Market every Wednesday afternoon. There’s a good range of fruit and veg, seafood, meats, flowers and prepared meals. It’s also a great spot to have a beer, takeaway food and listen to some music in the sun.

Whale Watching

Whale watching season in Kiama runs from May to October, with July and August generally the best months to spot humpback whales migrating north and passing close to shore. They then return south with their calves from September to November. There are several excellent whale watching spots in the area, including:

• Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform, at the northern end of the coastal walk – a perfect end point if you walk Kiama to Minnamurra on the Kiama Coastal Walk (around 8.4 km).
• Gerringong Whale Watching Platform, on the headland at the southern end of Werri Beach (accessible via Tasman Drive). This is at the very southern end of the Kiama Coastal Walk (around 11 km from Kiama).
• Kiama Blowhole has plenty of good vantage points to look out to sea and try and spot the distinctive water spouts.

Day Trip: Gerringong

Gerringong is just 15 minutes south of Kiama and has a beachy, surf town feel with a slower-paced vibe. It’s perfect for anyone wanting quieter beaches, and it sits at the southern end of the Kiama Coastal Walk – walk the full route south and you’ll arrive here.

Standout spots: Werri Beach (patrolled surf beach with an ocean rock pool), The Hill Bar & Kitchen for a relaxed lunch with views over the beach, and Stoic Brewery for craft beer and burgers. The headland at the southern end of Werri Beach (Tasman Drive) is also worth a visit for the views, though it can get busy with visitors on summer weekends. Tasman Drive was dubbed “Australia’s most beautiful street” and gets inundated with people searching for the perfect selfie.

Day Trip: Berry

Berry is around 20 minutes from Kiama and offers a very different experience: boutique shopping, excellent cafes, and a relaxed village atmosphere rather than coastal scenery. Queen Street is the main strip with homewares boutiques, independent stores, bakeries, and cafes. The Berry Donut Van has been a fixture since the 70s and the piping hot cinnamon donuts are as popular as ever.

If you’re staying more than two nights in Kiama, Berry makes an easy half-day trip.

Day Spa

There are a few good day spa locations in Kiama and a massage or facial is a perfect “recovery day” activity after walking the Kiama Coastal Walk.

• Endota Spa: centrally located with an excellent menu of facials, massages and treatments. They also sell Endota products if you have forgotten to pack any toiletries.
• Siam Balance Float and Wellness: as well as facials and massages, the centre offers float tanks, cold plunges, infrared saunas and a steam room.
• Wellness Recovery Haus: treatment menu includes float tanks, massage and infrared sauna.

Wine & Dine

There are some fantastic restaurants in Kiama and you have lots of choice for breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. Some of our favourites are:

• Penny Whistlers: a perfect spot for breakfast or lunch, also a great option to get a takeaway coffee and wander across Black Beach Reserve to check out the ocean pool.
• Silica: fresh seafood, fabulous cocktails and lovely views.
• Little Betty’s: for an extensive wine list, cocktails and sharing plates.
• Flower Water Salt: stop in for coffee, pastries and pies.
• Olive & Vine: an easy family dinner with great pasta and pizza.

Coast & Country Drive

For a beautiful drive combining coast and country scenery:

• Head south from Kiama to Gerringong (around 15 minutes) to check out Werri Beach
• Then further south to Gerroa Headland for coastal views (around 10 minutes)
• On to Seven Mile Beach to take a walk along the beach (around 7 minutes to the Gerroa picnic area)
• Inland along Beach Road to Berry (around 12 minutes) for shopping, coffee or lunch.

For a casual lunch on your drive, try The Hill Bar & Kitchen in Gerringong or The Garden in Berry.

Wine Tasting

If you have a designated driver, there are a few options for wine tasting around Kiama.

Crooked River Estate is a 10-15 minute drive from Kiama and has lovely views, great wines available for tasting ($20 per person) and a restaurant open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and Saturday night for dinner. The cellar door also has a casual food menu (starters, grazing plates, burgers).

A little further afield you’ll find Two Figs Winery (35 mins), known for its elevated views across the Shoalhaven, Silos Estate (25 mins) for its historic setting and alpacas, and Mountain Ridge Wines (25 mins), which pairs tastings with a restaurant overlooking the vines.

Walk Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach stretches from Gerroa to Crookhaven Lighthouse and is a striking stretch of coastline ideal for long walks and picnics. The easiest access is via the picnic area on Beach Road. Only portions are patrolled during summer and some areas have strong rips, so if you are looking to swim then check the beachsafe website first to pick the ideal spot.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Best time to visit:

Our favourite visits have been in spring and autumn when it’s not as rushed but the weather is still warm enough for the coastal walk and exploring the town. Accommodation is also a little cheaper, with several hotels offering packages for staying outside of peak season.

If you can manage a midweek visit, a Wednesday is ideal as the Farmers’ Market is on in the afternoon.

• Summer: lively and busy, great for beach days.
• Autumn: ideal weather for the coastal walk.
• Winter: powerful ocean swells, fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation.
• Spring: great for whale watching, wildflowers and walking.

Getting there:

• From Sydney: 1.5 to 2 hours by car (131 km). Train from Central Station takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• From Canberra: 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours by car (219 km).

Planning ahead:

Book restaurants, accommodation and any spa appointments in advance, especially if you are visiting on a weekend. If you are planning on doing the Kiama Coastal Walk, bring good shoes, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.

Useful links

• Accommodation on Booking.com
• Accommodation on Stayz
• Next Escape Kiama Travel Guide (including restaurants and accommodation recommendations)