Kiama is one of the NSW South Coast’s most popular destinations, offering a balanced mix of natural landmarks, coastal walks, great food, and family-friendly attractions. This guide covers the best things to do in Kiama, with experiences suited to families, couples, outdoor lovers, and relaxed weekend travellers. Many highlights sit close together, making Kiama easy to explore at your own pace.
See The Kiama Blowhole And Little Blowhole
The Kiama Blowhole and Little Blowhole are the town’s most iconic natural attractions. Formed by basalt lava flows, both are free to visit and accessible at any time, though activity depends on ocean swell.
The main blowhole is located near town, while Little Blowhole sits further south along the coast. Both can be linked by sections of the Kiama Coast Walk, making them easy to combine into a half-day outing. Always stay behind fences and signage, as waves can surge onto rock platforms during large swell.
Walk The Kiama Coast Walk
The Kiama Coast Walk is one of the region’s most popular scenic walks, stretching from the Minnamurra River to Werri Beach in Gerringong. The route includes sealed paths, grassy tracks, and some beach walking, with generally gentle hills that suit many fitness levels. Along the way, walkers pass beaches, cliff views, headlands, rock formations, and both blowholes. You can tackle short sections or plan a longer walk depending on time and conditions.
Visit Black Beach And Boneyard Beach
Black Beach sits close to Kiama Harbour and is known for its distinctive dark basalt sand. Nearby, Boneyard Beach offers a quieter, more sheltered feel tucked beneath headlands.
Both beaches are easy stops close to town and work well as short breaks for photos, a quick walk, or a calm coastal moment between other attractions. They pair naturally with nearby sections of the coastline and headlands.
Discover Cathedral Rocks
Cathedral Rocks is famous for its dramatic basalt columns and sea stacks, which create a striking, cathedral-like appearance. The area is especially popular with photographers during golden hour, when the light highlights the rugged formations.
This spot suits coastal walkers and anyone drawn to raw landscapes. Stick to established access points and avoid exploring too close to the water, as this exposed coastline can change quickly.
Explore Minnamurra Rainforest
Minnamurra Rainforest, located within Budderoo National Park, is a rare remnant of subtropical and warm temperate rainforest. Elevated walkways and well-formed tracks make it accessible without difficult navigation. The area is known for birdlife and occasional wildlife sightings, with species like lyrebirds and water dragons found in the broader region.
It’s a great way to balance Kiama’s coastal experiences with cooler, shaded rainforest scenery. For a change of scenery, Barren Grounds Nature Reserve and the Barren Grounds Picnic Area offer a quieter, high-altitude nature experience away from the coast.
Visit Waterfalls Near Kiama
Kiama is well positioned for exploring several impressive waterfalls in the Illawarra and Southern Highlands. Most are inland and best reached by car, making them ideal for half-day or full-day trips. Water flow is strongest after rainfall.
Popular options include.Minnamurra Falls, Carrington Falls, Fitzroy Falls, and Belmore Falls. These waterfalls can be visited individually or combined into a scenic loop depending on time and Kiama weather.
Drive Up Saddleback Mountain
Located around six kilometres southwest of Kiama, Saddleback Mountain offers elevated views over the coastline. Several roadside lookouts provide sweeping panoramas that can stretch from Cronulla to Jervis Bay on clear days.
Easy access by car makes this stop suitable for most visitors, and it fits well between other Kiama activities. It’s a popular option for photographers, particularly at sunrise or sunset. Checking local weather conditions before visiting helps ensure clear views.
Browse Local Markets In Kiama
Kiama hosts regular markets that showcase local food, crafts, and regional products. These markets provide a relaxed way to experience the local community and meet producers.
Typical stalls include fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, and art. The Kiama Farmers Market and Kiama Seaside Markets are the main ones to look out for and work well as casual morning activities.
Visit Zeynep Testoni Ceramics In Gerroa
Located in nearby Gerroa, Zeynep Testoni Ceramics is a boutique studio specialising in handmade pieces inspired by the ocean and natural forms. Each item is crafted intuitively, making every piece unique rather than mass-produced. This stop appeals to visitors interested in design, art, and locally made goods and pairs well with exploring the Kiama–Gerroa coastline.
Skydive Over The Coastline With BIGWAVE SKYDIVE
For adventure seekers, tandem skydiving near Kiama with BIGWAVE SKYDIVE offers aerial views across the South Coast and Illawarra coastline. Jumps provide sweeping perspectives of beaches, escarpment, and ocean, guided by experienced instructors. This is one of the most adrenaline-focused activities in the area and suits travellers looking for a standout experience.
Spend A Day At Jamberoo Action Park
Jamberoo Action Park is NSW’s largest family-owned water theme park and one of the region’s biggest family attractions. Set among Jamberoo’s green countryside, it features a wide range of slides, rides, and pools for different age groups. It is especially popular during summer and school holidays and works well as a full-day activity for families travelling with children or teens.
Dine At Yves At The Sebel Harbourside
Yves Social at The Sebel Harbourside is a waterfront restaurant overlooking Kiama Harbour. The menu focuses on modern Australian dining with quality ingredients, including signature dishes such as slow-cooked wagyu brisket. Harbour views make it a popular choice for lunch or dinner, especially for couples or groups looking for a relaxed sit-down meal.
Eat And Drink Around Gerringong And Gerroa
Nearby Gerringong and Gerroa offer excellent food and drink options within a short drive of Kiama. These stops pair well with coastal walks, beach visits, or countryside drives.
Popular choices include Hill Bar for modern Australian dining with Werri Beach views, Stoic Brewing for local beers and ciders, and The Blue Swimmer in Gerroa for a beachfront breakfast or lunch.
Where To Stay When Exploring Kiama
Where you choose to stay in Kiama depends on how you plan to spend your time. Some visitors prefer to be walkable to town and beaches, while others enjoy staying closer to nature or slightly removed for a quieter setting. The properties below work as practical bases for exploring Kiama’s coastal walks, beaches, lookouts, and nearby attractions.
Kiama Mountain Views Home
Set in the heart of Kiama, Kiama Mountain Views Home offers a peaceful retreat with sweeping mountain views. Designed to accommodate up to six guests, it suits families or small groups looking for space, comfort, and easy access to both town and surrounding nature.
Sea Whispers
A stylish coastal stay that blends comfort and luxury, Sea Whispers is ideal for families or groups of friends. Its relaxed setting makes it well suited to visitors wanting a calm base close to Kiama’s coastline and dining options.
East Havens
Positioned above Easts Beach, East Havens offers headland and ocean views with direct access to the Kiama Coast Walk. Guests can enjoy a scenic stroll into town, swim at the family-friendly beach below, or simply relax and take in the coastal scenery.
Surfleet Serenity
Surfleet Serenity is a modern coastal duplex designed for relaxed holiday living. High ceilings and north-facing windows create a light-filled space that suits slower-paced stays and beach-focused trips.
Kiama Cliff Retreat
Located in an elevated, scenic position, Kiama Cliff Retreat offers panoramic ocean views and rolling green surrounds. It is ideal for travellers seeking a quieter escape, where mornings begin with ocean sounds and sunrise views.
Planning Your Stay Around Kiama
Kiama offers a rare balance of coastal landmarks, rainforest, food, and family-friendly attractions. Many highlights are close together, making the area well suited to longer stays rather than rushed visits.
Choosing the right accommodation base shapes how easily you explore both Kiama and nearby towns. For visitors looking to stay locally or branch out to surrounding areas, browsing South Coast Holidays makes it easy to find well-located holiday homes across the region.
