Kiama

Kiama is a destination in New South Wales, Australia (AU). More information is expected to be added here.

By Train

To get to downtown Kiama, catch a train to

Kiama station from Sydney or Wollongong. Trains run every hour or so, but it's worth checking the timetable before your trip. Kiama is part of the Intercity network, and no reservations are possible or necessary. It's an easy walk from the train station to the beach, the blowhole, and the shopping centre. For some of the northerly points of interests, using

Bombo station may be easier – all trains that stop at Kiama stop at Bombo.

Use your Opal card or contact-less credit card for the trip. The usual caps and rewards apply, with the off-peak trip from Sydney to Kiama costing just a little more than $10 off-peak.

A stopover on the way is to get off at the station before Kiama—Bombo Beach—one of the only railway station near a beach in the whole of Australia. You can walk from Bombo to Kiama over the headland in about half an hour. The train tunnels straight through the headland to do the trip in a couple of minutes.

By bicycle

A bicycle route stretches from Bulli in all the way down the coast to Kiama, with only a short stretch on the main road. The route from Dunmore station down to Kiama is all off-road or quiet road. There are a few steep hills going over the headlands as you come into Kiama, with the final one probably the steepest. The cycleway follows the rail line for large parts of the final section. The rail route includes tunnels through the headland, leaving the cyclist to ride over it.

Get around

Kiama and Bombo are both small enough that most of the points of interests are easily navigable on foot from the railway station; that isn't to say that sometimes walking in the town centre can be unpleasant, especially when crossing the road.

See

Kiama is on some of the most picturesque and beautiful coastline of the Illawarra.

📍

Kiama Blowhole and Lighthouse ,

Blowhole Point Rd .

In the right tide and surf conditions, especially with a south-easterly wind, the blowhole sprays water up to 30 meters in the air. Probably the most visited attraction in Kiama, sunny weekends see lots of people eagerly awaiting each spout.

Free .  

📍

Cathedral Rocks ,

36 Cliff Dr, Kiama Downs .

A popular sunrise lookout next to what is otherwise a geological marvel of basalt rock formations.   (

Little Blowhole ,

Tingira Cres

( A little further south of the main blowhole. You can walk down from the suburban streets ).

You can get closer to it, and it blows more frequently than the main blowhole, but as the name suggests, it is much less impressive in size. Best in northeasterly winds.  

Saddleback Mountain Lookout

( 7 km SW of Kiama, turn off Saddleback Mountain Road ).

A winding scenic drive through dairy country gets you to the top of Saddleback Mountain, with panoramic views of the surrounding foothills.  

Do

Beaches

Central Kiama doesn't really have a beach, more a harbour. Patrolled beaches are just to the north and south of Kiama town. There is a tidal rockpool next to the blowhole and harbour for swimming.

Bombo Beach ,

Princes Highway

( just north of Kiama town centre, running parallel to the Princes Highway ).

A long and often windswept stretch of sand known for its powerful surf breaks, making it popular with experienced surfers. The beach is suitable for long walks and beach fishing. Swimming can be hazardous due to strong rips and the beach is frequently unpatrolled outside of peak season weekends at the southern end. The dramatic basalt columns of the old Bombo Headland Quarry are located just behind the northern end of the beach and are a major draw for photographers, though access requires care over uneven rocky ground. Basic toilet facilities available near the train station/southern car park.  

Minnamurra Beach

( Mystics Beach ).

At the outlet of the Minnamurra River, the beach here ends in a picturesque long sand spit jutting out towards Stack Island and is a popular spot for kayaking and stand-up paddling. The ocean side has strong waves and can be dangerous, while the river side is shallow but can have tidal currents. You can park either on the Minnamurra village side by the river, or take a 20-min detour through Shell Cove to park at the far north end of the beach.

Free .  

Other

Fishing . People fish from the wharfs—a picturesque area adjacent to the main blowhole—and from the rocks. Fishing charters available.

Hiking . The Kiama Coast Walk runs for 20 km from Minnamurra through Kiama to Gerringong. It can be tackled in sections and runs roughly parallel to the train line.

Camping .

Kiama Leisure Centre . Swimming pool and fitness centre.

Boating . Publicly accessible boat ramps.

Jamberoo Golf Club ,

21 Allowrie St, Jamberoo ,

, +61 2 4236 0291 ,

fax : +61 2 4236 0736 ,

[email protected] .

 

Jamberoo Recreation Park ,

1215 Jamberoo Rd

( no public transport access ),

.

Chute toboggan rides, water slides. Much of the water isn't heated, so it is best on a hot day. Extensive picnic facilities, as well as food vendors. It also contains the Funnel Web, which has a largest spider statue. If you don't want to go on the toboggans, you can play minigolf.

$79 for adults and 69 for children .   (

Buy

Kiama Seaside Markets ,

.

On the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9AM-3PM .

 

The Pines Pantry ,

26 Collins St ,

.

Dairy products fresh from the farm, including biodynamic milk, cheddar and their main draw, the best gelato in town. All the classics plus seasonal flavours like raspberry aniseed myrtle.   (

Eat

Dragon Garden Chinese Restaurant ,

Terralong St ,

.

  (

KG Cafe ,

42 Terralong St, Kiama ,

.

M-W 7AM–3PM, Th-Su 7AM–late .

A regular cafe with mildly over the top safari decor in the mornings, the real star here is South African style lunch and dinner, mixing Dutch, Malay, Indian and African influences. Try the tasting platter ($83/155 for 2/4) for a selection of classics like boerewors sausage and bunny chow (curry in bread).  

Sleep

Motel 617 ,

132 Manning St ,

,

[email protected] .

  S  

→

By Car / Road

Kiama is around 30 minutes past Wollongong and just over 90 minutes from Sydney . Follow the A1/M1 all the way.

By train

To get to downtown Kiama, catch a train to

Kiama station from Sydney or Wollongong. Trains run every hour or so, but it's worth checking the timetable before your trip. Kiama is part of the Intercity network, and no reservations are possible or necessary. It's an easy walk from the train station to the beach, the blowhole, and the shopping centre. For some of the northerly points of interests, using

Bombo station may be easier – all trains that stop at Kiama stop at Bombo.

Use your Opal card or contact-less credit card for the trip. The usual caps and rewards apply, with the off-peak trip from Sydney to Kiama costing just a little more than $10 off-peak.

A stopover on the way is to get off at the station before Kiama—Bombo Beach—one of the only railway station near a beach in the whole of Australia. You can walk from Bombo to Kiama over the headland in about half an hour. The train tunnels straight through the headland to do the trip in a couple of minutes.

By bicycle

A bicycle route stretches from Bulli in all the way down the coast to Kiama, with only a short stretch on the main road. The route from Dunmore station down to Kiama is all off-road or quiet road. There are a few steep hills going over the headlands as you come into Kiama, with the final one probably the steepest. The cycleway follows the rail line for large parts of the final section. The rail route includes tunnels through the headland, leaving the cyclist to ride over it.

Get around

Kiama and Bombo are both small enough that most of the points of interests are easily navigable on foot from the railway station; that isn't to say that sometimes walking in the town centre can be unpleasant, especially when crossing the road.

See

Kiama is on some of the most picturesque and beautiful coastline of the Illawarra.

📍

Kiama Blowhole and Lighthouse ,

Blowhole Point Rd .

In the right tide and surf conditions, especially with a south-easterly wind, the blowhole sprays water up to 30 meters in the air. Probably the most visited attraction in Kiama, sunny weekends see lots of people eagerly awaiting each spout.

Free .  

📍

Cathedral Rocks ,

36 Cliff Dr, Kiama Downs .

A popular sunrise lookout next to what is otherwise a geological marvel of basalt rock formations.   (

Little Blowhole ,

Tingira Cres

( A little further south of the main blowhole. You can walk down from the suburban streets ).

You can get closer to it, and it blows more frequently than the main blowhole, but as the name suggests, it is much less impressive in size. Best in northeasterly winds.  

Saddleback Mountain Lookout

( 7 km SW of Kiama, turn off Saddleback Mountain Road ).

A winding scenic drive through dairy country gets you to the top of Saddleback Mountain, with panoramic views of the surrounding foothills.  

Do

Beaches

Central Kiama doesn't really have a beach, more a harbour. Patrolled beaches are just to the north and south of Kiama town. There is a tidal rockpool next to the blowhole and harbour for swimming.

Bombo Beach ,

Princes Highway

( just north of Kiama town centre, running parallel to the Princes Highway ).

A long and often windswept stretch of sand known for its powerful surf breaks, making it popular with experienced surfers. The beach is suitable for long walks and beach fishing. Swimming can be hazardous due to strong rips and the beach is frequently unpatrolled outside of peak season weekends at the southern end. The dramatic basalt columns of the old Bombo Headland Quarry are located just behind the northern end of the beach and are a major draw for photographers, though access requires care over uneven rocky ground. Basic toilet facilities available near the train station/southern car park.  

Minnamurra Beach

( Mystics Beach ).

At the outlet of the Minnamurra River, the beach here ends in a picturesque long sand spit jutting out towards Stack Island and is a popular spot for kayaking and stand-up paddling. The ocean side has strong waves and can be dangerous, while the river side is shallow but can have tidal currents. You can park either on the Minnamurra village side by the river, or take a 20-min detour through Shell Cove to park at the far north end of the beach.

Free .  

Other

Fishing . People fish from the wharfs—a picturesque area adjacent to the main blowhole—and from the rocks. Fishing charters available.

Hiking . The Kiama Coast Walk runs for 20 km from Minnamurra through Kiama to Gerringong. It can be tackled in sections and runs roughly parallel to the train line.

Camping .

Kiama Leisure Centre . Swimming pool and fitness centre.

Boating . Publicly accessible boat ramps.

Jamberoo Golf Club ,

21 Allowrie St, Jamberoo ,

, +61 2 4236 0291 ,

fax : +61 2 4236 0736 ,

[email protected] .

 

Jamberoo Recreation Park ,

1215 Jamberoo Rd

( no public transport access ),

.

Chute toboggan rides, water slides. Much of the water isn't heated, so it is best on a hot day. Extensive picnic facilities, as well as food vendors. It also contains the Funnel Web, which has a largest spider statue. If you don't want to go on the toboggans, you can play minigolf.

$79 for adults and 69 for children .   (

Buy

Kiama Seaside Markets ,

.

On the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9AM-3PM .

 

The Pines Pantry ,

26 Collins St ,

.

Dairy products fresh from the farm, including biodynamic milk, cheddar and their main draw, the best gelato in town. All the classics plus seasonal flavours like raspberry aniseed myrtle.   (

Eat

Dragon Garden Chinese Restaurant ,

Terralong St ,

.

  (

KG Cafe ,

42 Terralong St, Kiama ,

.

M-W 7AM–3PM, Th-Su 7AM–late .

A regular cafe with mildly over the top safari decor in the mornings, the real star here is South African style lunch and dinner, mixing Dutch, Malay, Indian and African influences. Try the tasting platter ($83/155 for 2/4) for a selection of classics like boerewors sausage and bunny chow (curry in bread).  

Sleep

Motel 617 ,

132 Manning St ,

,

[email protected] .

  S  

→

Kiama and Bombo are both small enough that most of the points of interests are easily navigable on foot from the railway station; that isn't to say that sometimes walking in the town centre can be unpleasant, especially when crossing the road.

See

Kiama is on some of the most picturesque and beautiful coastline of the Illawarra.

📍

Kiama Blowhole and Lighthouse ,

Blowhole Point Rd .

In the right tide and surf conditions, especially with a south-easterly wind, the blowhole sprays water up to 30 meters in the air. Probably the most visited attraction in Kiama, sunny weekends see lots of people eagerly awaiting each spout.

Free .  

📍

Cathedral Rocks ,

36 Cliff Dr, Kiama Downs .

A popular sunrise lookout next to what is otherwise a geological marvel of basalt rock formations.   (

Little Blowhole ,

Tingira Cres

( A little further south of the main blowhole. You can walk down from the suburban streets ).

You can get closer to it, and it blows more frequently than the main blowhole, but as the name suggests, it is much less impressive in size. Best in northeasterly winds.  

Saddleback Mountain Lookout

( 7 km SW of Kiama, turn off Saddleback Mountain Road ).

A winding scenic drive through dairy country gets you to the top of Saddleback Mountain, with panoramic views of the surrounding foothills.  

Do

Beaches

Central Kiama doesn't really have a beach, more a harbour. Patrolled beaches are just to the north and south of Kiama town. There is a tidal rockpool next to the blowhole and harbour for swimming.

Bombo Beach ,

Princes Highway

( just north of Kiama town centre, running parallel to the Princes Highway ).

A long and often windswept stretch of sand known for its powerful surf breaks, making it popular with experienced surfers. The beach is suitable for long walks and beach fishing. Swimming can be hazardous due to strong rips and the beach is frequently unpatrolled outside of peak season weekends at the southern end. The dramatic basalt columns of the old Bombo Headland Quarry are located just behind the northern end of the beach and are a major draw for photographers, though access requires care over uneven rocky ground. Basic toilet facilities available near the train station/southern car park.  

Minnamurra Beach

( Mystics Beach ).

At the outlet of the Minnamurra River, the beach here ends in a picturesque long sand spit jutting out towards Stack Island and is a popular spot for kayaking and stand-up paddling. The ocean side has strong waves and can be dangerous, while the river side is shallow but can have tidal currents. You can park either on the Minnamurra village side by the river, or take a 20-min detour through Shell Cove to park at the far north end of the beach.

Free .  

Other

Fishing . People fish from the wharfs—a picturesque area adjacent to the main blowhole—and from the rocks. Fishing charters available.

Hiking . The Kiama Coast Walk runs for 20 km from Minnamurra through Kiama to Gerringong. It can be tackled in sections and runs roughly parallel to the train line.

Camping .

Kiama Leisure Centre . Swimming pool and fitness centre.

Boating . Publicly accessible boat ramps.

Jamberoo Golf Club ,

21 Allowrie St, Jamberoo ,

, +61 2 4236 0291 ,

fax : +61 2 4236 0736 ,

[email protected] .

 

Jamberoo Recreation Park ,

1215 Jamberoo Rd

( no public transport access ),

.

Chute toboggan rides, water slides. Much of the water isn't heated, so it is best on a hot day. Extensive picnic facilities, as well as food vendors. It also contains the Funnel Web, which has a largest spider statue. If you don't want to go on the toboggans, you can play minigolf.

$79 for adults and 69 for children .   (

Buy

Kiama Seaside Markets ,

.

On the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9AM-3PM .

 

The Pines Pantry ,

26 Collins St ,

.

Dairy products fresh from the farm, including biodynamic milk, cheddar and their main draw, the best gelato in town. All the classics plus seasonal flavours like raspberry aniseed myrtle.   (

Eat

Dragon Garden Chinese Restaurant ,

Terralong St ,

.

  (

KG Cafe ,

42 Terralong St, Kiama ,

.

M-W 7AM–3PM, Th-Su 7AM–late .

A regular cafe with mildly over the top safari decor in the mornings, the real star here is South African style lunch and dinner, mixing Dutch, Malay, Indian and African influences. Try the tasting platter ($83/155 for 2/4) for a selection of classics like boerewors sausage and bunny chow (curry in bread).  

Sleep

Motel 617 ,

132 Manning St ,

,

[email protected] .

  S  

→

Kiama is on some of the most picturesque and beautiful coastline of the Illawarra.

📍

Kiama Blowhole and Lighthouse ,

Blowhole Point Rd .

In the right tide and surf conditions, especially with a south-easterly wind, the blowhole sprays water up to 30 meters in the air. Probably the most visited attraction in Kiama, sunny weekends see lots of people eagerly awaiting each spout.

Free .  

📍

Cathedral Rocks ,

36 Cliff Dr, Kiama Downs .

A popular sunrise lookout next to what is otherwise a geological marvel of basalt rock formations.   (

Little Blowhole ,

Tingira Cres

( A little further south of the main blowhole. You can walk down from the suburban streets ).

You can get closer to it, and it blows more frequently than the main blowhole, but as the name suggests, it is much less impressive in size. Best in northeasterly winds.  

Saddleback Mountain Lookout

( 7 km SW of Kiama, turn off Saddleback Mountain Road ).

A winding scenic drive through dairy country gets you to the top of Saddleback Mountain, with panoramic views of the surrounding foothills.  

Do

Beaches

Central Kiama doesn't really have a beach, more a harbour. Patrolled beaches are just to the north and south of Kiama town. There is a tidal rockpool next to the blowhole and harbour for swimming.

Bombo Beach ,

Princes Highway

( just north of Kiama town centre, running parallel to the Princes Highway ).

A long and often windswept stretch of sand known for its powerful surf breaks, making it popular with experienced surfers. The beach is suitable for long walks and beach fishing. Swimming can be hazardous due to strong rips and the beach is frequently unpatrolled outside of peak season weekends at the southern end. The dramatic basalt columns of the old Bombo Headland Quarry are located just behind the northern end of the beach and are a major draw for photographers, though access requires care over uneven rocky ground. Basic toilet facilities available near the train station/southern car park.  

Minnamurra Beach

( Mystics Beach ).

At the outlet of the Minnamurra River, the beach here ends in a picturesque long sand spit jutting out towards Stack Island and is a popular spot for kayaking and stand-up paddling. The ocean side has strong waves and can be dangerous, while the river side is shallow but can have tidal currents. You can park either on the Minnamurra village side by the river, or take a 20-min detour through Shell Cove to park at the far north end of the beach.

Free .  

Other

Fishing . People fish from the wharfs—a picturesque area adjacent to the main blowhole—and from the rocks. Fishing charters available.

Hiking . The Kiama Coast Walk runs for 20 km from Minnamurra through Kiama to Gerringong. It can be tackled in sections and runs roughly parallel to the train line.

Camping .

Kiama Leisure Centre . Swimming pool and fitness centre.

Boating . Publicly accessible boat ramps.

Jamberoo Golf Club ,

21 Allowrie St, Jamberoo ,

, +61 2 4236 0291 ,

fax : +61 2 4236 0736 ,

[email protected] .

 

Jamberoo Recreation Park ,

1215 Jamberoo Rd

( no public transport access ),

.

Chute toboggan rides, water slides. Much of the water isn't heated, so it is best on a hot day. Extensive picnic facilities, as well as food vendors. It also contains the Funnel Web, which has a largest spider statue. If you don't want to go on the toboggans, you can play minigolf.

$79 for adults and 69 for children .   (

Buy

Kiama Seaside Markets ,

.

On the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9AM-3PM .

 

The Pines Pantry ,

26 Collins St ,

.

Dairy products fresh from the farm, including biodynamic milk, cheddar and their main draw, the best gelato in town. All the classics plus seasonal flavours like raspberry aniseed myrtle.   (

Eat

Dragon Garden Chinese Restaurant ,

Terralong St ,

.

  (

KG Cafe ,

42 Terralong St, Kiama ,

.

M-W 7AM–3PM, Th-Su 7AM–late .

A regular cafe with mildly over the top safari decor in the mornings, the real star here is South African style lunch and dinner, mixing Dutch, Malay, Indian and African influences. Try the tasting platter ($83/155 for 2/4) for a selection of classics like boerewors sausage and bunny chow (curry in bread).  

Sleep

Motel 617 ,

132 Manning St ,

,

[email protected] .

  S  

→

Beaches

Central Kiama doesn't really have a beach, more a harbour. Patrolled beaches are just to the north and south of Kiama town. There is a tidal rockpool next to the blowhole and harbour for swimming.

Bombo Beach ,

Princes Highway

( just north of Kiama town centre, running parallel to the Princes Highway ).

A long and often windswept stretch of sand known for its powerful surf breaks, making it popular with experienced surfers. The beach is suitable for long walks and beach fishing. Swimming can be hazardous due to strong rips and the beach is frequently unpatrolled outside of peak season weekends at the southern end. The dramatic basalt columns of the old Bombo Headland Quarry are located just behind the northern end of the beach and are a major draw for photographers, though access requires care over uneven rocky ground. Basic toilet facilities available near the train station/southern car park.  

Minnamurra Beach

( Mystics Beach ).

At the outlet of the Minnamurra River, the beach here ends in a picturesque long sand spit jutting out towards Stack Island and is a popular spot for kayaking and stand-up paddling. The ocean side has strong waves and can be dangerous, while the river side is shallow but can have tidal currents. You can park either on the Minnamurra village side by the river, or take a 20-min detour through Shell Cove to park at the far north end of the beach.

Free .  

Other

Fishing . People fish from the wharfs—a picturesque area adjacent to the main blowhole—and from the rocks. Fishing charters available.

Hiking . The Kiama Coast Walk runs for 20 km from Minnamurra through Kiama to Gerringong. It can be tackled in sections and runs roughly parallel to the train line.

Camping .

Kiama Leisure Centre . Swimming pool and fitness centre.

Boating . Publicly accessible boat ramps.

Jamberoo Golf Club ,

21 Allowrie St, Jamberoo ,

, +61 2 4236 0291 ,

fax : +61 2 4236 0736 ,

[email protected] .

 

Jamberoo Recreation Park ,

1215 Jamberoo Rd

( no public transport access ),

.

Chute toboggan rides, water slides. Much of the water isn't heated, so it is best on a hot day. Extensive picnic facilities, as well as food vendors. It also contains the Funnel Web, which has a largest spider statue. If you don't want to go on the toboggans, you can play minigolf.

$79 for adults and 69 for children .   (

Buy

Kiama Seaside Markets ,

.

On the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9AM-3PM .

 

The Pines Pantry ,

26 Collins St ,

.

Dairy products fresh from the farm, including biodynamic milk, cheddar and their main draw, the best gelato in town. All the classics plus seasonal flavours like raspberry aniseed myrtle.   (

Eat

Dragon Garden Chinese Restaurant ,

Terralong St ,

.

  (

KG Cafe ,

42 Terralong St, Kiama ,

.

M-W 7AM–3PM, Th-Su 7AM–late .

A regular cafe with mildly over the top safari decor in the mornings, the real star here is South African style lunch and dinner, mixing Dutch, Malay, Indian and African influences. Try the tasting platter ($83/155 for 2/4) for a selection of classics like boerewors sausage and bunny chow (curry in bread).  

Sleep

Motel 617 ,

132 Manning St ,

,

[email protected] .

  S  

→

Dragon Garden Chinese Restaurant ,

Terralong St ,

.

  (

KG Cafe ,

42 Terralong St, Kiama ,

.

M-W 7AM–3PM, Th-Su 7AM–late .

A regular cafe with mildly over the top safari decor in the mornings, the real star here is South African style lunch and dinner, mixing Dutch, Malay, Indian and African influences. Try the tasting platter ($83/155 for 2/4) for a selection of classics like boerewors sausage and bunny chow (curry in bread).  

Sleep

Motel 617 ,

132 Manning St ,

,

[email protected] .

  S  

→

Motel 617 ,

132 Manning St ,

,

[email protected] .

  S  

→

Kiama Seaside Markets ,

.

On the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9AM-3PM .

 

The Pines Pantry ,

26 Collins St ,

.

Dairy products fresh from the farm, including biodynamic milk, cheddar and their main draw, the best gelato in town. All the classics plus seasonal flavours like raspberry aniseed myrtle.   (

Eat

Dragon Garden Chinese Restaurant ,

Terralong St ,

.

  (

KG Cafe ,

42 Terralong St, Kiama ,

.

M-W 7AM–3PM, Th-Su 7AM–late .

A regular cafe with mildly over the top safari decor in the mornings, the real star here is South African style lunch and dinner, mixing Dutch, Malay, Indian and African influences. Try the tasting platter ($83/155 for 2/4) for a selection of classics like boerewors sausage and bunny chow (curry in bread).  

Sleep

Motel 617 ,

132 Manning St ,

,

[email protected] .

  S  

→

Wollongong and Sydney are both a day trip from Kiama. Further south towards Nowra and Bomaderry , Jervis Bay and the Shoalhaven region in general.

Routes via Kiama

Sydney

←

Albion Park

←

N   M1   S  

→

Gerringong

→

Batemans Bay

Bondi Jcn

←

Albion Park

←

N     SCO  

(electric)   S  

→