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10 reasons to visit Kiama

Bombo Headland Quarry, BomboCredit: Destination NSW

Capture the perfect photo of the basalt columns at Bombo Headland, Kiama.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

10 reasons to visit Kiama

Bombo Headland Quarry, Bombo Credit: Destination NSW

Capture the perfect photo of the basalt columns at Bombo Headland, Kiama.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Hashtags #lovensw #newsouthwales

The New South Wales South Coast region of Kiama offers an abundance of holiday fun, from secluded beaches to breathtaking mountain lookouts — and all about two hours’ drive from Sydney. Stretching inland from Jamberoo across to Kiama town and down to Gerringong and Gerroa, it’s a small pocket of South Coast paradise to explore. Its pristine national parks draw walkers and nature lovers, while its café-dining scene buzzes with each new addition. The chefs of the South Coast make good use of the bounty of the area’s rich farmlands. There are also some big and sometimes surprising attractions. As well as the Kiama Blowhole, here’s 10 more reasons to visit the region: 

Swim by the sea in an ocean rock pool 

A well-kept secret is the Gerringong Boat Harbour Rock Pool, a beautiful ocean pool perfect for families. Just a short walk from the boat ramp, the small harbour was used in the 19th century for shipping red cedar from the South Coast to Sydney. Kids will love spotting fish in the clear waters beneath them. 

On the other side of the headland at Werri BeachOurie Rock Pool is popular with lap swimmers who like the challenge of the natural waves. Nearby there’s a mini wading pool that feels like an oceanside jacuzzi.  

Try to pick a favourite from the buzzing cafés 

Food lovers will delight in Kiama’s café-restaurant scene. Drop into Penny Whistlers for a meal with a view overlooking Kiama Harbour, or Diggies, which is located right on Blowhole Point. Former Ottolenghi chef Emily Herbert has started to build a mini empire of her own in Kiama; her Otis Deli has taken off with Middle Eastern-inspired salads since opening in 2020, as has meze bar Miss Arda. Also in Kiama, The Hungry Monkey specialises in hand-crafted burgers made with local Angus beef, while the Saturday-night tasting menu at Silica makes for a special night out. The all-day menu at The Brooding Italian café, near Kendalls Beach, offers healthy and hearty options, with great salads and tempting pancake stacks.  

Just 10 minutes’ drive north of Kiama, and handy to Jones Beach, the new Fish Tribe specialises in fresh and sustainable seafood and is run by the owners of the popular Stacks Burger House next door. Head to The Hill Bar and Kitchen, a 10-minute drive south of Kiama, to enjoy a sundowner overlooking Werri Beach. Another five minutes down the road, you’ll dine on some of the best fish and seafood dishes around at The Blue Swimmer on the Gerroa foreshore. 

Spot a lyrebird in the region’s rainforests 

Jamberoo’s Budderoo National Park is known for its gorgeous waterfalls and lookouts. Walk the 1.6km Rainforest Loop, which starts and end at the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre and offers some memorable birdwatching opportunities. Or stroll the Falls walk (2.6km return), an elevated, paved track with views over the rainforest canopy and canyon, where you can feel the spray of the Minnamurra Falls from the viewing platforms. 

Browse the boutiques in their cute historic cottages 

Meander through Kiama’s Historic Terrace Houses, a block of National Trust-classified homes built in 1886 on Collins Street, which today house a unique selection of crafts, collectables, clothing stores and more. Head to Embellish Kiama for a curated selection of fashion and accessories and Vogue Decor or Indigo Rose Home Living for homewares.  

Ourie Pool, Gerringong Credit: Destination NSW

Scenic aerial over Ourie Pool off Werri Beach, Gerringong.

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Ourie Pool, Gerringong Credit: Destination NSW

Scenic aerial over Ourie Pool off Werri Beach, Gerringong.

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Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park Credit: Destination NSW

Enjoy a scenic walk by the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park.

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Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park Credit: Destination NSW

Enjoy a scenic walk by the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Fill the shopping basket at Kiama Farmers Market 

Kiama is renowned for its artisan dairy products. Micro dairy The Pines makes cheese and gelato. Pick up a scoop from Art Bar Kiama or the Kiama Farmers’ Market, held every Wednesday afternoon next to picturesque Surf Beach. Other local produce to fill your shopping basket with are cheese and yoghurt, from Pecora Dairy, and empanadas and paella from Kiama family-business Ola Chola. You can also stock up on Buena Vista Farm eggs and raw honey, as well as a range of traditionally fermented sauerkraut and kimchi.

Wow your Insta followers from Saddleback Mountain  

Saddleback Mountain Lookout is an Instagrammers’ dream, boasting spectacular views from 662 metres above sea level out to the sea and across the Kiama region’s stunning countryside. Don’t miss the newer southern lookout, which is just as spectacular as the original north-facing platform. 

Feel like you’re walking on the Moon at Bombo Headland 

Walk through the basalt columns at Bombo Headland, a legacy of blue metal quarrying in the 1880s and 1900s. The waves crashing against these dramatic rock formations are a photographer’s dream and the views of the bay are stunning. The beach here is a great surfing break and is dog friendly. Keep an eye out for passing dolphins. 

Stay in a heritage country home 

Sleep in a four-poster bed just like they did back in 1858 at Terragong, a stunning Georgian-style residence set on nearly five hectares and nestled in the heart of Jamberoo Valley, just 10 minutes’ drive from Kiama. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the farmhouse kitchen, drink tea in the library, relax on the wrap-around verandah and take a stroll in the mature gardens.  

Pat the goats on a farm tour 

In Gerringong, there’s a picturesque farm with stunning views of the coast where you can visit the cheese room, market garden and coffee grove — and say hello to the chickens, ducks, pigs and goats. The owners of Buena Vista Farm, Fiona Weir Walmsley and her husband Adam, like to share all they’ve learned since taking on the property in 2011 through workshops on how to roast coffee, make yoghurt from starter and ferment vegetables.

Take off in a helicopter 

For a bird’s-eye view of Kiama, join a Waterfall Discovery scenic flight with Touchdown Helicopters. As you approach the escarpment ridgeline of the Great Dividing Range, the mountain top plateau of Budderoo National Park comes into spectacular view. The 30-minute flight also passes over Gerringong Falls, a 180m vertical drop onto the rocky riverbed below, and the picturesque Jamberoo Valley. 

Kiama Farmer's Markets, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW

The Kiama Farmer's

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Kiama Farmer's Markets, Kiama Credit: Destination NSW

The Kiama Farmer's

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Buena Vista Farm, Gerringong Credit: Destination NSW

Learn about sustainable agriculture at Buena Vista Farm, Gerringong.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

Buena Vista Farm, Gerringong Credit: Destination NSW

Learn about sustainable agriculture at Buena Vista Farm, Gerringong.

#lovensw #newsouthwales

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