Kiama is one of the great short escapes on the New South Wales South Coast, just 90 minutes south of Sydney. For a small town it packs in a lot: a world-famous blowhole, a historic lighthouse, clifftop coast walks, whale watching in winter and a genuinely good food scene. Here’s a local guide to the best things to do in Kiama.
1. See the Kiama Blowhole
The number-one drawcard and the largest natural blowhole in the world. On a strong south-easterly swell it fires seawater up to 25 metres into the air. It’s free, right by the town centre, and best on a big-swell, high-tide day. See our complete Kiama Blowhole guide for the best times to catch it erupting.
2. Visit the Kiama Lighthouse
Right beside the blowhole on Blowhole Point, the 1887 Kiama Lighthouse is one of the town’s most photographed landmarks, especially at sunrise and sunset. Entry is free and the headland views are superb. More in our Kiama Lighthouse guide.
3. Walk the Kiama Coast Walk
The 20km clifftop track links Kiama’s headlands, beaches and rock platforms, and you can do it in sections to suit your day. It’s one of the best coastal walks in the state. See our Kiama Coastal Walk guide for the route and highlights.
4. Go whale watching (in season)
From May to November, humpback whales migrate close to the coast, and Kiama’s elevated headlands are among the best land-based vantage points in NSW. June and July are peak. Our Kiama whale watching guide covers when and where to look.
5. Discover the Little Blowhole
About two kilometres south off Tingira Crescent, the lesser-known Little Blowhole is narrower, more consistent and far quieter than its famous neighbour. Locals often rate it the better show on the right day.
6. Swim at the ocean pool and beaches
Kiama’s ocean rock pool sits right below the lighthouse, and there are family-friendly beaches like Surf Beach and Kendalls Beach within easy reach for a swim or a surf.
7. Eat your way around town
Kiama’s cafes, bakeries and seafood spots are a highlight in their own right, clustered around Terralong Street and the harbour. See our guide to the best restaurants in Kiama for where to eat.
8. Step back in time at the Pilot’s Cottage Museum
Perched on Blowhole Point, this little local museum tells the story of Kiama’s maritime and quarrying past and is an easy add-on to a blowhole and lighthouse visit.
9. Browse the Kiama Farmers Market
Held regularly in town, the farmers market is the place to pick up South Coast produce, a great option if you’re self-catering and want to cook with local ingredients.
10. Take in the view from Saddleback Mountain
A short drive inland, the Saddleback Mountain lookout delivers sweeping views over Kiama, the coast and the hinterland, a worthwhile detour on a clear day.
Where to stay in Kiama
Most of the best of Kiama is walkable once you’re based near the centre. Ridgewaters Kiama offers luxury beachfront apartments a short walk from the blowhole, lighthouse, coast walk and town centre, so you can do most of this list on foot. The self-contained apartments also give you a full kitchen for cooking with market produce. See our Kiama accommodation and book your stay.
