10 Best Things to Do in Kiama, NSW (Coastal Guide)

Last Updated: October 2026

Located on the beautiful NSW South Coast, approximately two hours south of Sydney, Kiama is a charming seaside town famous for its spectacular blowholes, dramatic coastal scenery, beautiful beaches and ocean rock pools.

Surrounded by rolling green hills and stunning stretches of coastline, Kiama is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Sydney or a stop on a longer NSW South Coast road trip.

For us, Kiama was another stop on our road trip from Melbourne to Brisbane, following our visit to Narooma. We decided to spend three nights here, but we could easily have stayed longer!

We absolutely loved exploring the Kiama Coast Walk, discovering the impressive rock formations and enjoying the spectacular ocean views. There are also some lovely nearby towns and beautiful rainforest walks to explore.

If you’re wondering what to do in Kiama, here are ten of the best things to see and do, along with our recommendations for where to stay, eat and explore nearby.

Best Things to Do in Kiama

Take a walk on the Kiama coastal walk 

The Kiama coastal walk stretches for 22 kilometres and is divided into 3 sections. This trail offers some spectacular coastal views and it was our favourite part of Kiama. The trail takes you past some of Kiama’s highlights, such as the big blowhole, the cathedral rocks and the breathtaking Bombo Headlands. You will also traverse stunning beaches where, on a hot day, you can stop for a refreshing dip.

The entire trail can be done over a few days as we did or, you can just tackle the sections that interest you. They are all beautiful, so no matter which one you pick, you are bound to enjoy the views. If you happen to visit in the winter months, (June to October) keep an eye out for Humpback whales who might decide to put on a show on the horizon!

Important: After heavy rainfall, Werri Lagoon can become impassable, preventing access to Gerringong. Always check the Kiama Council website for the latest track conditions before setting off.

Visit the Kiama Blowholes

There are two blowholes in Kiama, the Big Blowhole and the Little Blowhole. The Big Blowhole is New South Wales’ most famous blowhole and naturally attracts the most tourists. It’s situated just a short walk from the main street, right next to the Kiama Lighthouse.

The blowholes are formed when waves crash into underground sea caves, forcing water and air through an opening in the rock. As the pressure builds, water shoots into the air, and it’s showtime!

However, nature does what it pleases, and if the sea is calm, you might not get much of a show. That was certainly the case for us the first two times we visited the Big Blowhole! Thankfully, we had three days in Kiama and finally managed to see it in all its splendour on our third visit.

Tip: The Big Blowhole performs best with a south-easterly swell, so it’s worth checking the ocean conditions before visiting.

The Little Blowhole is much less popular, and I’m not quite sure why, as it’s an impressive sight too! It’s a little further out of town but easily accessible by car. It’s also just off the Kiama Coast Walk, so if you’re walking that section, make sure you take the short detour to check it out.

Interestingly, the Little Blowhole often performs better in north-easterly swells, so if the Big Blowhole isn’t putting on a show, you might have better luck here!

Visit the lighthouse

You can’t miss the iconic lighthouse because it’s right next to the big blowhole and can be seen from many points along the Kiama coastal walk. It was built in 1887 and is still being used today. 

Take a swim in one of the ocean rock pools 

If you find the Kiama beaches a bit too rough for you, or if you have young children, don’t miss out on taking a dip in one of the ocean rock pools. Once again, there is one just a short walk from the main street and the big blowhole. This is the most popular of the rock pools in Kiama of course. 

We quite liked the rock pool in the nearby town of Gerringong. A 50-metre walk from the Boat Harbour Reserve in Gerringong, this rock pool is a little quieter and pretty spectacular as well. 

Head to the beach

Kiama has so many spectacular beaches to choose from that it might be hard to pick one. The good news is, no matter which one you pick, you can’t go wrong.

Kendall’s, Bombo and Jones beaches are all close to town. A bit further south you will find Seven Mile Beach, stretching from Gerroa in the north to Shoalhaven Heads in the south.

If you love surfing, you’ll have a blast at Jones or Bombo Beach.  

Take a drive up the Saddleback Mountain Lookout

Yes, Kiama has some breathtaking coastal scenery but that’s not just it. If you drive a few minutes inland you’ll find another type of breathtaking scenery. This time it will be green rolling hills as far as the eye can see.

Take the winding, scenic drive up to the Saddle Mountain Lookout for an awesome view of the surrounding farmland and the best views over Kiama.

Check out the Cathedral Rocks

South of Jones Beach (along the Kiama coastal walk) you will find some funny shaped rocks called the Cathedral Rocks.

Thousands of years of erosion have detached these rocks from the cliffside and you can see them very well from the top of the headland.

Watch the waves crash at the Bombo Quarry Headland 

This heritage-listed former quarry is an impressive sight! With powerful waves crashing against its unusual basalt columns, it’s a jaw-dropping experience. It feels a bit like you’re walking on the moon.

If you are a keen photographer, it is best photographed at sunrise, but it’s great to visit at any time of day.

Visit Jamberoo and the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

If you want a day out of Kiama, head to the small town of Jamberoo and visit the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre. At the centre, take the four-kilometre hiking trail that leads you to Minnamurra Falls. Some parts are steep but it is a pleasant walk through the rainforest. If it is too much for you, you can also do the shorter 1.6-kilometre rainforest loop walk. 

The old Jamberoo Pub is a good place to grab lunch and a drink before or after your hike. Be sure to stop at the Jamberoo lookout on your way there.

Visit the historic town of Berry

Another great place to visit outside of Kiama is the small town of Berry. This charming little town is dotted with historic buildings turned into quaint boutiques and cafes. Try to visit early morning as it does get busy and it might be hard to find parking.

Best Time to Visit Kiama

Kiama is a great destination year-round, but spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are particularly lovely, with mild temperatures and generally fewer crowds than the summer holidays.

Summer is perfect for enjoying the beaches and ocean pools, although it can get busy, especially during school holidays.

If you love wildlife, May to November is whale-watching season, when migrating humpback whales can sometimes be spotted from the coastal lookouts.

How Many Days Do You Need in Kiama?

We recommend spending at least two nights in Kiama to explore the town, visit the famous blowholes and enjoy some of the beautiful coastal walks.

We spent three nights here and could easily have stayed longer! Three days gives you time to explore nearby attractions such as Minnamurra Rainforest and the charming villages of Gerringong and Gerroa without rushing.

Planning a NSW South Coast road trip? Why not continue south to Narooma, a beautiful coastal town famous for its turquoise waters and incredible wildlife encounters, before exploring Pambula and the Sapphire Coast, where you’ll find pristine beaches, charming villages and more spectacular coastal scenery.

How to Get to Kiama and Get Around

Kiama is located approximately 120 kilometres south of Sydney, around 1.5 to 2 hours by car. It’s also about 2.5 hours from Canberra.

If you’re travelling from Sydney without a car, you can catch a train along the scenic South Coast Line, with the journey taking just over two hours.

Once in Kiama, the town centre, harbour, blowholes and several beaches are easily explored on foot. However, having a car is recommended if you want to visit Minnamurra Rainforest, nearby villages and other attractions around the region.

Where to stay in Kiama? 

Kendalls Beach Holiday Park

Located right near Kendall’s Beach, this holiday park offers a choice of luxurious holiday cabins in a beautifully landscaped setting. Each cabin includes a private balcony and free parking. Check their prices here. 

Sea Whispers 

Sea Whispers has stunning ocean views to wake up to and enjoy from your private patio. It’s a 5-minute walk to the beach and 10 minutes to the blowhole. Check their prices here.

Kiama Shores

Just off the town’s main street, Kiama Shores is walking distance to the blowholes and the rockpool. There is a saltwater pool and free parking is provided. Check their prices here. 

Other Accommodation

If none of those are available or take your fancy, try using the search box below:

Where to eat? 

Penny Whistler Cafe

Great views paired with great food. 

Harbourview Thai Restaurant

Good quality and very reasonable prices. This little Thai restaurant is nothing fancy on the inside but the food is good and the staff are friendly. It is also BYO with no corkage fee which makes for a cheap night out! 

Olive & Vine

Great pizzas, eat in or take away. Make sure to book if you wish to eat in. 

Do you have more time to spend in the area? If so, why not spend a few days in the Kangaroo Valley nearby. Click here to find out more about it.

FAQs About Visiting Kiama

Is Kiama worth visiting?

Absolutely! With its spectacular coastline, famous blowholes, beautiful beaches and relaxed seaside atmosphere, Kiama is one of the loveliest towns on the NSW South Coast.

Can you visit Kiama as a day trip from Sydney?

Yes! Kiama is an easy day trip from Sydney, either by car or train. However, staying overnight allows you to explore more of the coastline and surrounding countryside.

Can you swim in Kiama?

Yes! Kiama has several beautiful beaches and ocean rock pools, including the popular Kiama Rock Pool near the harbour. Always check conditions before swimming.

Do you need a car to visit Kiama?

Not necessarily. You can explore the town centre, blowholes and nearby beaches on foot. However, a car is useful for exploring the surrounding countryside, rainforest and nearby coastal villages.

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