Business Directory and Tourist Guide
Kiama Attractions
The Kiama area has retained its country charm, with a network of villages offering their individual
character and attractions, all within a short drive of each other.
The area was first settled in 1832 and officially recognised as a Municipality in 1859. Kiama is
recognised as the largest town in the Municipality, with just over 12,000 people. It is beautifully located
on a natural harbour, notable for its lighthouse and famous Blowhole. Kiama is a town steeped in
history, charm and atmosphere with many of the historic buildings still serving their original purpose.
The township offers boutique shopping, an active café society, a scenic harbour precinct and plenty of
open spaces to have a picnic or just enjoy the views. Visitors are treated to spectacular coastline vistas
of rocky headlands, dotted with clean sandy beaches. Kiama’s beaches mean that fishing, surfing and swimming are simply a way of life.
Water activities are a popular pastime with the locals with rock pools, safe patrolled beaches and fishing charters to satisfy visitors looking to get a feel for the water.
One of the most popular attractions is the Kiama Blowhole, located next to the Kiama Lighthouse and
right near the Kiama Visitor Information Centre and Harbour. The Blowhole performs best when seas
are running from the South-East shooting a spectacular plume of water into the air. A short drive south
of the big Blowhole is the Little Blowhole which works best when seas are running from the north-east.
The Historic Pilot’s Cottage Museum on Blowhole Point takes you back to yesteryear when the early
settlers came through looking for Red Cedar and later when the blue metal industry dominated the
workforce. Another way to find out about our past or your own past is at the Family History Centre.
This genealogical centre houses a large worldwide record collection and friendly volunteers to help
you with your search. The Centre is located right next to the modern library in Railway Parade.
The historic Terrace Houses are located in Collins Street and the Sandstone Walk Shops in Collins Lane. There’s a range of boutique and gift shops,cafe’s and restaurants to choose from.
If you have any energy left there’s three interesting golf courses at Minnamurra, Jamberoo and Gerringong, two bowling clubs, monthly art and craft markets in Kiama, Gerringong and Jamberoo and produce markets in Kiama on the fourth Saturday of the month.
GERRINGONG & GERROA Attractions
Gerringong is a small coastal village eight kilometres drive south of Kiama. The township overlooks the impressive Werri Beach which is a popular surfing and swimming spot. Gerringong is a vibrant and colourful village that boasts a range of interesting shops, cafes and places to visit.
The Crooked River Winery is the largest winery on the South Coast and is a short five minute drive from this location. The winery offers a large variety of different table wines to tempt your taste buds. The Aboriginal Art and Culture Studio located in Bergin Street has an interesting blend of aboriginal weaving, painting and artists on site providing an interactive cultural experience. Regular entertainment takes place at Bellachara Boutique Hotel, Gerringong Bowling & Recreation Club and Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club. Pics and Flicks screen once a month at the Gerringong Town Hall.
The Kiama Coast Walk is a scenic coastal walking track that will really show you just how blessed by nature we are. This spectacular walking track hugs the coastline for over 20km, from Minnamurra in the north to Gerringong’s Werri Beach. Broken into three natural stages, the Walk is the best way to discover the natural beauty and history of the area, with the aid of interpretive signs. If you are staying in Gerringong start the walk from Werri Beach and head north to Kiama Heights.
Seven Mile Beach at Gerroa boasts secluded hideaways and magnificent vistas and is a short distance south of Gerringong. Although much smaller in size, there’s something very big that this place offers and its endless ocean views, the feel of the beach that goes on to meet the Coolangatta Mountain and the tranquillity of the casual lifestyle of the locals. If you are interested in learning to surf then Seven Mile Beach is just the location with a selection of Surf Schools with experienced instructors to indulge your adventurous side.
JAMBEROO Attractions
The lush, rolling pastures of Jamberoo are a delight with country walks & drives, beckoning you to relax and unwind. Jamberoo has some of the biggest attractions on the South Coast with the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk located at Knights Hill about 15 minutes west of Jamberoo. The tree top walk offers unique views from the edge of the Illawarra Escarpment amongst the rainforest canopy, 25 metres above the ground. Walk out on the two springboard cantilevers and climb the spiral stairs to the top of the 45 metre lookout tower – Knights Tower.
Just down the Jamberoo Mountain Road from the treetop walk is one of the region’s most popular attractions, the Minnamurra Rainforest. Generations of families have enjoyed the elevated boardwalk that meanders through the beautiful sub-tropical rainforest. The Rainforest Loop Walk is 1.6 kilometres on the elevated boardwalk and is wheelchair accessible. A journey further up into the rainforest leads you to the paved Falls Walk with spectacular views over the rainforest canopy and gorge, carved by the Minnamurra Rivulet.
If you’re feeling like letting loose, head over to the biggest theme park in NSW, the Jamberoo Action Park. Experience the thrills of the Taipan, ride or surf a wave in the wave pool, there’s plenty of rides to experience. The Jamberoo Action Park offers a full day of fun for all the family.
Accommodation in the Kiama Municipality ranges from 5 star B&B’s to seaside cottages, boutique motels, cabins, and even camping.
Call into the local Visitors Centre for some great holiday ideas.
Ph: (02) 4232 3322
KIAMA Visitor Information Centre
Blowhole Point Road
Kiama NSW 2533
