The best thing about the NSW South Coast is its diversity. There aren’t many places where you can find rolling green hills spilling into the ocean, national parks abundant with wildlife and so many charming towns bustling with incredible places to eat and shop.
Kiama is a local tourism gem regardless of your hobbies or the season of travel. We love celebrating everything the south coast has to offer, and now you know about the 10 best places to eat and drink in Kiama, it’s time we filled in between meal times with some seriously breathtaking adventures – here’s your local’s list of the top 10 things to do in and around Kiama.
Whether you’ve escaped for a romantic getaway, or getting together with friends, this list will have you wanting to add an extra night stay at Oceanview Kiama to your getaway plans just to make sure you don’t miss anything!
Kiama Coast Walk
As one of the best walking trails in Australia, the Kiama Coast Walk boasts spectacular outlooks of beaches, ancient rock formations, and fascinating heritage. The walk is 22km in its entirety, and broken into 3 main sections. Depending on your desired level of difficulty, it’s best to do some research ahead of time and plan ahead to get the most out of your experience. VisitNSW have all the info you need here
Watch an Ocean Sunrise
There really isn’t anything quite like waking up to watch the sunrise. Pair it with an ocean view and you’re setting yourself up to have a truly magical day. Any ocean outlook is special, but we recommend making the trip to Bombo Headland or Cathedral Rocks. Both are breathtaking rock formations a short drive’s distance from your Kiama accommodation luxury at Oceanview Kiama, and provide a setting that will have you exploring and having fun with your photography skills while mesmerised at the beauty of nature.
If getting in the car that early isn’t for you, why not put the kettle on and soak up the sunrise from your balcony at Oceanview Kiama instead?
Picnic & Snorkel at Boneyard
A popular destination for locals, Boneyard is located on the northern side of Bombo peninsula. The secluded pebbly beach makes it the perfect spot for a day picnicking, while the abundant reef life draws in divers, snorkelers and Stand Up Paddle Boarders. Pick up a pair of goggles and a snorkel and explore the crystal clear waters for yourself!
Day Trip from Kiama to Berry
The charming historical town of Berry is tucked away just beyond the rolling hills of Kiama, and is the perfect destination for those who enjoy hopping between boutique homewares shops, antique furniture hunting or just sitting in a pub that makes you feel like you’re a part of a historical story. Enjoy checking out heritage listed buildings and don’t forget to stock up on the famous cinnamon donuts from the Berry Donut Van.
Whale Watching in Kiama
There are many spectacular vantage points to observe whales in and around Kiama. With humpbacks, southern right whales, minke, sperm and even blue whales migrating along the coastline annually, this is your opportunity to witness these huge wonders of nature first hand.
Thousands of whales migrate between May & November, with the best places to catch them on land being Black Head Reserve, Kiama Harbour, Blowhole Point, Bombo Headland and Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform.
To get even closer to these gentle giants, check out local whale watching boat tours.
Wine Not Taste the Region
The unique climate on the south coast offers interesting qualities to the wine making process, and in return local wineries are becoming more and more popular for producing delicious, beautiful and unique boutique wines. The best wineries close to Kiama are Coolangatta Wines, Two Figs and Crooked River wines. Stop by their cellar door for a tasting and discover your new favourite drop.
Do Laps Like A Local
The coastal landscape of the Kiama region has allowed for the creation of not 1, but 4 incredible rocky pools. All set up for swimming laps and offering the beauty of exercising in salt water without the stress of being in open water, these pools are truly worth checking out. Blowhole Point Rock pool and Continental Rock Pool are both located in Kiama, while Boat Harbour Rock Pool and Southern Werri Rock Pool call for a short drive to Gerringong. Whether you’re wanting to do laps or just enjoy bobbing around on your back, you’ve got to make the time to dip into at least one of these beauties during your stay!
Minnamurra Rainforest
Start your trip to Minnamurra Rainforest by stopping into the visitor centre. Even locals love to pop by regularly to stay up to date with what walks are open and what species of wildlife to look out for. The award winning tourism facility is the best place to start your day trip.
Minnamurra rainforest is bursting with walking trails for all ages and fitness levels. Enjoy immersing yourself in nature’s beauty while exploring waterfalls and new ecosystems of wildlife. Home to thousands of species and as such becoming a bird watchers paradise, keep an eye out for bowerbirds, king parrots, water dragons, the elusive lyrebird and hundreds more.
Shop Like a Local
The people of Kiama and surrounding areas love living in the region not only for its beauty, but the abundance in produce. The gateway to so many incredibly fresh, organic and sustainably produced fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy farmers, you’d be crazy not to visit a local market to get in on all of the action yourself.
The Kiama Farmers Markets happen weekly, while the Kiama Makers and Growers market happens the 4th Saturday of every month. Check out the local tourism guides during your stay at Oceanview Kiama for updates on any other festivals and markets happening locally while you’re in town.
Saddleback Mountain Lookout
When the weather is clear, Saddleback Mountain gives you exclusive vantage point access to see from Cronulla all the way south to Milton and Mollymook. It is incredible as what is usually a 3 hour drive unfolds in front of you to gaze and marvel at. Just a 10 minute drive from Kiama, make sure you stop by this lookout to watch the green hills dissolve into the expansive ocean, giving you a one stop destination for 360 views of the stunning region. A must do!
If checking these activities off your list has left you thirsty for more from the stunning south coast, why not check out the Shoalhaven’s 100 Beach Challenge? The interactive game explores 100 beaches south of Kiama, and offers challenges and tips to knock them off your list.
