Kiama

A natural basalt cavern in the cliff face that compresses wave energy and erupts a geyser up to 25m high. Free viewing platform, picnic area, and café. Best 1–2 hours after a south swell arrives.

A 30-minute loop from the blowhole past the 1887 lighthouse to the whale-watching lookout, with Tasman Sea panoramas the whole way. Prime sunset spot.

Pocket subtropical rainforest 15 min north of Kiama with boardwalk loops (20–90 mins) ending at a 12m waterfall. Cool, green, and free.

1. See the Blowhole erupt

The viewing platform at Blowhole Point is free and always impressive, but check a swell forecast first — an hour after a 6–8 second south swell arrives, you'll get the full 25m eruption and you WILL get sprayed. The picnic area on the headland is the spot for lunch with a view.

2. Walk the Kiama coastal track to Jamberoo

The Minnamarras to Bombo section of the Sea Cliff Bridge-style track (part of the Kiama Coastal Walk) runs 7.5km of headlands, lookouts and small beaches on well-formed single track. Start at Bombo and finish at Minnamurra Falls for the best version.

3. Climb to the Kiama Light

The 1887 lighthouse on Blowhole Point isn't open inside, but the headland circuit around it is a beautiful 30-minute loop with the blowhole, the whale lookout, and the best sunset angle in town.

4. Fish-and-chips on the jetty

The Kiama Harbour jetty at the south end of the beach: takeaway from the kiosk, sit on the boards, watch the prawn boats. Under $15 AUD a head and a genuine south-coast ritual.

5. Swim at Kitty's Beach

A sheltered patrolled beach 5 minutes south of the blowhole with a natural rock pool at low tide — calmer and cleaner-feeling than Bondi. The Little Blowhole next door is a quieter second act.

6. Take the Minnamurra Rainforest walk

15 minutes north, this pocket subtropical rainforest walk (45–60 mins, boardwalked) ends at Minnamurra Falls — a cool, ferny counterpoint to all that salt air, free to enter.