Kiama

Travel Guide

Kiama
Kiama
Photo by Chris
Photo by Chris
Photo by Chris

Walk, cycle or drive along the scenic coastline of this Illawarra town to see a heritage lighthouse, a stunning rocky headland and the famous Kiama Blowhole.

Experience one of Illawarra region’s finest seaside gems in Kiama, a pretty beach town on New South Wales’ South Coast. This scenic township has a beautiful coastline and dramatic sea cliffs crowned by the Kiama Blowhole. Stroll along the foreshore to enjoy Kiama’s coastal views, check out pretty native gardens and see historic architecture in the town’s charming old quarter.

Kiama’s most famous attraction is Blowhole Point, near the Kiama Visitor’s Centre. With the right wind, swell and tide, the Kiama Blowhole puts on an exciting show as plumes of foamy seawater erupt from the rocky shoreline. While at Blowhole Point, visit the historic Kiama Lighthouse and the informative Pilot’s Cottage Museum. Hike along a scenic coastal walking track connecting Minnamurra to Easts Beach and find the lesser-known Little Blowhole. Take on the surfing breaks at nearby Kiama Downs and Surf Beach.

Stroll along Kiama Terrace in town to see heritage weatherboard houses dating back to Kiama’s pioneering past. Browse a strip of cafés, galleries, shops and a historic fire station in town.

Explore the harbour northwest of the Kiama Blowhole. Sit at the waterfront and spot pelicans visiting the port to meet local fishing boats. Peruse the daily catch at the harbour’s fresh market.

Enjoy the 6-kilometre (4-mile) section of the Kiama Coast Track connecting Loves Bay in the north to Werri Lagoon in the south. Check out magnificent natural formations at the Cathedral Rocks in nearby Bombo or climb the peak of Saddleback Mountain for sweeping views of the town and the breathtaking Illawarra Escarpment. See a collection of native species at the Bonaira Native Gardens, dedicated to the local Wodi Wodi Aboriginal people.

Kiama is less than 2 hours away from Sydney by car or a scenic 3-hour journey on the South Coast Railway Line. Visit Kiama in summer to enjoy the beautiful beaches or in spring for the annual Folk by the Sea Festival.

Nova Kiama
Nova Kiama
3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St, Kiama, NSW
$89 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$98 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (594 reviews)
"Very good location and well maintained rooms."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Nova Kiama
Kiama Motel 617
Kiama Motel 617
3 out of 5
132 Manning Street, Kiama, NSW
$77 nightly
The price is $84 total per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
$84 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (551 reviews)
"The room was clean and perfect for our requirement. Sharon was a pleasure to deal with. Shops and beaches were not too far away."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Kiama Motel 617
The Sebel Kiama
The Sebel Kiama
3.5 out of 5
2 Minnamurra Street, Kiama, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$144 nightly
The price is $158 total per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
$158 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"The hotel was in a great location - close to local shops, cafes and restaurants. Recently renovated and clean throughout room - very spacious too! Free parking was a bonus and would stay again."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

The Sebel Kiama
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kiama Dream – Absolute Waterfront | Panoramic Ocean Views | Large Groups
Kiama Dream – Absolute Waterfront | Panoramic Ocean Views | Large Groups
Kiama
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Little Blow Hole and Easts Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (33 reviews)
Beautiful view and space
"Very scenic house, lots of space and well equipped with everything you need."

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

Kiama Dream – Absolute Waterfront | Panoramic Ocean Views | Large Groups
Kendall’s Beach Cottage
Kendall’s Beach Cottage
Kiama
Stay at this vacation home in Kiama. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Kendalls Beach and Kiama Surf Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (88 reviews)
Holiday in a Storm
"Thank you Andrea for providing my family a safe haven. Whilst the outside elements were far from ideal my family and fur babies were safe from a big storm. The day we left Kiama the sun came out. We thoroughly enjoyed your Cottage, we read, played some board games that you provided us and we watched ..."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Kendall’s Beach Cottage
Kiama's Secret Ocean-view Cottage
Kiama's Secret Ocean-view Cottage
Kiama
Stay at this cottage in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kiama Seaside Markets and Pilots Cottage Museum are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
Spacious, private escape
"We loved the convenient location. Close to Kiama but far enough away to be immersed in the beautiful countryside and have a lovely view of the ocean. The only downside was some road noise from the Prince's highway. The house had plenty of parking and outdoor space for pets to run around in, plus ..."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025

Kiama's Secret Ocean-view Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Kiama

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Deb

Would love to retire there

5/5 - Excellent

Sonja

Highly recommend Minnamurra Rainforest Walk for pleasant morning.

Cities near Kiama