Cocoon yourself in Kiama for a long weekend and you’ll discover there is a lot more to this seaside village than its beaches and blowholes.
Looking for unforgettable things to do in Kiama? This vibrant village on the NSW South Coast won Gold in NSW’s Top Tourism Town Awards in 2024 and 2025, underscoring its status as one of the best places to holiday in Sydney’s surrounds. From its bustling markets to Indigenous-led experiences that celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage, Kiama is a mix of creativity and coastal charm. Its thriving food and wine scene, boutique breweries, stunning hinterland and coastal hideaways provide even more reasons to visit. The Illawarra region of the NSW South Coast extends inland to Jamberoo and along the Grand Pacific Drive to Gerringong, Bombo and Minnamurra.
Here are 15 of the best new and iconic things to do in Kiama, just 90 minutes from Sydney.
1. Have a blast at Kiama’s blowholes
Walk down the long pathway that curves down to the platform built over the sandstone to get your best view of the iconic Kiama Blowhole. The best time to see this natural phenomenon is when there’s a southerly swell running on a high tide. Get the timing right and you’ll be rewarded with the spectacle of water blasting into the sky amid rocks cemented into position by the elements. The sound of Kiama, on the lands of the Wodi Wodi, is the sound of water. Its name is derived from the Aboriginal word kiarama, which means ‘place where the sea makes a noise’. Don’t miss the Little Blowhole.
2. Swim at Kiama’s best beaches
All up, there are nine beaches that necklace the Kiama coastline, which means you can pick your own path. Wriggle into your wetsuit at dawn to watch the sunrise from the surf where pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons grew up practising her airs. You can also build sandcastles with the kids or wander along the cobbled coastline. There are also four tidal ocean pools glittering like pieces of beach glass set into the rock shelf. Take your mask and snorkel as they are brimming with marine life. Werri Beach, Gerringong, Easts Beach, Kendalls Beach, Surf Beach and Boneyard Kiama are some of the best beaches in Kiama.
3. Learn about local Indigenous culture
Gumaraa Aboriginal Experiences are conducted on the banks of the Minnamurra River. The tours celebrate the culture, traditions and history of the Dharawal and Yuin Nations. Gumaraa means ‘wise old man’ and founder Richard Campbell has taken on the role of sharing the knowledge that was passed down to him by his elders. Gumaraa offers spear-making and art workshops, didgeridoo programs, canoeing and fishing tours. Talks focus on everything from bush tucker to boomerang and Dreamtime stories. Kiama’s rich cultural landscape is very accessible due to the compact nature of the region.
4. Visit new and noteworthy art galleries
There are a multitude of ways to get creative on the Kiama Coast. Start with a visit to Seven Marks Gallery on the outskirts of town to see the latest exhibitions featuring works by emerging and established local artists. The gallery shows the works of local artists such as Chick Butcher, Cobi Cockburn and Cesar and Nina Cueva. It also includes, Courtesy of the Artist at Seven Marks, the second offshoot of the Strand Arcade jewellery store in Sydney’s CBD. Fern St Gallery also shows works that have been inspired by the craggy Illawarra escarpment.
5. Better yourself with a creative workshop
Want to tap into your creative side? The Kiama region is overflowing with artists hosting workshops aimed at those who want to swim a little away from the mainstream. Visitors to Soul Clay Studios in Gerringong are given the opportunity to try their hand at making pottery; find yourself fully immersed, elbow deep in clay, for the Friday night Clay Date or Saturday Soul Sessions. We know it’s tempting to stay put in your coastal-chic Kiama accommodation. But it’s worth wandering down to Willowale Road to learn the art of candle making with workshops that include bubbles and grazing boxes. You can also sign up for a kiddie-friendly workshop, too.
6. Tap into the local beer scene
Gerringong has a lot of street cred. It’s where social media stars the Inspired Unemployed hail from and it forms the backdrop to a lot of their reels. A pop culture tour of the Kiama region should also include a tour of Stoic Brewing, where drinking beer and cider amid the towering vats is a vibe. Expect live music on the weekend and exciting flavour-forward brews. Continue motoring south from Kiama and you’ll find yourself in Wollongong, where the local pubs have a great range of local tap beers available.
7. Bounce between Kiama’s beachfront bars
Kiama might seem like a sleepy seaside village. And while there are a lot of great places to eat in Kiama with kids, the town really lights up after dark for a few bar bites and drinks on weekends. The small-bar scene in Kiama is very compact, which makes it easy to get from A to B and not be too far away from the babysitter. Wait for the sky to turn velvet before stepping out for considered cocktails and some top drops at Cin Cin Wine Bar . Miss Arda , Finding Fillmores , Little Bettys are also bars worth bouncing between in Kiama.
8. Immerse yourself in nature at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
You’ll feel like a bird on a wire while trekking through the trees at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. It’s highly likely you’ll see and hear native wildlife while wandering along the shaded steel walkways above the rainforest canopy. That’s one of the reasons Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is one of the top attractions on the NSW South Coast. Those feeling a little more adventurous can fly through the jungle on the highest zipline in Australia. It’s an immersion in nature that you can enjoy at your own pace.
9. Summit Mt Noorinan
Base yourself at The Lodge in Jamberoo, before heading off on a jaunt to the Saddleback Mountain Lookout . From here, you can follow the signs to the summit of Mt Noorinan, where you will hear bird-song symphonies from crimson rosellas, eastern bristlebirds and golden whistlers. You’ll enjoy great views from the summit that stretch from Cronulla on the outskirts of Sydney all the way to Milton in the south.
10. Cycle Jones Beach to Jamberoo
Hire a bike from Kiama Cycles along the shared path from Jones Beach to Jamberoo. It’s a 24-kilometre return ride. The 20-kilometre-long Kiama Coastal Walk is made up of a series of shared paths. You can also power up your e-bike for a high-speed shopping expedition bouncing between Bombo Clothing, Sara Handmade Jewellery and 34 Degrees South Trading Company in Gerringong . The Collective, Gerringong is also a one-stop shop for up-and-coming designers and artists.
11. Check out the local cafe scene
Let brunch or lunch at a local cafe be your motivation to do a few laps in a sea pool to loosen your limbs and work up an appetite. Kiama has you covered when it comes to casual cafes such as the most excellent Becks Kiama. For a sophisticated date night, your best bet is the Blue Swimmer at Seahaven. Those seeking to spice it up will enjoy Mexican restaurant Frida’s Cantina . You could also grab a filthy-good burger from The Hungry Monkey , the hottest franchise on the NSW South Coast.
12. Plan your weekend to coincide with a local event
Wait for the sky over Kiama to form a canopy of blue before visiting the weekly Kiama Farmers’ Market . The annual Kiama Winter Street Festival in July is another great way to celebrate the season with pop-up performances, food stalls and live entertainment. Kiama gets points for taking cues from the views to host the whimsical KISS Arts Festival overlooking scenic Blacks Beach. Expect international acts, circus troupes, hula hoopers, music and mayhem at the cabaret festival designed to KISS boring goodbye.
13. Go whale watching
The Pacific Ocean can be theatrical and wild during a big swell. The Kiama Coastal Walk meanders along, intuitively laid out to hug the coast. An added bonus of a walk here during winter is the fact you are highly likely to spot whales while they are migrating past along the humpback highway. You don’t have to go on a cruise to enjoy an encounter with these majestic creatures. Simply climb up to the headland and try and spot the dolphins or whales from below.
14. Sip local wines beside the seaside
It’s worth taking a small detour inland from Kiama to explore the local wineries . Crooked River Wines is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip while on a long weekend away in Kiama. The family-run winery has been making carefully crafted wines for more than two decades and is tucked into the folds of a crayon-green valley overlooking the sea. You can also taste the terroir at Coolangatta Estate cellar door and wine garden.
15. Play a round of golf
The Kiama Golf Club sits on the banks of the Minnamurra River. While this gem of a golf club is a huge draw for golfers chasing birdies, the 18-hole par 66 golf course is also well suited to beginners. Relax. You’re not on the PGA Tour. Head to the clubhouse restaurant, Mystic’s Dining, to relive all your most terrible shots over a schnitzel and a schooner.
