The Essential Guide to the Kiama Coast Walk

Strolling along the Kiama Coast Walk with the rolling waves and the fresh sea breeze filtering in really is the best feeling.

Hidden beaches, ancient rock formations, panoramic vistas, ocean blowholes and languid lagoons. It’s all waiting for you on the Kiama Coast Walk. There are three well-maintained sections to explore, suitable to most fitness levels. Take your lover, go with a mate, step out solo, or even bring the pooch along.

The Route

Stretching 20 kilometres from Kiama to Gerringong, the Kiama Coast Walk features dramatic seaside views, windswept headlands, and a stunning collection of picturesque beaches. The track is divided into three main sections, meaning you can make a day of it and gently hike for six to seven hours from start to end or keep a leisurely pace along your preferred walkway. There are ample places to stop and refuel too (try one of our recommended cafes).

a couple enjoying a walk along the Kiama Coastal Walk on the South Coast — Traverse the stunning beach path along Kiama. (Image: Destination NSW)

North Section: Minnamurra River to Blowhole Point

Distance: 8.5 kilometres
Time: three hours

a couple exploring Bombo on the Sapphire Coast, NSW — Hop your way through the basalt formations at Bombo Quarry. (Image: Destination NSW)

Park your car (for free) at the start of the Minnamurra River, aka Kiama Down,s as the locals like to call it and begin your walk south.

Sightseeing highlights include: the heritage-listed Bombo Quarry with its spectacular basalt formations jutting up from the ocean floor, the dramatic volcanic structures that form Cathedral Rocks and the famous Kiama Blowhole. If you’ve had enough beauty for one day, stroll back the way you came or catch the train from Kiama station to Minnamurra.

Mid Section: Blowhole Point to Loves Bay

Distance: Five kilometres
Time: 1.5 hours

scenic coastal views from Kendalls Beach, Kiama — Soak up scenic views from Kendalls Beach. (Image: Mark Fitzpatrick; Destination NSW)

This is the shortest section of the Kiama Coast Walk and is suitable for those seeking a casual amble by the sea as opposed to a full-tilt, all-day hiking itinerary. Watch the surfers ride ‘The Wedge’ break before you head on down to the calm waters of Kendalls Beach for a swim. Kiama’s Little Blowhole is a gorgeous place to catch your breath, break for a rest and admire the scenery. Keep in mind that the Easts Beach stretch is a terrific family-friendly (seasonally patrolled) Kiama holiday zone.

South Section: Loves Bay to Werri Beach

Distance: Six kilometres
Time: Two hours

an aerial view overlooking Werri Beach, Kiama — Feel the sand beneath your toes at Werri Beach. (Image: Mark Fitzpatrick; Destination NSW)

Beginning at Loves Bay (parking available on Elanora Road), the South Section is more popular with Gerringong residents. Approximately two hours into the walk you’ll come across Werri Lagoon, it’s an angler’s paradise so why not drop a line and see if you can catch a fish for tea? Didn’t hook anything? No problems, stay and have a feed at a nearby cafe, return and complete the walking track loop or charge ahead to Gerringong and train it home to Kiama.

Highlights

sunrise at Cathedral Rocks, Kiama — Catch the sunrise at Cathedral Rocks. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There are many natural attractions on the Kiama Coast Walk, if you find time to see them all, that’s ace, but if you need to prioritise your time, be sure to put the following unmissable highlights on your list asap: Mystic Beach, Cathedral Rocks, the Kiama Blowhole and the ocean pool at South Werri Beach.

How to make a day of it

an aerial view of a beach in Kiama — There are plenty of beaches to take a dip in. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Be prepared, sunscreen (an ocean-friendly brand is best), a hat, comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of H20 are musts. Depending on how far you plan on trekking, you might want to pack some nourishing snacks too. Oh, and swimmers, don’t forget those because there are plenty of lovely spots on the Kiama Coast Walk to stop for a dip and cool off.

Hints: if you select the North Section for your walking adventure, we recommend wrapping up your hike with a refreshing beverage at the 19th hole aka the clubhouse at the Kiama Golf Course . Always keep your camera ready when traversing the Mid Section too, it’s here you can visit the Pilot’s Cottage Museum and take a few snapshots of history. Are you an early bird catches the worm type of person? If so, start your day at the South Section, the whale-watching platform is a beautiful place to watch the sunrise and enjoy a pre-packed breaky.

Things to know before you go

the exterior of Pilot's Cottage Museum, Kiama — Step into Kiama’s rich historical heritage at Pilot’s Cottage Museum.

Dogs are allowed (on leash please) for most of the Kiama to Gerringong walk, and there are even a few pet-friendly beaches (with off-leash areas) along the way too. Certain sections of the walk are bicycle-friendly, and there are well-maintained facilities such as free beachside BBQs, viewing platforms and drinking fountains located at many points of the walk for visitors to enjoy.

The Wodi Wodi are the First Nations custodians of the Illawarra region, and many areas around Kiama, Gerringong and Bombo were considered good sources of “ochre" — a deep orange clay used for Indigenous ceremonies.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

A guide to the Kiama Coast Walk: from Gerringong to Kiama