15 of the best new and iconic things to do in Kiama

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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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

two people watching the water plume from the Kiama Blowhole
Witness the iconic Little Blowhole erupt. (Image: Destination NSW)

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

the South Werri (Ourie) Ocean Pool as seen from above
The 33-metre tidal South Werri (Ourie) Ocean Pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

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
Celebrate the Gumaraa Aboriginal way of life on tour.

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

crowds of people gathering up at Seven Marks Gallery
Seven Marks Gallery has a dedicated contemporary space for established and emerging artists.

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

Soul Clay Studio, Kiama art
Get creative (and messy) at Soul Clay Studio. (Image: Sol Flare Photography)

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

Stoic Brewing, Kiama
Discover craft brews during a guided tour of Stoic Brewing.

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

the drinking scene at Little Bettys, Kiama
Find intimate nooks for a nightcap. (Image: Little Bettys)

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

a woman riding a zipline through the canopy at Illawarra Fly Tree Top Adventures
Zipline through the canopy. (Image: Destination NSW)

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

a scenic view of the Kiama blowhole
The iconic Kiama Lighthouse at Blowhole Point. (Image: Phil Winterton)

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

a couple buying fresh local produce at Kiama Farmers’ Market
Peruse the Kiama Farmers’ Market for fresh local produce.

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

an aerial view of Rangoon Island, Minnamurra
Dreamy views over Rangoon Island from the cliffs of the Minnamurra Headland. (Image: Destination NSW)

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

sun setting over Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads
The rolling vineyards of Crooked River Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

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

two people playing at Kiama Golf Club
Play golf on the picturesque coast. (Image: Destination NSW)

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.

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

    Elise CullenBy Elise Cullen
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    Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

    Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

    From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

    vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare
    From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

    Central Coast oyster experiences

    From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

    But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

    Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

    guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food
    Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

    Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

    shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
    Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

    Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

    While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

    Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

    Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

    If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

    woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong
    Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

    Organic dining

    What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

    The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

    Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

    farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics
    See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

    Paddock-to-plate dining

    High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

    Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

    woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food
    Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

    Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

    cocktail at Bells At Killcare
    Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

    Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.