Unmissable things to do with kids in Kiama

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
hero media
Keep everyone in the family happy with our guide to the best things to do with kids in Kiama.

The best things to do with your kids in Kiama revolve around making great memories. Parents who want to get their kids off screens will find plenty to do in the seaside village from wild coastal adventures to laid-back beach days and walks through the emerald-green rainforest. There are also adventure parks that parents are bound to enjoy as much as the kids.  Here’s the ultimate list of things to do as a family that will show off the seaside town, which won Gold in NSW’s Top Tourism Town Awards in 2024 and 2025.

1. Take a surf lesson

the aerial view of Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa
Hit the waves on the stunning 12-kilometre coastline of Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa. (Image: Destination NSW)

The hot ticket for families craving a seaside holiday is to sign up for a surf lesson. Create some magic moments with a private group lesson with Gerroa Surf School or Gerringong Surf School . The accredited instructors at both surf schools on the NSW South Coast will teach you how to paddle for a wave and pop to your feet. Surfing in Kiama is ideal for beginners thanks to its consistent, mellow waves and sandy-bottom beaches. Surfing is the perfect activity for beach-loving families who want to share the stoke.

2.  Slide into a good time at Jamberoo

a family enjoying in a wave pool at Jamberoo Action Park, Kiama
Get your adrenaline fix at the family-friendly Jamberoo water theme park. (Image: Destination NSW)

For theme park thrills, go to Jamberoo Action Park, NSW’s largest family-owned and operated water theme park. Located in the hinterland, between the mountains and the sea, the watery wonderland has slides and rivers to wow kids and adults of every age. Don’t miss the Taipan, a high-intensity waterslide that plunges you into darkness at high speed. Brace for steep thrills in The Stinger but wear a wedgie-proof wetsuit. Note: there are some rides that come with a 45kg requirement.

3. Browse Kiama’s best markets

Take the tension off the throttle and visit local markets such as: Kiama Farmers’ Market , held every Wednesday at Coronation Park from 3pm-6pm during daylight savings and 2pm-5pm thereafter; Gerringong Rotary Markets , on the third Saturday of every month from 8.30am to 1.30pm; Kiama Seaside Markets on the third Sunday of every month, from 9am to 3pm; and Jamberoo Village Markets held on the last Sunday of the month. BYO eco bags.

4. Have a blast at the Kiama Blowhole

water plume spouting from the Kiama blowhole
The Little Blowhole in Kiama is a sight to behold. (Image: Destination NSW)

A recipe for family holiday heaven is to take your kids somewhere that will grab their attention. Kiama Blowhole is that place. The name Kiama has long been translated as “where the sea makes a noise". Wait for the ‘whoosh’ as the blowhole blasts wide-eyed onlookers with salty sea spray. The attraction, formed from basalt lava some 260 million years ago, has grown in popularity over the years. Time your visit with a southeast swell when the spout can shoot up to 25 metres in the air. Little Blowhole is also worth a visit.

5. Get some bread cred in Kiama

Continue to stretch your legs and head north along the Kiama Coastal walk from the Blowhole to Minnamurra River. Those with little legs will have worked up an appetite to refuel on berry muffins at Minnamurra Cafe .  You could also start your day with a freshly lacquered croissant from Parfait Patisserie . Or join the fervour for a gourmet pie or sanga from Flour Water Salt . Embrace the NSW South Coast’s slow food movement by picking up a deliciously chewy artisan loaf from Slow Dough (only open Friday to Sunday). The Hungry Monkey is the locals’ choice for burgers.

6. Enjoy fish and chips beside the sea

a hand holding a prawn over a dish at Saltwater Kiama
Prawn, Salmon & Avocado Salad at Saltwater Kiama.

Cave in to that voice that whispers ‘you must have fish and chips beside the seaside’ and find your fix at Diggie’s. The bright, breezy eatery is one of the most family-friendly places to eat in Kiama. Order crumbed fish tacos for the little tackers. Penny Whistler’s is another popular local haunt for fish and chips with ocean views. And you can enjoy an altogether more leisurely seafood lunch at Saltwater Kiama where the signature dish of battered blue grenadier and chips is the go.

7. Enjoy a history lesson

Celebrate Kiama’s heritage with a visit to the Kiama Pilots Cottage Museum , built in 1880-1881. The Kiama Historical Society has done a stellar job of curating the collection on show at the Blowhole Point museum, which is near to Kiama Lighthouse. The museum starts by honouring the connection the Wodi Wodi people have to the land and sea in the Kiama area, with evidence of their presence dating back at least 12,000 years.  It also charts the region’s seafaring history, shares stories about shipwrecks and profiles local legends involved in everything from agriculture to tourism.

8. Get creative with a hands-on workshop

molding a pot using hands at South Coast Ceramics, Kiama
Sign up for a pottery class at South Coast Ceramics.

There are a lot of creative ways you can keep your kids entertained in Kiama, from Creative Beading to DIY Chocolate Rocky Road workshops. Check the Visit Kiama website to see the schedule of workshops for budding writers, potters, painters and candlemakers. The Bead Shack in Gerringong also has a regular roster of kiddie-friendly classes from bead-stringing to macramé. There are also beginner classes on offer at South Coast Ceramics in Gerringong.

9. Meet the makers

Get an insight into the creative scene in Kiama at The Collective Beat , which provides artists, makers, creators, designers, innovators and entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell direct to the public. The collective acts like a giant canvas, providing each artist with the opportunity to add their own colour. You will find everything from handmade toys and clothes to homewares and original artworks. Think of it as a treasure trove of items that celebrate Kiama’s vibrant community spirit.

10. Get lost in a good book

The Bookshop Kiama stocks a carefully curated selection of books that aims to please readers of all ages. It’s the kind of place you might wander into for five minutes and accidentally lose an afternoon. The kids’ section here is a cracker: stocked with beautifully illustrated picture books, junior fiction favourites and young adult fiction. Whether you are after a rainy-day read or a book to get a reluctant reader off the ropes, the charming shop has your next great read sorted.

11. Kiama Coast Walk

a couple enjoying the Kiama Coast Walk on the South Coast
Soak up seaside views while walking from Kiama to Gerringong. (Image: Destination NSW)

For the small effort of wandering along the Kiama Coast Walk, there are big rewards. The walk can be carved up into three sections: north, midway and south. The section that extends between the Continental Rock Pool and the Little Blowhole is one of the most kid-friendly walks in Kiama. And it’s great for families with prams or kids on scooters.

12. Journey to Cathedral Rocks

a night sky full of stars over Cathedral Rocks, Kiama
The volcanic rock formation glows under the dazzling night sky. (Image: Destination NSW)

The distinctive saw-toothed spires of Cathedral Rocks can be seen from a range of different vantage points along the Kiama Coast Walk. The northern section between Minnamurra River and Blowhole Point is where you will find Cathedral Rocks . Nature has been the architect here and the resulting volcanic rock formation is one of the most well-photographed on the NSW South Coast. Encourage your children to sit and watch the birds wheel overhead and pause to take it all in.

13. Find your hinterland happy place

scenic hinterland views above Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, Knights Hill
Soak up the scenery from the elevated steel treetop walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk is also popular with families up for an adventurous hike and is one of the best things to do with kids near Kiama. Introduce the family to the practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) as you wander along the walkway above a riot of sage green, jade and viridescent rainforest that shifts with the light. Those wanting to holiday closer to home can jump in the car and spend some time on the NSW South Coast.

14. See Kiama’s cultural side

The cultural calendar in Kiama has you covered year-round with reasons to return. Watch Kiama come alive for the return of this year’s Winter Street Festival , which includes street performances, interactive workshops and kids’ activities. The KISS Arts Fest will also appeal to the young and young at heart as the Kiama foreshore transforms with a jam-packed program that ranges from a hilarious raft race to a lantern parade in October. The Changing Tides Festival in December also has a gig aimed at 10–18-year-olds and includes acts such as Mallrat and Tones and I.

15. Spot whales from the headland

an aerial view of Rangoon Island north of Kiama
Catch occasional sightings of humpback whales from Rangoon Island. (Image: Destination NSW)

Kiama is not just a summer destination. Experience the very best of Kiama with kids over the winter months by heading to the whale watching platform at Minnamurra Headland. Have your binoculars at the ready to watch for migrating whales during the height of the season, from late May to July. The Kiama Blowhole and Gerringong Whale Watching Platform also provide great vantage points.

16. Go on a grand road trip

an aerial view of the Grand Pacific Drive road
The scenic route stretches along the dramatic cliffs of the NSW South Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Kiama has joined forces with Destination Sydney Surrounds South for the Go Grand campaign . The idea behind the campaign is to promote the Grand Pacific Drive road trip as it bounces along the coast from Wollongong to Shellharbour, Kiama, the Shoalhaven and Southern Headlands. You can build your own itinerary or click on the carefully curated Family Getaway route, which loops in top spots such as Bangalay Luxury Villas and Cupitt’s Estate.

17. Go for a bushwalk

the scenic Minnamurra Falls in Jamberoo
Walk to the majestic Minnamurra Falls. (Image: Destination NSW)

Tick one bush walk off at a time while visiting the Sydney Surrounds South region of Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Wollongong and Wingecarribee (Southern Highlands).  The region includes spots such as Boneyard, Minnamurra Rainforest, Easts Beach and Blackhead Reserve. As well as inspiring your children to look out for various birds and identify native flora, little explorers will get to experience the joy of bushwalking in Australia.

18. Visit the Southern Highlands

Belmore Falls in Morton National Park in the Southern Highlands
Cool off in the idyllic Belmore Falls in Morton National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Looking for a special experience other than sitting on a headland and watching the whales go past? Head inland from Kiama and into the Southern Highlands to ooh and aah at Carrington and Belmore waterfalls. Pick up some local cider and visit the region’s cool-climate wines, which will help you get a taste of the terroir. It’s one of the most charming regional getaways to plot an escape to.

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.
See all articles
a breakfast feast at Diggies Kiama
Kiama

Discover the best restaurants in Kiama: A food lover’s guide

Kiama restaurants are a highlight on any NSW South Coast itinerary.

Read more
the Onyx Loft, Kiama Airbnb
Kiama

11 picture-perfect Kiama Airbnbs for your next seaside escape

Find a homely base right by the ocean with the most exceptional Kiama Airbnbs.

Read more
coastal views from the Bunker House, Kiama accommodation
Kiama

The best Kiama accommodation for every holiday style

Read more
steam rising from the Kiama Picnic Train
Kiama

This vintage steam train journey serves up coastal views and high tea

Step back in time aboard the completely intoxicating vintage Kiama Picnic Train – a living museum on rails.

Read more

A coffee connoisseur’s guide to every unmissable Kiama cafe

    Kristie Lau-AdamsBy Kristie Lau-Adams
    hero media
    Continue
    Slip into holiday mode over a silky-smooth caffeine fix with our list of every outstanding Kiama cafe.

    Placed aside crashing ocean waves and soft sand, Kiama soothes from the moment you slink into town – with no shortage of things to do once you arrive. The cherry on top is its burgeoning cafe scene, evolving from stock-standard tourist traps to artisanal statements complete with fresh local produce and some of the best beans in the country. From understated holes in the wall to sea-breezed hipster haunts luring big city hospitality talent, every knock-out Kiama cafe blazes the region’s culinary prowess one lick brighter. Here, our picks and everything we love about them.

    The shortlist

    Best coffee: Ernest Arthur Kiama
    Hottest new opening: Beck’s Kiama
    Best pastries: Slow Dough

    1. Diggies Kiama

    breakfast favourites at Diggies Kiama
    Feast on fresh, hearty breakfast plates at Diggies. (Image: Buffet Digital)

    What a spot. Diggies Kiama is a slice of coastal heaven located right on Blowhole Point Rd opposite the waves, and the people are as breezy-cool as the setting. Laidback vibes flow as large groups converge throughout the open courtyard overlooking the ocean. Sundowners of a weekend bring live music and rounds of cocktails, but breakfast is a sublime experience as the kitchen always shines. Fluffy buttermilk hotcakes with sliced seasonal fruit are never a bad idea as is the Blowhole Roll: a classic bacon and egg number levelled up via a hashbrown, pickled jalapenos and bacon jam. Lunch brings on coastal classics, all finessed with seasonal ingredients, while smoothies (go the Mango Lassi, always) washed everything down in style.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Buzzing

    Location: 1 Blowhole Point Rd, Kiama

    2. Minnamurra General Store

    a person holding two servings of frappes at Minnamurra Cafe
    Grab an indulgent iced coffee from Minnamurra Cafe.

    Breakfast, brunch or lunch at Minnamurra General Store is always tempting and for good reason. The food is on point and in peak holiday season, the long-loved Kiama cafe gets busy. Best to book ahead for a lunch reservation or swing by and collect a takeaway feed. Keep in mind, their weekly specials are often the biggest drawcard, with regular hits spanning pot pies, jazzed-up egg scrambles and internationally led plates like the Turkish Iskender kebap with hot tomato sauce. Sweet tooths will delight in their homemade daily muffins, paired scrumptiously with a smooth cup of Vittoria coffee.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Homely

    Location: 1A Rangoon Rd, Minnamurra

    3. Beck’s Kiama

    Coffee snobs unite for their daily hit at Beck’s Kiama , a Kiama cafe that set up shop inside the former Little Earth Cafe in July 2025. Paying tribute to its roots, the team make magic out of Little Earth Roasters’ famed small-batch beans, which helped make Beck’s predecessor so damn adored. Rest assured, it’s still one of the best spots in town to slurp up a cuppa.

    We love the at-home feel this place exudes from the moment you spot it – a simply brick facade dotted with pot plants and wooden benches – and once you settle in and let ocean views roll up from down the hill, it’s plain serene despite growing crowds cottoning on. The kitchen cranks out breakfast favourites including bacon and egg rolls with greens and toasted sandwiches, as well as freshly baked muffins and other baked goods.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Local

    Location: 10 Tingira Cres, Kiama

    4. Slow Dough

    alfresco dining at Slow Dough, Kiama cafe
    Nab a relaxed spot for a morning brew. (Image: Slow Dough)

    Putting delicious Little Marionette coffee beans to expert use, Slow Dough pairs its morning brew with the best bread in town. A stellar version of amateur Covid-19 sourdough baking gone pro, co-owner Richard King and his wife Lucy now dish up in-demand baked goods, best enjoyed under the sun on a low-slung stool on the grass. Sweet tooths will drool over a rotating menu of tarts and buns, while savoury loyalists simply can’t resist creative croissants (like the past salami, ricotta and hot honey) loaded focaccias and genius bread blends that have included aged cheddar and jalapeno blends in the past. They’re always playing around with local ingredients so expect the same brand of wizardry whenever you drop in.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Lively

    Location: 19 Bong Bong St, Kiama

    5. Ernest Arthur Kiama

    Earnest Arthur Kiama is a family-owned business that’s been serving Kiama locals for years. With a second store in South Nowra, roughly half an hour’s drive down the coast, the brand fuels the region with two life necessities – pies and caffeine. Nailing both simultaneously, the Kiama cafe is famed for its ridiculously good takes on classic creations like cottage and beef and mushroom, plus wilder mixes like snapper and dill, or beer and beef cheeks, as well as killer sausage rolls. Homemade pastries are also crowd pleasers, as is the other half of their business, coffee, thanks to a house-blend of beans and expertly foamed cups.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Cosy

    Location: 82 Terralong St, Kiama

    6. The Farmer’s Table

    The Farmer’s Table in a historic Kiama terrace house
    Soak up the old-world feel at The Farmer’s Table. (Image: DEFACTO CO)

    Located in Kiama’s heritage-listed Collins Street terraces, The Farmer’s Table is as visually beautiful as its homestyle food is plentiful. Expert baristas pour great coffee for devoted regulars and curious tourists seven days a week, making this Kiama cafe’s courtyard a sought-after spot to enjoy a feed. Sealing the deal is the fact it’s pet-friendly. Visitors who board the heritage-listed Kiama Picnic Train often book into The Farmer’s Table for a meal, perhaps to retain the historic, old-world feel that the rail-bound day trip brings, or simply because the food is so darn tasty.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Charming

    Location: Shop 2/42 Collins St, Kiama

    7. Otis

    Tummy rumbling? Otis will sort you out with lashings of the good stuff. Specialising in flavour-packed salads that shine a light on the region’s peak produce, the Kiama cafe is famed for mixes like the Tahini-glazed sweet potato and the honey roasted carrot crunch with candied walnuts and feta. Grab a table to savour every bite, plus there’s wraps, focaccias, baked goods and silky-smooth coffee to further tempt.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Fuss-free

    Location: 106 Terralong St, Kiama

    8. The Hungry Monkey

    a person holding a cup of coffee at The Hungry Monkey, Kiama cafe
    The coffee alone makes this bustling cafe one of the best in Kiama. (Image: The Hungry Monkey)

    While its burgers make it one of the best dining experiences in Kiama, The Hungry Monkey ’s breakfast menu also earns a place on our morning must-try list. Serving up creamy White Horse Coffee from 6.30am (you’ll spot caffeine-starved crowds waiting for tables most weekends), the Kiama cafe plates up all-day breakfast classics done with a twist, like chilli eggs with sambal and sourdough crumpets with ginger butter and local honey. Grab a spot on the front deck for all the excellent people watching.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Bustling

    Location: 5/32 Collins St, Kiama

    9. Manning Street Local

    Combing the east coast for epic beans, Manning Street Local is firmly fixed on providing locals with some of the most robust morning flavours in town. While Reuben Hills dominates their machine pour, the team also showcase bags of their favourite brands in-store, with past legends including Melbourne’s Market Lane and Sydney’s Skittle Lane. Aside from supporting their industry peers, the team also whip up wonderful fresh-baked baguettes and focaccias loaded with indulgences, plus homemade scrolls and other baked goods.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Cheery

    Location: 43 Manning St, Kiama

    10. Penny Whistlers

    roasted cauliflower soup at Penny Whistlers, Kiama cafe
    Roasted cauliflower soup at Penny Whistlers.

    From sunrise each day, you’ll find the Penny Whistlers crew pouring flavoursome brews with Campos coffee beans. The Kiama cafe boasts stunning ocean views and nourishing dishes across both breakfast and lunch (think chilli fried eggs and an open steak sandwich with chimichurri and chat potatoes), while Vegans are well-catered for, too. From Thursday to Saturday, Penny Whistlers is a licensed dinner venue that regularly has live music to get the party started.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Chilled out

    Location: 5/31 Shoalhaven St, Kiama

    11. Saltwater

    A Kiama institution, Saltwater plates up the best fish and chips in town, as well as gourmet burgers, schnitzels, salads, breakfast and great coffee. It’s a go-to venue for a leisurely seafood lunch with loved ones in a relaxing atmosphere. Their signature dish, the Blue Oscar, takes a grilled Blue Grenadier and tops it with grilled prawns, hollandaise, chips and slaw for a winning taste sensation.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Friendly

    Location: 104 Terralong St, Kiama

    12. Flour Water Salt

    the bread counter at Flour Water Salt Bakery
    Grab a loaf of fresh sourdough from Flour Water Salt.

    The Flour Water Salt team believe it’s better to do a few things well rather than several things averagely. It’s why the basis of this Kiama cafe is the bakery brand’s artisan sourdough production, and the cooks have garnered a cult-like attraction as a result. Come for the pastries, coffee, chai tea, hot pies and artisan-style sandwiches that put that bread to excellent use, and leave with a loaf (or few) of heavenly carb perfection.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Welcoming

    Location: 49 Shoalhaven St, Kiama

    13. Short Black Coffee

    Short Black Coffee is a lovely, no-fuss Kiama cafe located on the main street of town, where fresh-baked pastries and cakes are a hit with locals and holidaymakers alike. Think made-from-scratch delights like Mars Bar slices, loaded chunky cookies and banana bread, to heartier bites like fluffy stacked toasties. Kids love the banana split waffles while adults linger longer due to this place’s reliably good coffee and easy price tags.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Low-key

    Location: 88 Terralong St, Kiama

    Still hungry? Discover the best restaurants in Kiama