Kiama Accommodation

The town of Kiama, about 120km south of Sydney, is just the place to escape the mundane and rejuvenate amid natural attractions. This charming seaside town is home to everything from surfing beaches to interesting museums.

Nine fabulous beaches, iconic blowholes, cliffside caverns, a beautiful 22km coastal walk, outdoor activities, picturesque rainforests, and a host of other attractions make Kiama a popular destination. To kick off your trip, go for a dip in Blowhole Rock Point Pool and then explore the region on a scenic drive.

Kiama accommodation includes stunning beach houses, Hamptons-style ocean-view homes, and traditional cabins that have been beautifully restored. Renting your own accommodation in Kiama will let you experience the true flavours of this amazing town like a local.

Getting to Your Kiama Accommodation

You have several options for getting to your accommodation in Kiama. Kiama is just a 1hr 45min drive from Sydney. Better yet, you get to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of the Grand Pacific Drive along the way. From Wollongong, it's even easier to reach your cosy cabin or oceanside holiday villa in Kiama. The drive should only take you about 35 mins from Wollongong CBD. From Canberra, it's just under a 3-hour drive to Kiama via the Hume Highway.

If you don't have a car or prefer not to drive, don't worry. You can still enjoy the scenic coastal views by train, as a regular rail service runs from Sydney all the way to Kiama. Or you can take it from Wollongong, which takes just under 40mins. By bus, Premier Illawarra run services run regular services between Wollongong and Kiama, via Shellharbour. Once in Kiama, you can easily get to your accommodation by foot, bus, or a short taxi ride.

What to eat on your Kiama holiday

Fresh seafood, delicious local produce, and juicy Wagyu beef are some of the popular items in Kiama cuisine, thanks to the town’s rich farming and fishing heritage. The Kiama Farmers' Market, held every Wednesday, is a great place to get a hold of fresh seasonal produce and local products if you'd like to whip up Aussie flavours yourself in your self catering accommodation.

Café culture is predominant in Kiama, which is why you will notice plenty of these all around town, some offering excellent views, too. The Little Blowhole Art Bar is a popular option, serving a wonderful tapas menu combined with a choice of wines, live music on Sundays, and even contemporary art exhibitions. The incredible views are the cherry on the cake.

Take a short drive to Crooked River Wines in Gerringong, a stunning family-operated winery perched over a valley of the region’s volcanic alluvial soil. For upscale dining and locally sourced ingredients, head to the Oak Room Eleven restaurant. A great wine list and breathtaking views just add to the experience.

Kiama attractions for art and culture lovers

The Kiama Arts Trail, which is open during the first weekend of every month, is the best way to explore the art and culture scene in this lovely town. The trail takes participants to several award-winning art galleries, artists’ studios, and even for taste testings at a few cafés. All the while, you get to travel through some of the most scenic countryside locations in Australia.

The Pilot’s Cottage Museum, located close to the Blowhole Point Visitors Centre, is the ideal place to visit to learn about the regional and maritime history of Kiama. Housed in a beautifully-restored cottage, the museum has pictorial records and information on basalt quarries as well as the region's cedar and shipping industries. Guided group tours are also available.

Holidays with kids in Kiama

The Big Blowhole, one of the biggest worldwide, is the top attraction in Kiama, and a favourite with visitors of all ages. Watch enormous quantities of water being naturally blown out of the landscape, and hear the amazing whooshing sound accompanying it. It's truly an unforgettable experience.

The Little Blowhole is equally impressive and although it is smaller, it is considered to be more consistent. Both of these geological wonders were formed by a basalt lava flow around 260 million years ago. The Big and Little Blowholes have viewing platforms and are open at all times.

The Jamberoo Action Park is another popular attraction for family vacationers. Expect thrilling water rides, picnic and barbecue areas, and plenty of eateries. Experience an adrenaline rush on water rides like the Taipan, Rapid River, the Funnel Web, and the high-thrill Zero-Gravity.

To experience the delights of the rainforest, visit the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park. The Rainforest Loop Walk is easy for children and offers wonderful views. Barbecues, picnic tables, and a café are available for a bite and chocolate milk later.

Annual Kiama events

Swing to the beat of melodious country music at the Kiama Loves Country festival, formerly known as the Country Gold Music Festival. Up-and-coming local artists perform alongside award-winning performers at this June festival, treating the town to a music-filled long weekend.

Kiama’s Folk by the Sea Festival is a celebration of folk sounds in addition to bluegrass, Celtic, and gypsy music. The popular three-day festival is held in September across multiple venues and features more than 70 concerts performed by over 50 artists from all around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions