A day trip to Kiama

I love one-day road trips. They are quick weekend getaways without spending too much money on travel or accommodation. Sydney has been blessed with many of these beautiful gems for one-day road trips. Kiama is one such gem that is easily accessible and can be covered in one day. It is a town for a chilled out relaxed one day trip.

For fun big things to see on the way, read 11 big things to see in NSW.

PIN for later reference

This article may contain affiliate links. For full information, please see our affiliate disclaimer here.

About Kiama…

Kiama is a coastal town located in New South Wales of Australia. It is famous for its Blowhole where the water shoots up into the air between the two cliffside caverns. It is a perfect coastal escape for anyone who wants to go out of Sydney. The town has amazing cafes and restaurants where one can have a relaxed lunch. More information can be found on the Visit NSW website.

Did you know that the word Kiama has been translated as “where the sea makes a noise”? This is so apt considering that the town is famous for its blowhole.

How to reach Kiama?

• Drive – Kiama is about 121 kilometres from Sydney. It takes around 2 hours to drive to the coastal town. It is a very nice and comfortable drive on a highway.
• Public Transport – The train journey takes around 2.5 hours from Martin Place (Sydney). The cost of the train journey is between AUD 20 and AUD 40. More information can be found on the Transport for NSW website.

Things to do at Kiama

Kiama Blowhole

As the name Kiama suggests, it is a town where the sea makes a noise. The number one thing to see in Kiama is to watch the blowhole. The blowhole is where the sea water rushes through the gap between the cliffs. Sometimes the sea water goes up to 25 metres in the air. It is an interesting thing to watch and also look at people cheering and expressing every time the sea water makes it into the air.

There are public toilet facilities near the town.

Kiama Lighthouse

Located very close to the Kiama Blowhole, the Kiama Lighthouse is another point of interest in Kiama. The Kiama lighthouse was founded in the year 1887 and it is an active lighthouse. The lighthouse is currently managed by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

Do not miss the sunset at the Kiama lighthouse, it is simply breathtaking.

You would be surprised to know that I worked with RMS for a few years :).

PIN for later reference

Memorial arch

The Memorial arch at Kiama is in recognition for all those who sacrificed in the Great War between 1914 and 1918. There are name plaques opposite to the arch that honour all the names from the First World War and the Second World War.

Enjoy a picnic

A relaxed picnic at the local park listening to a local band is an amazing way to spend a warm sunny afternoon. This is what one can do at the Hindmarsh Park.

Bombo Quarry

Bombo Beach is located 2 kilometres from Kiama. The Bombo Headland Quarry is an unmarked path from the Bombo Beach and is situated between the Kiama Downs and Kiama. It is famous among photographers and is a great spot to view the rough sea. It is an unusual place with basalt columns where the ocean swells up and down quickly. This is a place that makes you feel you are not on Earth.

Be very careful at the quarry as it can be very dangerous on the rocks. The sea swirls up and down very quickly without giving enough time to react.

I RSVP’d for an event that was organised by one of the photography groups on Meetup, the group was headed to Bombo beach for photography. This was the first time I visited Bombo Quarry and I fell in love with this place.

Lunch at a local cafe

As I mentioned earlier, Kiama is filled with cafes and restaurants. It caters to all cuisines like Australian (Fish and Chips), Kebabs, Thai, and Indian. Definitely be rest assured that one can get a good lunch at this coastal town. There are also some fine dining restaurants that one can spend a nice evening.

I suggest trying the Fish and Chips by the sea at a local shop. They are really delicious and amazing.

Shopping

There are a few local shops where one can buy souvenirs and clothes from local artists. These are a great way to promote and contribute to the community.

I did find some beautiful things to buy while I was strolling around the streets.

Whale watching

Kiama has various spots where one can watch whales during the whale migratory season (between the months of May and October). I have read and heard that there are different points within the town, especially near the lighthouse, where one can look out for humpback whales.

Note: I have never spotted whales in Kiama, unfortunately.

Is it safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, absolutely. Kiama is very safe. I have been to this amazing town solo and with friends, many times and I have had no issues. People are warm and friendly. The town is buzzing with people over the weekends and hence it is not at all lonely and dangerous. However, like any other place, I would still suggest you be cautious especially at nights, and trust your instinct.

Conclusion

I recommend spending a day at Kiama. It is a relaxed little coastal town and spending a day in this town is totally worth it. Also, it is accessible by public transport so one can easily go to this town even if they do not wish to drive.

• There are plenty of towns around Kiama. Other places to explore are the Gerrigong and Gerrora. They are both spectacular coastal neighboring towns.
• There are also amazing coastal walks with beautiful views of the ocean.

I would suggest spending a day unless you are doing a coastal walk. In the case of a coastal walk, it is advisable to stay for the night at Kiama.

PIN for later reference