About Kiama
Kiama has been a long treasured
holiday destination. It has maintained its charm and
avoided the high rise that has affected so many other
resort areas.
Kiama and the area surrounding which stretches from
the Minnamurra River to Gerringong and Gerroa in the
south offers breath taking scenery including unspoilt
sandy beaches, rainforests and the exquisite peaks
of the Jamberoo escarpment.
Kiama is probably most famous for the Blowhole. Located
at Blowhole Point is the Lighthouse and Pilots center.
Both buildings are of historical importance as well
as Kiama's post office which was built in the 1880's.
There are several art and craft shops and galleries
exhibiting the work of local artists
Located just 15 minutes west of Kiama is Jamberoo.
The Jamberoo Valley offers antique shops, recreation
parks and bush walks.
The name Kiama comes from an aboriginal
word Kiaram-a meaning, "Where the sea makes a noise" referring
to the famous Kiama Blowhole. In December 1797 George
Bass anchored his 28ft whaleboat in the sheltered bay
which is today known as Kiama Harbour. In 1832 the
area became popular with the cedar cutters. In 1836
the township of Kiama was proclaimed. During the 1870's
the dairying industry started being supplemented by
blue metal quarrying which is now one of Kiama’s
major income earners along with tourism.
Places to Visit
Barren Grounds Bird
Observatory
The Barren Grounds Bird Observatory is located at the top of Jamberoo pass and
covers 1750 hectares. This bird watchers Mecca offers several walks through the
heathland and there are stunning coastal views from numerous rocky outcrops.
There is a field study centre and picnic facilities.
Bass Point - Bushrangers Bay
Bass Point is a marine reserve and includes the scenic Bushrangers Bay. Adjoining
Killalea State Park Bass Point is a popular snorkeling location.
Blowhole
The famous Blowhole is located only a short distance from the town center at
Blowhole Point. Discovered by George Bass in 1797 the famous natural attraction
shoots spectacular plumes of water when the seas are flowing from the south-east.
The Blowhole is floodlit at night until 1am.
Bombo Beach
Bombo beach is located just north of the township of
Kiama. It is a popular surfing beach for experienced
surfers. Whales are often spotted off the Southern
Headland during the migrating season between April & May as they head
North and then again between September – November as they migrate back
to the Southern Ocean.
Bombo Headland
Towering basalt walls and columns made famous by various television commercials
and video clips are the headlands claim to fame. The famous scenery was created
by blue-metal quarrying in the 1880's. The headland is located at the northern
end of Bombo Beach.
Bonaira Native Gardens
Located just south of Kendalls Beach the Bonaira Native gardens, feature a variety
of rainforest species.
Cathedral Rocks
This distinctive rock formation has been popular with sightseers since 1890.
Cathedral Rocks are located about three kilometres north of Kiama at the southern
end of Jones Beach.
Golf Courses
For the golfing enthusiasts there is a choice Golf Courses located around the
Kiama area including, Jamberoo and Gerringong. The Kiama Golf Club is located
five minutes north of the Kiama township at Minnamurra and is supposed to
be the best all-weather course on the south coast. The Jamberoo Golf Club located about 10 kilometres west of Kiama offers stunning
views of the escarpment. The Gerringong Golf Club is located on a hillside
just south of the township of Gerringong with spectacular views of both the
pacific ocean and rainforest covered mountains.
Jamberoo Recreation Park
The park is located four kilometres north of Jamberoo village. Jamberoo Action
Park offers Billabong Beach, Surf Hill, toboggans, a scenic chairlift, mini
golf, a rock jump, several exciting waterslides, a maze, as well as BBQ and
picnic facilities.
Jones’s Beach
Jones’s Beach is also a popular surfing beach with a North Easterly aspect.
Jone’s beach is located just 5 minutes north of the township of Kiama.
The beach offers spectacular views of Cathedral Rocks from the southern end.
Kendalls Beach
Kendalls Beach is an area of coastal land approximately 1km to the south of the
town centre of the business centre of Kiama. It is set in a protected bay between
Kendalls Point to the north and Kaleula Head to the south-east. A small but
gorgeous beach, with amazing rock formations it is a popular swimming spot
for families known for its small surf. BBQ and playground facilities are available.
Killalea State Park
Located between Kiama and Shellharbour Killalea is a 400 HA coastal reserve which
features popular fishing spots, bush walking tracks, and surfing beaches including "The
Farm".
Minnamurra Beach
Also known as Mystics it is a favourite with the locals.
A very popular surfing beach and is located just
off the Minnamurra River estuary.
Minnamurra Rainforest
The Minnamurra Rainforest is located in Budderoo National Park and has won several
Environmental Attraction Tourism Awards. Enjoy a walk through along the raised
wooden walkway in the education center and experience rainforest flora and
fauna. The walk takes about 1 hour and is wheelchair accessible.
Pilot's Cottage Museum
Situated next to the visitors center at Blowhole Point. Situated in a beautifully
restored cottage the museum displays a detailed pictorial record of Kiama's
past including the cedar getters, the basalt quarrymen and maritime history.
Surf Beach
Surf Beach is Kiama's main surfing beach. It is surrounded
by parkland and located close to Kiama's main shopping
area. Surf Beach is patrolled on weekends in summer.
BBQ facilities, picnic tables and changing sheds
are available at Surf Beach.
The Terrace Shops
Situated in restored a group of historic timber terraces,
and offer a range of craft, gift and specialty shops.
Climate
The climate is a temperate
coastal climate . Typical summer and winter temperatures
are:
Summer - 16°C to 27°C
Winter - 6°C to 17°C
Average Annual Rainfall: 1461mm
The highland areas around Kiama have
slightly cooler temperatures
Summer - 9°C to 24°C
Winter - 1°C to 17°C
Getting there
Kiama
is located in the Illawarra region about 115kms south
of Sydney and 37kms south of Wollongong. Kiama is easily
accessed by
By
Car
Kiama is located on the
Princes Highway
1.45 hours from Sydney 2:50 hours
and Canberra
- From Sydney take the Princes highway and follow
the road along the picturesque coastline.
- From Canberra follow the Federal Highway to the
Hume Highway, then take the Illawarra Highway to
the Princes Highway.
By Bus/Coach
Interstate bus services from Sydney to Melbourne operate daily via Kiama.
By Train
City Rail offers regular services to Kiama. See www.cityrail.com.au for
timetables.
Accommodation
Kiama offers
a range of different accommodation types including luxury
apartments, motels, houses, cottages and bed and breakfasts.
More Information
See the Tourism Kiama web site
- www.kiama.com.au
Useful Links To Shops, Services and other things
in Kiama
If you would like to display your business here,
click here to contact us.
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