Kiama Crowned NSW’s Top Tourism Town for 2025

Kiama

Winner of the Top Tourism Town title for the second year running, Kiama has officially been named NSW’s must-visit destination for 2025. Perfect for a mid-week escape or an off-season getaway, this laid-back coastal town on the South Coast delivers natural beauty, village charm, rich history and one of the region’s most exciting food scenes.

Village Charm and Coastal History

The gentle rhythm of rolling waves and the call of seabirds will define your arrival in Kiama, a seaside town believed to take its name from the Wodi Wodi word meaning “good fishing ground”. Framed by dramatic cliffs and sparkling ocean views, Kiama blends relaxed coastal living with a deep connection to its past.

A highlight is the Historic Terrace Houses, built in 1886 and now lovingly restored. These National Trust-listed homes house boutique shops, cafes and galleries while retaining their original architectural charm. Nearby, the Pilot’s Cottage Museum near Kiama Lighthouse explores the town’s early industries including cedar gathering and quarrying.

Art lovers can visit the Old Fire Station, now a community gallery showcasing local exhibitions, or explore Sevenmarks Gallery. Aviation enthusiasts should head to the HARS Aviation Museum in nearby Albion Park, while Gumaraa’s Cultural Experience offers guided Aboriginal tours that share traditional customs and ancient storylines connected to the land.

Coastal Sights and Iconic Walks

Kiama Blowhole

Kiama’s most famous natural attraction, the Kiama Blowhole, sits beneath the lighthouse where ocean swells force seawater up to 20 metres into the air, with larger swells reaching heights of up to 30 metres. Just south of town, the Little Blowhole offers equally impressive views even on calmer days.

Both blowholes are highlights of the Kiama Coast Walk, a breathtaking 20-kilometre trail stretching from Minnamurra to Werri Beach. The route weaves along cliffs, beaches and grassy headlands, passing Cathedral Rocks and Bombo Headland before reaching Gerringong. For a gentler stroll, a walk around Kiama Harbour offers coastal scenery at a relaxed pace.

Lookouts and Aerial Adventures

For sweeping views, Saddleback Mountain Lookout is just a 10-minute drive from Kiama and delivers panoramas from Cronulla to Milton. Jamberoo Lookout, further inland, provides elevated views back toward the coastline.

At Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures in Knights Hill, visitors can experience the rainforest from above, whether racing along Australia’s highest zipline or strolling an elevated walkway through the treetops for a bird’s-eye perspective.

Beaches, Swimming and Surfing

Surf Beach Kiama

Kiama is home to a collection of beautiful beaches suited to every type of traveller. Surf Beach Kiama sits close to town and is popular with families thanks to its playground and parklands, while surfers tackle its northern break known as The Wedge. Kendalls Beach offers calm, shallow waters ideal for children, while Bombo Beach stretches more than a kilometre and attracts surfers and dog walkers.

Easts Beach, sheltered from wind and swell, is ideal for swimming. For those keen to learn to surf, Surf Camp Australia and Gerringong Surf School run guided sessions at Seven Mile Beach in nearby Gerroa.

Kiama also boasts two ocean pools. Blowhole Point Ocean Pool sits dramatically on the edge of the ocean with a natural rock floor, while the Continental Ocean Pool, also known as the Olympic Pool, is a 50-metre lap pool at Black Beach Reserve.

Fishing and Golf by the Sea

Fishing enthusiasts can join Fishing With a Local to discover the best local spots, learn how to catch bait or chase mulloway after dark. For deep sea adventures, Kiama Charter Service offers offshore fishing experiences.

Golfers can tee off at Kiama Golf Club, an 18-hole, par-66 course set along the Minnamurra River. The course offers panoramic views of the escarpment and ocean, with tree-lined fairways adding to the challenge. After a round, the clubhouse’s Mystics Bistro serves modern Australian meals overlooking the greens.

Wining and Dining in Kiama

Kiama Vineyard

Kiama’s food scene is a standout, combining coastal views with locally inspired menus. Penny Whistlers overlooks Black Beach and is especially popular at sunset. Diggies, near the lighthouse at Blowhole Point, pairs sea breezes with smoothies and all-day brunch.

For modern Australian dining focused on local seafood, Silica Restaurant and Bar at Surf Beach is a favourite. Otis delivers fresh salads, gourmet takeaway and quality coffee, while Miss Arda serves Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and cocktails. Little Betty’s is known for premium cocktails and a fusion menu, while Crooked River Estate offers refined dining with a focus on native ingredients.

Sweet treats await at Parfait Patisserie, which specialises in French-inspired cakes, pastries and artisan bread. For hands-on food experiences, Buena Vista Farm in Gerringong runs workshops in breadmaking, fermenting and cheesemaking.

Markets and Events All Year Round

Kiama Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, Kiama Farmers’ Market takes over the park at Surf Beach, offering local produce, gourmet treats and live entertainment. On the third Sunday of each month, Kiama Seaside Market at Black Beach Reserve hosts more than 100 stalls selling crafts, fashion, art and homewares.

Kiama’s lively events calendar includes the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival, Folk by the Sea, Crafted Kiama and the Changing Tides Festival, making it a destination that shines year-round.

Where to Stay in Kiama

Accommodation options in Kiama range from heritage homes to modern hotels. Driftwood Beach House Kiama is a 170-year-old Cape Cod-style home with a fireplace and expansive verandah. For central, contemporary stays, The Sebel Kiama and Nova Kiama are within walking distance of beaches and cafes.

Just outside town, Greyleigh Kiama offers a luxury estate ideal for groups, complete with a pool, fireplaces and outdoor entertaining spaces. Keeper of the Light Retreat delivers an intimate, luxury stay with dramatic ocean views and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Getting There and Exploring Beyond

Grand Pacific Drive

Kiama is easily accessible from Sydney, around one hour and 45 minutes by car via the scenic Grand Pacific Drive. Trains run along the coast, taking just over two hours. Cruise vessels anchor in Kiama Harbour, with tender boats bringing passengers ashore close to the town centre.

Shellharbour Airport, a 15-minute drive north, offers flights from Brisbane and Melbourne. For a memorable journey, turn your visit into a road trip along the EV-friendly Grand Pacific Drive, crossing the Sea Cliff Bridge and passing Wollongong and Shellharbour. The Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive also passes through Kiama, making it a natural stop on a longer adventure.

Web contact details  https://kiama.com.au/      https://www.visitnsw.com

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