The best Kiama accommodation for every holiday style

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A sleepy seaside town with jaw-dropping coastal vistas, Kiama in the NSW South Coast is renowned for good quality slow living. From its 20-kilometre coastal walk and nature-centred activities to a stellar coffee and dining scene, the laidback spot offers visitors the best of every world. Making life even sweeter is the array of Kiama accommodation up for grabs, running the spectrum from simple camping and facility loaded holiday parks to luxury lodgings with state-of-the-art tech and world-class views. Here, our favourites of the bunch to get you on your way sooner.

Hotels

1. THE SEBEL KIAMA

The Sebel Kiama from above
This contemporary accommodation is nestled in the heart of Kiama.

Best for: families and couples, equally

Blending heritage and modern architecture, The Sebel Kiama knocks together an unparalleled Kiama stay right by the water. Even better, it’s angled to both families (with packages that throw in tickets to Jamberoo Action Park) and loved-up duos (think complimentary sparkling wine and a cheese platter) so you can imagine how vast the room types prove. Eight individual hotel and apartment styles cover the lot, all decorated tasteful-coastal with stocked mini bars and, if you’re staying in a Deluxe Balcony room, harbour views. Elsewhere, Yves is the Kiama accommodation’s on-site restaurant, plating up local flavours and ingredients via internationally inspired dishes, plus signature cocktails including six unique martinis. Other inclusions span undercover parking, 24/7 reception assistance and a buffet breakfast.

Address: 2 Minnamurra St, Kiama

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2. NOVA KIAMA

an ocean-view room at Nova Kiama
Nova Kiama features modern family rooms.

Best for: families and corporates

Nova Kiama exudes that coveted coastal feel via warm service, hipster facilities and a swish design. We love the Kiama accommodation’s heated outdoor swimming pool and the “Nova Kombi" converted vehicle that offers coffee, drinks and snacks from 7am daily. There’s also a tight edit of gym equipment that’s available for use daily and Wi-Fi flows freely throughout the 32-room property. Ready to hit the hay? Choose from the Queen, Ocean View, Family (with bunk beds) or one-bedroom Executive suites, the latter of the bunch featuring a kitchenette for totally comfortable work-from-anywhere conditions.

Address: 31 Bong Bong St, Kiama

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3. BELLEVUE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

the Bellevue Boutique Hotel window shot
The charming boutique hotel exudes idyllic countryside vibes. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: bed-and-breakfast vibes

A restored 1890s boarding house is now home to the delightful Bellevue Boutique Hotel. With six unique suites – four premium and two deluxe – the Kiama accommodation provides fully self-contained lodgings with their own access to a wraparound veranda if you’re staying upstairs (otherwise there’s a lovely terrace). If you’re needing ample space, go for the Deluxe option due to its larger floor plans and separate bath and showers; however, all include air-conditioning, a smart TV, Wi-Fi, separate dining and living areas and fully operational kitchens and laundries.

Address: 21 Minnamurra St, Kiama

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4. PARK RIDGE RETREAT

a hotel room with a bed, chair and wine on the table at Park Ridge Retreat, Gerringong
Settle into a 4-star Gerringong hotel with your own private balcony. (Image: Park Ridge Retreat)

Best for: budget-conscious stays

Located just over a 10-minute drive from the centre of town, Park Ridge Retreat is a Gerringong hotel with an extremely attractive price tag. Offering 32 rooms from $169 per night, plus the capacity to bring your pet along with you, the hotel features various room styles including interconnecting stays making it all too tempting for other families to get on board. Decor-wise, muted colour palettes and simple furniture create calm spaces, plus there are private balconies, Wi-Fi, undercover car parking and a BBQ to lean into.

Address: 139 Belinda St, Gerringong

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5. MERCURE GERRINGONG RESORT

the standard king single room at Mercure Gerringong Resort
The award-winning Mercure Gerringong Resort boasts 52 spacious rooms.

Best for: couples

Another Gerringong hot spot that’s worth stepping a little outside of town for, Mercure Gerringong Resort is home to 52 rooms including Spa Suites so slick they were once used in episodes of Married at First Sight. Offering views of the region’s wetlands and lush hinterland, the accommodation also houses the seasonally led Bella Char Restaurant & Wine Bar, a homely space for a quality meal, plus there’s two swimming pools and a tennis court to enjoy.

Address: 1 Fern St, Gerringong

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Airbnbs and holiday homes

6. KIAMA BEACH HOUSE AIRBNB

dining with scenic views at Kiama Beach House
Take in spectacular views from your own private deck at Kiama Beach House.

Best for: serene views

Kiama Beach House is a classic Kiama holiday home that’s perfect for families thanks to a multitude of sleeping combinations. Housing up to eight guests, three bedrooms feature double beds and two of them also throw in a bunk bed, so you can twist and turn who’s sleeping where any which way. Walk from the backyard directly through to Easts Beach or enjoy Pacific Ocean views from the balcony. Even better, the Kiama accommodation garners consistent reviews from happy guests who adore its beachside location, fully equipped kitchen and entertaining areas.

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7. BLUEWATER APARTMENTS

the interior of Bluewater Apartments, Kiama accommodation
This picturesque boutique apartment is close to the main beach.

Best for: large groups who need separate rooms

Offering terrific beachside accommodation in Kiama, Bluewater Apartments is filled with 22 individual stays spanning studios, two-bedroom configurations and three-bedroom blow-outs. It’s close to the beach town’s much-adored attractions, like Kiama Blowhole, plus it’s an easy flat walk to some of the most acclaimed cafes and restaurants in town.

Address: 9 Bong Bong St, Kiama

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8. THE WERRI SHACK

a living room with a fireplace at The Werri Shack, Kiama accommodation
Make yourself at home next to the fireplace.

Best for: fur parents

The Werri Shack is a superb beach house located smack bang between the mountains and the sea. The two-level, pet-friendly Kiama accommodation (the yard is fully fenced, and there’s a nearby off-leash zone at Werri Beach) offers generous living areas and cool furnishings across three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Plus, there’s unlimited Wi-Fi, a PlayStation, table tennis and a rack to store your surfboard, proving they’ve really thought of everything.

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9. AMAROO

Best for: living the rich and famous lifestyle you deserve

Ready to step the decadence up a notch? Amaroo is a grand five-bedroom holiday home with all the bells and whistles. The Kiama accommodation, located just 10 minutes’ stroll from Easts Beach, sleeps up to eight guests with three bathrooms, a swimming pool with sun lounges and an adjacent games room filled with a lounge, pool table, dining table and barbecue. The cherry on top is how remote you’ll feel lounging in this place with water views stretching out to the horizon and green grass flowing right from the property to the water’s edge.

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10. BUNKER HOUSE

coastal views from the Bunker House, Kiama accommodation
Take in jaw-dropping coastal vistas at the oceanfront Bunker House.

Best for: Architecture nuts

While we’re going crazy, consider splashing out on Bunker House. An architecturally led marvel on a quiet, water-facing corner in Gerringong, the property is staggering from the outset. But wait until you step inside. Serving as a popular photo shoot location, the home features seven bedrooms, smart technology, three kitchens, three individual living areas, a mammoth deck with a barbecue, a heated pool, a steam room, a gym, a fireplace, four car spaces, indoor and outdoor fire pits and, unbelievably, it’s wheelchair accessible if you let the owners know in advance to make a few tweaks.

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Caravan parks and camping

11. KENDALLS ON THE BEACH HOLIDAY PARK

Best for: absolute beach frontage bragging rights

Kendalls on the Beach Holiday Park offers everything from a two-level, four-bedroom spa bath cabin to equally picturesque three-bedroom varieties and far simpler tent and caravan sites. If you’re sleeping outside of four walls, take advantage of the amenities block, a camp kitchen and free Wi-Fi, while visitors of all descriptions will appreciate the laundry, barbecue facilities and children’s playground.

Address: Bonaira St, Kiama

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12. SURF BEACH HOLIDAY PARK

Best for: families and budget-friendly bookings

Talk about prime position. Surf Beach Holiday Park peers directly over Kiama’s Main Beach, offering plenty of activities and spotless facilities including a camp kitchen, swimming pool, games room and kids’ playground. It’s a quiet location, about a 10-minute walk from the centre of town, plus it’s pet-friendly, so nobody’s left at home. Accommodation spans villas, bungalows and powered campsites. The Kiama accommodation is ideal for families looking to save a bit of coin for temptations outside of their digs.

Address: Bourroul St, Kiama

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13. CICADA

a look inside the safari-style tent at Cicada, Kiama accommodation
The safari-style tents at Cicada are a luxe lover’s dream. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: romance-chasing glamping addicts

Cicada is the region’s most-loved glamping option, located about five minutes from the centre of town and featuring those incredible dome-shaped stays typically reserved for Instagram. If you’re a sucker for newness, go for the Silver Knight or Tiger Prince Domes, launched in the first half of 2025, which feature breathtaking views across the bush, air-conditioning, private undercover decks, kitchens with gas barbecues, firepits and woodfired tubs to soak under the stars in. Other beautiful options within Cicada’s suite come in the way of safari tents (still with kitchenettes and outdoor baths, mind you) and bell tents.

Address: 127 Jerrara Rd, Jerrara

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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8 reasons it’s time to explore Lismore’s vibrant villages

(Image: Visit Lismore)

    Angela Saurine Angela Saurine
    Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.

    Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.

    1. Nights come to life

    Lismore's vibrant villages have Patrons enjoying a night out at Eltham Hotel.
    Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.

    2. A thriving arts and culture scene

    Racing on Molesworth Steet, Lismore for the BBCC Lismore Cycling Festival. Lismore's vibrant villages is filled with murals.
    Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.

    3. Boutique shopping

    Inside Two Ravens Antiques & Collectables in Lismore's vibrant villages.
    Uncover one-of-a-kind finds. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.

    4. Diverse food offerings

    Bartenders at the The Levee Lounge and Bar, Lismore
    Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.

    Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.

    Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.

    5. Alternative lifestyles reign

    Streetscape of Nimbin with buskers, Northern Rivers
    Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)

    This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.

    6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep

    Person enjoying a walk through the rainforest in Nightcap National Park.
    Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.

    7. Boutique stays

    Contained in Nimbin Accommodation.
    Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)

    Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridge secluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.

    8. Form community connections

    Crowds enjoying the Lismore Lantern Parade on the North Coast.
    Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)

    If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.

    Friday Meet and Make offers relaxed crafting at The Artisans Table, while Fire Twirling in The Quad delivers a high energy evening spectacle. The legendary Tropical Fruits New Years Eve Festival is a bold celebration of inclusion; Lismore Lantern Parade glows through streets with handmade lanterns on the winter solstice and Italian festival LisAmore! brings music and romance to the town.

    Start planning the ultimate getaway at visitlismore.com.au