15 of the best new and iconic things to do in Kiama

By Carla Grossetti
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Cocoon yourself in Kiama for a long weekend and you’ll discover there is a lot more to this seaside village than its beaches and blowholes.

Looking for unforgettable things to do in Kiama? This vibrant village on the NSW South Coast won Gold in NSW’s Top Tourism Town Awards in 2024 and 2025, underscoring its status as one of the best places to holiday in Sydney’s surrounds. From its bustling markets to Indigenous-led experiences that celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage, Kiama is a mix of creativity and coastal charm. Its thriving food and wine scene, boutique breweries, stunning hinterland and coastal hideaways provide even more reasons to visit. The Illawarra region of the NSW South Coast extends inland to Jamberoo and along the Grand Pacific Drive to Gerringong, Bombo and Minnamurra.

Here are 15 of the best new and iconic things to do in Kiama, just 90 minutes from Sydney.

1. Have a blast at Kiama’s blowholes

two people watching the water plume from the Kiama Blowhole

Witness the iconic Little Blowhole erupt. (Image: Destination NSW)

Walk down the long pathway that curves down to the platform built over the sandstone to get your best view of the iconic Kiama Blowhole. The best time to see this natural phenomenon is when there’s a southerly swell running on a high tide. Get the timing right and you’ll be rewarded with the spectacle of water blasting into the sky amid rocks cemented into position by the elements. The sound of Kiama, on the lands of the Wodi Wodi, is the sound of water. Its name is derived from the Aboriginal word kiarama, which means ‘place where the sea makes a noise’. Don’t miss the Little Blowhole.

2. Swim at Kiama’s best beaches

the South Werri (Ourie) Ocean Pool as seen from above

The 33-metre tidal South Werri (Ourie) Ocean Pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

All up, there are nine beaches that necklace the Kiama coastline, which means you can pick your own path. Wriggle into your wetsuit at dawn to watch the sunrise from the surf where pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons grew up practising her airs. You can also build sandcastles with the kids or wander along the cobbled coastline.  There are also four tidal ocean pools glittering like pieces of beach glass set into the rock shelf. Take your mask and snorkel as they are brimming with marine life. Werri Beach, Gerringong, Easts Beach, Kendalls Beach, Surf Beach and Boneyard Kiama are some of the best beaches in Kiama.

3. Learn about local Indigenous culture

Gumaraa Aboriginal Experiences

Celebrate the Gumaraa Aboriginal way of life on tour.

Gumaraa Aboriginal Experiences are conducted on the banks of the Minnamurra River. The tours celebrate the culture, traditions and history of the Dharawal and Yuin Nations. Gumaraa means ‘wise old man’ and founder Richard Campbell has taken on the role of sharing the knowledge that was passed down to him by his elders. Gumaraa offers spear-making and art workshops, didgeridoo programs, canoeing and fishing tours. Talks focus on everything from bush tucker to boomerang and Dreamtime stories. Kiama’s rich cultural landscape is very accessible due to the compact nature of the region.

4.  Visit new and noteworthy art galleries

crowds of people gathering up at Seven Marks Gallery

Seven Marks Gallery has a dedicated contemporary space for established and emerging artists.

There are a multitude of ways to get creative on the Kiama Coast. Start with a visit to Seven Marks Gallery on the outskirts of town to see the latest exhibitions featuring works by emerging and established local artists. The gallery shows the works of local artists such as Chick Butcher, Cobi Cockburn and Cesar and Nina Cueva. It also includes, Courtesy of the Artist at Seven Marks, the second offshoot of the Strand Arcade jewellery store in Sydney’s CBD.  Fern St Gallery also shows works that have been inspired by the craggy Illawarra escarpment.

5.   Better yourself with a creative workshop

Soul Clay Studio, Kiama art

Get creative (and messy) at Soul Clay Studio. (Image: Sol Flare Photography)

Want to tap into your creative side? The Kiama region is overflowing with artists hosting workshops aimed at those who want to swim a little away from the mainstream. Visitors to Soul Clay Studios in Gerringong are given the opportunity to try their hand at making pottery; find yourself fully immersed, elbow deep in clay, for the Friday night Clay Date or Saturday Soul Sessions. We know it’s tempting to stay put in your coastal-chic Kiama accommodation. But it’s worth wandering down to  Willowale Road to learn the art of candle making with workshops that include bubbles and grazing boxes. You can also sign up for a kiddie-friendly workshop, too.

6. Tap into the local beer scene

Stoic Brewing, Kiama

Discover craft brews during a guided tour of Stoic Brewing.

Gerringong has a lot of street cred. It’s where social media stars the Inspired Unemployed hail from and it forms the backdrop to a lot of their reels. A pop culture tour of the Kiama region should also include a tour of Stoic Brewing, where drinking beer and cider amid the towering vats is a vibe. Expect live music on the weekend and exciting flavour-forward brews. Continue motoring south from Kiama and you’ll find yourself in Wollongong, where the local pubs have a great range of local tap beers available.

7. Bounce between Kiama’s beachfront bars

the drinking scene at Little Bettys, Kiama

Find intimate nooks for a nightcap. (Image: Little Bettys)

Kiama might seem like a sleepy seaside village. And while there are a lot of great places to eat in Kiama with kids, the town really lights up after dark for a few bar bites and drinks on weekends. The small-bar scene in Kiama is very compact, which makes it easy to get from A to B and not be too far away from the babysitter.  Wait for the sky to turn velvet before stepping out for considered cocktails and some top drops at Cin Cin Wine Bar. Miss Arda, Finding Fillmores, Little Bettys are also bars worth bouncing between in Kiama.

8.  Immerse yourself in nature at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures

a woman riding a zipline through the canopy at Illawarra Fly Tree Top Adventures

Zipline through the canopy. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’ll feel like a bird on a wire while trekking through the trees at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. It’s highly likely you’ll see and hear native wildlife while wandering along the shaded steel walkways above the rainforest canopy. That’s one of the reasons Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is one of the top attractions on the NSW South Coast. Those feeling a little more adventurous can fly through the jungle on the highest zipline in Australia. It’s an immersion in nature that you can enjoy at your own pace.

9. Summit Mt Noorinan

Base yourself at The Lodge in Jamberoo, before heading off on a jaunt to the Saddleback Mountain Lookout. From here, you can follow the signs to the summit of Mt Noorinan, where you will hear bird-song symphonies from crimson rosellas, eastern bristlebirds and golden whistlers. You’ll enjoy great views from the summit that stretch from Cronulla on the outskirts of Sydney all the way to Milton in the south.

10. Cycle Jones Beach to Jamberoo

a scenic view of the Kiama blowhole

The iconic Kiama Lighthouse at Blowhole Point. (Image: Phil Winterton)

Hire a bike from Kiama Cycles along the shared path from Jones Beach to Jamberoo. It’s a 24-kilometre return ride. The 20-kilometre-long Kiama Coastal Walk is made up of a series of shared paths.  You can also power up your e-bike for a high-speed shopping expedition bouncing between Bombo Clothing, Sara Handmade Jewellery and 34 Degrees South Trading Company in Gerringong. The Collective, Gerringong is also a one-stop shop for up-and-coming designers and artists.

11. Check out the local cafe scene

Let brunch or lunch at a local cafe be your motivation to do a few laps in a sea pool to loosen your limbs and work up an appetite. Kiama has you covered when it comes to casual cafes such as the most excellent Becks Kiama. For a sophisticated date night, your best bet is the Blue Swimmer at Seahaven. Those seeking to spice it up will enjoy Mexican restaurant Frida’s Cantina. You could also grab a filthy-good burger from The Hungry Monkey, the hottest franchise on the NSW South Coast.

12. Plan your weekend to coincide with a local event

a couple buying fresh local produce at Kiama Farmers’ Market

Peruse the Kiama Farmers’ Market for fresh local produce.

Wait for the sky over Kiama to form a canopy of blue before visiting the weekly Kiama Farmers’ Market. The annual Kiama Winter Street Festival in July is another great way to celebrate the season with pop-up performances, food stalls and live entertainment. Kiama gets points for taking cues from the views to host the whimsical KISS Arts Festival overlooking scenic Blacks Beach. Expect international acts, circus troupes, hula hoopers, music and mayhem at the cabaret festival designed to KISS boring goodbye.

13. Go whale watching

an aerial view of Rangoon Island, Minnamurra

Dreamy views over Rangoon Island from the cliffs of the Minnamurra Headland. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Pacific Ocean can be theatrical and wild during a big swell. The Kiama Coastal Walk meanders along, intuitively laid out to hug the coast. An added bonus of a walk here during winter is the fact you are highly likely to spot whales while they are migrating past along the humpback highway. You don’t have to go on a cruise to enjoy an encounter with these majestic creatures. Simply climb up to the headland and try and spot the dolphins or whales from below.

14. Sip local wines beside the seaside

sun setting over Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads

The rolling vineyards of Crooked River Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s worth taking a small detour inland from Kiama to explore the local wineries. Crooked River Wines is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip while on a long weekend away in Kiama. The family-run winery has been making carefully crafted wines for more than two decades and is tucked into the folds of a crayon-green valley overlooking the sea. You can also taste the terroir at Coolangatta Estate cellar door and wine garden.

15. Play a round of golf

two people playing at Kiama Golf Club

Play golf on the picturesque coast. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Kiama Golf Club sits on the banks of the Minnamurra River. While this gem of a golf club is a huge draw for golfers chasing birdies, the 18-hole par 66 golf course is also well suited to beginners. Relax. You’re not on the PGA Tour. Head to the clubhouse restaurant, Mystic’s Dining, to relive all your most terrible shots over a schnitzel and a schooner.

Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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A coffee connoisseur’s guide to every unmissable Kiama cafe

    By Kristie Lau-Adams
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    Slip into holiday mode over a silky-smooth caffeine fix with our list of every outstanding Kiama cafe.

    Placed aside crashing ocean waves and soft sand, Kiama soothes from the moment you slink into town – with no shortage of things to do once you arrive. The cherry on top is its burgeoning cafe scene, evolving from stock-standard tourist traps to artisanal statements complete with fresh local produce and some of the best beans in the country. From understated holes in the wall to sea-breezed hipster haunts luring big city hospitality talent, every knock-out Kiama cafe blazes the region’s culinary prowess one lick brighter. Here, our picks and everything we love about them.

    The shortlist

    Best coffee: Ernest Arthur Kiama
    Hottest new opening: Beck’s Kiama
    Best pastries: Slow Dough

    1. Diggies Kiama

    breakfast favourites at Diggies Kiama

    Feast on fresh, hearty breakfast plates at Diggies. (Image: Buffet Digital)

    What a spot. Diggies Kiama is a slice of coastal heaven located right on Blowhole Point Rd opposite the waves, and the people are as breezy-cool as the setting. Laidback vibes flow as large groups converge throughout the open courtyard overlooking the ocean. Sundowners of a weekend bring live music and rounds of cocktails, but breakfast is a sublime experience as the kitchen always shines. Fluffy buttermilk hotcakes with sliced seasonal fruit are never a bad idea as is the Blowhole Roll: a classic bacon and egg number levelled up via a hashbrown, pickled jalapenos and bacon jam. Lunch brings on coastal classics, all finessed with seasonal ingredients, while smoothies (go the Mango Lassi, always) washed everything down in style.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Buzzing

    Location: 1 Blowhole Point Rd, Kiama

    2. Minnamurra General Store

    a person holding two servings of frappes at Minnamurra Cafe

    Grab an indulgent iced coffee from Minnamurra Cafe.

    Breakfast, brunch or lunch at Minnamurra General Store is always tempting and for good reason. The food is on point and in peak holiday season, the long-loved Kiama cafe gets busy. Best to book ahead for a lunch reservation or swing by and collect a takeaway feed. Keep in mind, their weekly specials are often the biggest drawcard, with regular hits spanning pot pies, jazzed-up egg scrambles and internationally led plates like the Turkish Iskender kebap with hot tomato sauce. Sweet tooths will delight in their homemade daily muffins, paired scrumptiously with a smooth cup of Vittoria coffee.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Homely

    Location: 1A Rangoon Rd, Minnamurra

    3. Beck’s Kiama

    Coffee snobs unite for their daily hit at Beck’s Kiama, a Kiama cafe that set up shop inside the former Little Earth Cafe in July 2025. Paying tribute to its roots, the team make magic out of Little Earth Roasters’ famed small-batch beans, which helped make Beck’s predecessor so damn adored. Rest assured, it’s still one of the best spots in town to slurp up a cuppa.

    We love the at-home feel this place exudes from the moment you spot it – a simply brick facade dotted with pot plants and wooden benches – and once you settle in and let ocean views roll up from down the hill, it’s plain serene despite growing crowds cottoning on. The kitchen cranks out breakfast favourites including bacon and egg rolls with greens and toasted sandwiches, as well as freshly baked muffins and other baked goods.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Local

    Location: 10 Tingira Cres, Kiama

    4. Slow Dough

    alfresco dining at Slow Dough, Kiama cafe

    Nab a relaxed spot for a morning brew. (Image: Slow Dough)

    Putting delicious Little Marionette coffee beans to expert use, Slow Dough pairs its morning brew with the best bread in town. A stellar version of amateur Covid-19 sourdough baking gone pro, co-owner Richard King and his wife Lucy now dish up in-demand baked goods, best enjoyed under the sun on a low-slung stool on the grass. Sweet tooths will drool over a rotating menu of tarts and buns, while savoury loyalists simply can’t resist creative croissants (like the past salami, ricotta and hot honey) loaded focaccias and genius bread blends that have included aged cheddar and jalapeno blends in the past. They’re always playing around with local ingredients so expect the same brand of wizardry whenever you drop in.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Lively

    Location: 19 Bong Bong St, Kiama

    5. Ernest Arthur Kiama

    Earnest Arthur Kiama is a family-owned business that’s been serving Kiama locals for years. With a second store in South Nowra, roughly half an hour’s drive down the coast, the brand fuels the region with two life necessities – pies and caffeine. Nailing both simultaneously, the Kiama cafe is famed for its ridiculously good takes on classic creations like cottage and beef and mushroom, plus wilder mixes like snapper and dill, or beer and beef cheeks, as well as killer sausage rolls. Homemade pastries are also crowd pleasers, as is the other half of their business, coffee, thanks to a house-blend of beans and expertly foamed cups.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Cosy

    Location: 82 Terralong St, Kiama

    6. The Farmer’s Table

    The Farmer’s Table in a historic Kiama terrace house

    Soak up the old-world feel at The Farmer’s Table. (Image: DEFACTO CO)

    Located in Kiama’s heritage-listed Collins Street terraces, The Farmer’s Table is as visually beautiful as its homestyle food is plentiful. Expert baristas pour great coffee for devoted regulars and curious tourists seven days a week, making this Kiama cafe’s courtyard a sought-after spot to enjoy a feed. Sealing the deal is the fact it’s pet-friendly. Visitors who board the heritage-listed Kiama Picnic Train often book into The Farmer’s Table for a meal, perhaps to retain the historic, old-world feel that the rail-bound day trip brings, or simply because the food is so darn tasty.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Charming

    Location: Shop 2/42 Collins St, Kiama

    7. Otis

    Tummy rumbling? Otis will sort you out with lashings of the good stuff. Specialising in flavour-packed salads that shine a light on the region’s peak produce, the Kiama cafe is famed for mixes like the Tahini-glazed sweet potato and the honey roasted carrot crunch with candied walnuts and feta. Grab a table to savour every bite, plus there’s wraps, focaccias, baked goods and silky-smooth coffee to further tempt.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Fuss-free

    Location: 106 Terralong St, Kiama

    8. The Hungry Monkey

    a person holding a cup of coffee at The Hungry Monkey, Kiama cafe

    The coffee alone makes this bustling cafe one of the best in Kiama. (Image: The Hungry Monkey)

    While its burgers make it one of the best dining experiences in Kiama, The Hungry Monkey’s breakfast menu also earns a place on our morning must-try list. Serving up creamy White Horse Coffee from 6.30am (you’ll spot caffeine-starved crowds waiting for tables most weekends), the Kiama cafe plates up all-day breakfast classics done with a twist, like chilli eggs with sambal and sourdough crumpets with ginger butter and local honey. Grab a spot on the front deck for all the excellent people watching.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Bustling

    Location: 5/32 Collins St, Kiama

    9. Manning Street Local

    Combing the east coast for epic beans, Manning Street Local is firmly fixed on providing locals with some of the most robust morning flavours in town. While Reuben Hills dominates their machine pour, the team also showcase bags of their favourite brands in-store, with past legends including Melbourne’s Market Lane and Sydney’s Skittle Lane. Aside from supporting their industry peers, the team also whip up wonderful fresh-baked baguettes and focaccias loaded with indulgences, plus homemade scrolls and other baked goods.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Cheery

    Location: 43 Manning St, Kiama

    10. Penny Whistlers

    roasted cauliflower soup at Penny Whistlers, Kiama cafe

    Roasted cauliflower soup at Penny Whistlers.

    From sunrise each day, you’ll find the Penny Whistlers crew pouring flavoursome brews with Campos coffee beans. The Kiama cafe boasts stunning ocean views and nourishing dishes across both breakfast and lunch (think chilli fried eggs and an open steak sandwich with chimichurri and chat potatoes), while Vegans are well-catered for, too. From Thursday to Saturday, Penny Whistlers is a licensed dinner venue that regularly has live music to get the party started.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Chilled out

    Location: 5/31 Shoalhaven St, Kiama

    11. Saltwater

    A Kiama institution, Saltwater plates up the best fish and chips in town, as well as gourmet burgers, schnitzels, salads, breakfast and great coffee. It’s a go-to venue for a leisurely seafood lunch with loved ones in a relaxing atmosphere. Their signature dish, the Blue Oscar, takes a grilled Blue Grenadier and tops it with grilled prawns, hollandaise, chips and slaw for a winning taste sensation.

    Average price: $$$

    Atmosphere: Friendly

    Location: 104 Terralong St, Kiama

    12. Flour Water Salt

    the bread counter at Flour Water Salt Bakery

    Grab a loaf of fresh sourdough from Flour Water Salt.

    The Flour Water Salt team believe it’s better to do a few things well rather than several things averagely. It’s why the basis of this Kiama cafe is the bakery brand’s artisan sourdough production, and the cooks have garnered a cult-like attraction as a result. Come for the pastries, coffee, chai tea, hot pies and artisan-style sandwiches that put that bread to excellent use, and leave with a loaf (or few) of heavenly carb perfection.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Welcoming

    Location: 49 Shoalhaven St, Kiama

    13. Short Black Coffee

    Short Black Coffee is a lovely, no-fuss Kiama cafe located on the main street of town, where fresh-baked pastries and cakes are a hit with locals and holidaymakers alike. Think made-from-scratch delights like Mars Bar slices, loaded chunky cookies and banana bread, to heartier bites like fluffy stacked toasties. Kids love the banana split waffles while adults linger longer due to this place’s reliably good coffee and easy price tags.

    Average price: $$

    Atmosphere: Low-key

    Location: 88 Terralong St, Kiama

    Still hungry? Discover the best restaurants in Kiama