09:00 Mon 29 April - till - 17:00 Mon 13 May.
Members of the public may lodge only one vote for one town in each category. See Terms & Conditions.
COSY KIAMA
For young couples, the air in the historic beachside town of Kiama is saturated with nostalgia. Fond memories of family holidays come flooding back - exploring rock shelves for sea life, marveling at the breathtaking spectacle of the iconic blowhole, ice creams in hand as its powerful "whoosh" bring squeals of joy.
Heading to Kiama provides relaxation for the mind and the soul - and the great thing about this spot is its all-weather readiness. Be it escaping to luxury or embracing a rugged adventure, Kiama offers abundant options for warm and cosy, or cool and funky.
First things first
Journeying to Kiama is a breeze, given its convenient location just a stone's throw from major cities. Follow the A1 90 minutes south from Sydney or embark on an easy (and picturesque) three-hour drive from Canberra. Public transport you ask? No worries! Catch a direct train from Sydney’s Central Station, they run regularly and take just two hours.
Meet the rockstars
Cathedral Rocks, Boneyard and Bombo, all interesting names and all offering seclusion, wonder and excitement… and some of the best photography locations in Australia.
Hinterland heavens
Kiama serves as a gateway to an array of natural wonders, boasting stunning national parks and breathtaking beaches that are perfect to explore in the chillier months. Within a 30-minute drive, adventurers can immerse themselves in the pristine landscapes, with majestic waterfalls and abundant wildlife of Budderoo National Park, Seven Mile Beach National Park, and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. Get those walking shoes out and tick off Minnamurra Rainforest, Carrington Falls, Fitzroy Falls, Belmore Falls, Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk and Saddleback Mountain lookout. As you adventure you may even score yourself a front row seat to a show of Lyrebirds, Whipbirds, Yellow Robins, and Water Dragons.
Whales whales whales
Between May and November each year the east coast becomes a whale superhighway. The Kiama Coast Walk offers 20 kilometres to get up close and personal with Humpbacks, Southern Rights and Minkes. This magnificent stretch of interconnected trails and pathways embraces green headlands, rocky clifftops, hidden coves, unspoilt beaches, rock formations and blowholes.
Ocean alley
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kiama's two ocean pools were masterfully carved and shaped from the rugged rock formations. Today they form part of Kiama’s endearing coastal heritage (and a great place for a cool water plunge!). For those eager to ride waves, we suggest you book a lesson with the experienced surfing instructors at Seven Mile Beach, one of Australia’s best learn-to–surf classrooms. Specialising in surf therapy, lessons can be tailored for individuals with diverse needs.
Gastronomic delights
If there’s one thing you can do to get your taste buds rejoicing, it’s a walk through the streets of Kiama. Make a stop in at the Original Ice-creamery that has been serving delicious treats since 1982. Today, while still embracing history and culture, Kiama emphasises locally sourced, and ethically produced options. A one-stop place to stock up on fresh local produce and have a yarn to growers, is the Kiama Farmers' Market, held every Wednesday afternoon …remember to seek out gourmet treats to take in your adventure backpack!
After a day of adventure, take a moment to decompress in a float tank or Yin Yoga class or select another great way to relax, by calling in for some drool-worthy tapas and cocktails at funky bars Little Bettys, Cin Cin, or Miss Arda. And speaking of tapas, tapa your foot and check out Kiama’s jam packed event calendar.
Sweet dreams
You’ll rejoice in the accommodation options Kiama offers. In fact, you might not even want to leave your room (we suggest you book an extra night in preparation!). Luxurious comfort in historic buildings, such as Bellevue’s modern beachside luxury houses, or discover more than 5 stars at Cicada Luxury Camping which leads the way in redefining luxury travel through a sustainable and low-impact glamping experience. Oceanview Kiama and The Sebel Harbourside are just a short stroll from Kiama township, where you can wake up to spectacular winter sunrises and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of crashing waves. Meanwhile, The Lodge Jamberoo provides a serene retreat surrounded by 3 hectares of natural beauty, including pine trees, country gardens, and riverfront views - an idyllic escape.
Bonvoyage
We know you don’t want to talk about it yet, but if you’re heading home via car, take the scenic route to Sydney by driving through the Royal National Park along the Grand Pacific Drive. This picturesque journey includes a drive across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge and caps off an epic south coast adventure.
LOVING KIAMA?
Vote for this top town in the 2024 Top Tourism Town Awards
.
Day 1 - Blowholes & Bikes
Morning
Arriving in Kiama around 11am? Perfect timing! Grab yourself a cuppa at Diggies Kiama before swinging by the Kiama Visitor Information Centre, your gateway to the town’s local tips and tricks. Don't forget to grab your copy of the Kiama Visitor Guide, Kiama Eats, Kiama Walks and Kiama Rides guide for the ultimate adventure toolkit!
No trip to Kiama is complete without a visit to the towering Kiama Lighthouse and the renowned Big Blowhole, where nature puts on the best show with waterspouts during a southeast swell. Experience the exhilarating "whoosh" as waves crash against the rocks, creating a spectacle of nature's power for the eyes and ears. The pathway to these two icons is accessible with ramps and railings.
Early Afternoon
Once you've had your fair share of whooshing sounds for the morning, wander down to Kiama Cycles and rent e-bikes. Equipped with your new set of wheels, head to Kiama Train Station and catch the train north to Minnamurra Train Station. From there, enjoy a scenic cycle back to Kiama via the Kiama Coast Walk. First pitstop on your cycle will be Minnamurra River. Dip your toes into the tranquil water and spot the distant Rangoon Island (also known as Stack Island), a sanctuary for local birdlife.
Lunch
On your way further south, stop off at Fish Vibes or Stacks Eatery to fuel your ride. Keep an eye out for key landmarks, including rockstars Cathedral Rocks, Boneyard, and Bombo Headland (which are all great photo ops!). For a gentler and more accessible ride, refer to your Kiama Rides guide, which highlights flat and accessible routes to best suit your needs.
Late afternoon
When you arrive back in the Kiama township, it'll be time to check in to your accommodation and refresh for the afternoon. Some of our top picks include Bellevue Accommodation, Oceanview Kiama, Cicada Luxury Camping (accessible tents available), Sebel Harbourside Kiama (wheelchair accessible rooms) and The Lodge at Jamberoo.
Support the local makers and growers by visiting the Kiama Farmers’ Market—a must-do on Wednesday arvos (from 3pm)! Stock up on fresh produce for tomorrow's picnic adventures - we recommend buying cheese, veggies, dips, cured meats, and baked goods.
Dinner
After foraging at the markets, wander along Kiama Harbour to Little Bettys for a romantic dinner paired with cocktails - do yourself a favour and order the refreshing mojito (or nojito for a virgin version).
To round out the day, treat yourselves to a sorbet from Scoops Ice Creamery or The Original Ice Creamery.
.
FOUR DAYS IN KIAMA
While Kiama’s drop-dead gorgeous beaches, cafe culture and surf vibe scream summer, the gateway to NSW’s South Coast has a whole other side that can only be discovered at its best in the cooler months.
Kiama is a town brimming with boutique, coastal charm. Nestled amid endless green hills, two majestic blowholes, and sparkling golden beaches. With fond memories of beachside holidays and childhood adventures, Kiama takes visitors back to simpler times as they are welcomed to the South Coast.
Take a big exhale as high-rises and traffic lights are left behind, explore the best of nature with cliff hugging walks, pristine rivers, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, inviting ocean pools as well as some adrenaline-filled adventures. A vibrant event calendar, exceptional hospitality, and memories ready to be re-awakened.
