A Little Charm… Visiting the Kiama Blowhole, Australia

Last updated on August 2, 2025 by Shannon

I left the beaches of Wollongong and I felt a creeping bit of weariness. From Wollongong, I decided to pop into the small town of Kiama. Kiama is just a bit further down Australia’s South Coast, and it’s tiny.

In fact, I didn’t anticipate that the coastal towns of New South Wales are quite so remote and lightly developed. In my hometown of Florida, nearly all of the state’s habitable coastal land is developed. Here, it’s a very different vibe and a fun discovery that I wasn’t expecting.

As I traveled throughout more cities, I discovered that Kiama is the quintessential charming South Coast “town.” This tiny town claims a single main street and one major tourist attraction: the Kiama Blowhole.

The town sits right on the water, abutting the breezy waves and rocky shoreline. Besides a grocery store, church, and the dozen or so cafes catering to the tourists visiting the Blowhole, there’s just not much else.

All of this is quite cozy and cute. But at the same time, there still weren’t many other backpackers. I didn’t find any in Wollongong, and with just one other backpacker here in Kaima, I wonder if I should have stayed a bit more on the backpacker route.

One of the best parts about landing in Sydney was the city’s traveler culture. It’s a backpacking hub and I made instant friends with whom I could sightsee and explore. That is proving a bit harder here. I’ve not crossed into being lonely yet, but I do wonder when I will next find some fun new friends I can travel with for a bit.

Quaint is the single description I can come up with for Kiama. And like the rest of Australia, Kiama is about ten years behind the rest of the world in internet access. I had trouble finding reliable connections even in Sydney, so this has become laughable in a town like Kiama. I was hoping for even a dialup connection because wifi wasn’t even remotely possible.

Perhaps this town has made little investment in internet because it’s a pass-through town. With only the blowhole as the tourist attraction, most travelers pass right through. That would have probably been wise for me, too. My hotel was so-so, and I was the only one sleeping there.

When I got to my hotel and saw the state of things—no internet and no friends—I faced a bout of loneliness when I arrived, and I pondered if I should have booked myself on some of the Aussie backpacker tours. Those are very popular, even of the less inhabited South Coast. Instead, I sucked it up and decided that exploring Kiama would get me out of my funk.

Between the downright chilly (this is summer right?!) but fresh sea air and an entire mint Aero bar (by far one of my favorite chocolate candy bars that you just can’t often find in the US) I was feeling a lot better and able to enjoy this undeniably charming town.

History of the Kiama Blowhole

The Kiama Blowhole is a natural geologic feature located in Kiama. The blowhole is a tunnel-like opening in the rocks that leads to the ocean, and it is known for the spectacular plumes of water that are sometimes expelled from it with great force.

The Kiama Blowhole is thought to have formed over millions of years, as the ocean eroded the softer rocks along the coast, creating a tunnel that leads from the surface to the ocean below. The blowhole is located on a stretch of coastline known as the “Kiama Blowhole Point,” which is made up of volcanic rock that is harder and more resistant to erosion than the surrounding rocks.

The blowhole is a popular tourist attraction in Kiama, and it is one of the town’s most well-known landmarks. Visitors to the blowhole can walk along a footpath that leads to the blowhole, and they can watch the water being expelled from the blowhole as the waves crash against the coast.

What’s It Like: The Kiama Blowhole

Tops on the list—and the only touristy thing to do—is a trip to the Kiama Blowhole. The Blowhole is located right on the rocky waterline, and it forms as a result of air pressure building up as waves crash into a cave.

When the waves come rushing into the cave, the water spurts out of the hole and high into the air. It’s mesmerizing and meditative to sit nearby and listen to the crashing waves. Though some tours come through, it’s fairly laid back and void of people.

The next morning, I discovered that on the third Sunday of every month there is an artisans and crafts market on the waterfront. A slew of petite tents and stalls popped up from the sidewalk and dotted the long sidewalk around Kiama Bay. The local vendors and crafters peddled their wares. I wandered the stalls. I munched on freshly roasted almonds and warm croissants. I dodged strollers and children while perusing some of the handmade crafts.

The town was thoroughly enjoyable, and a sweet little stop. But, without internet access, I headed further along the South Coast after one night in town. And the loneliness of the previous past week mostly alone had me hoping that the next town had other backpackers staying at the hostel.

What to Do in Kiama 

Make a full day of visiting the Blowhole, then eat lunch at a charming cafe. If you like shopping, there’s a good bit of that too. Go with traditional cafe fare, or try some truly tasty Vietnamese food. The artisan’s market runs on the third Sunday of the month, and a farmers market takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month.

1. Visit the Kiama Blowhole

Of course, the Kiama Blowhole is the main attraction in the area, and it is a must-see for visitors to the town. Visitors can walk along the footpath that leads to the blowhole and watch the water being expelled from the blowhole as the waves crash against the coast.

2. Explore the Kiama Coastal Walk

The Kiama Coastal Walk is a beautiful walk that follows the coastline from the Kiama Blowhole to the town of Kiama. The walk offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside, and it is a great way to explore the area.

3. Visit the Kiama Lighthouse

The Kiama Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the headland at the eastern end of Kiama. The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coast and the surrounding countryside, and it is a popular spot for tourists to visit.

4. Go surfing

The South Coast of New South Wales is known for its great surfing, and there are a number of popular surf breaks in the area around the Kiama Blowhole. Surfing lessons and rentals are available for those who want to try their hand at catching some waves.

5. Explore the town of Kiama

The town of Kiama is a charming and historic town located on the South Coast of New South Wales. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, historic buildings, and charming cafes and restaurants, and it is a great place to explore.

6. Visit the Kiama Farmers Market

The Kiama Farmers Market is a weekly market that takes place on Sundays in the town of Kiama. The market features a variety of local produce, artisanal food products, and handmade crafts, and it is a great place to learn about the local food culture and to support local producers.

7. Go on a wine tour

The South Coast of New South Wales is home to a number of wineries, and many of these wineries offer tastings and tours. Going on a wine tour is a great way to learn about the local wine industry and to sample some of the region’s best wines.

8. Visit the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk

The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk is a popular tourist attraction located just a short drive from the Kiama Blowhole. The walk consists of a series of steel bridges and platforms that are suspended high above the ground, offering panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and coastline.

Quick Tips: Visiting Kiama Blowhole

I used a Australian Lonely Planet to navigate the transport options between all of the South Coast’s small towns. There are a lot of places I could have visited, so I used my guidebook to pick the towns and cities that had an interesting vibe. I am also logging all of the trip details on my Australian Travel Guide—this includes activities, food recommendations, and where to stay. This is also very possible as a day trip from sydney since the train runs to Kiama.

Where is Kiama Located?

South of Sydney on the South Coast of NSW, Australia.

How to Get to Kiama

You can rent a car or take the train. Buses also run to Kiama, but you’re better off with one of the other two options. It’s just 2.5 hours by train from Sydney to Kiama Station, and the Blowhole is walkable from the train station. If you’re driving, Kiama has plenty of street parking.

Where to Stay

This is a popular day trip for Sydney-siders, but some stay overnight as well. The Grand Hotel Kiama is a very budget, basic hotel option, and the Sebel Harbourside Kiama Hotel is lovely with harbor views and is a bit pricier.

What to Read

Prep for your Aussie travels with some local reading that gives insight into the culture; I recommend Harp in the South, and Rabbit Proof Fence.