GETTING COSY IN KIAMA
Kiama shines as a BELOVED summer destination for beach getaways, while the WINTER months offer a whole new side to this BEAUTIFUL locale.
The windswept clifftops, glistening beaches, dramatic blowholes and rushing waterfalls that draw visitors to Kiama during the warmer months take on a new kind of beauty during winter. Add to that a main street brimming with bustling cafes and bars, plus a wider offering of delectable dining, and Kiama makes the perfect destination for a winter long weekend.
DAY ONE
10AM: The is an idyllic
KIAMA COAST WALK first stop. Walk by striking rock formations and pristine beaches and keep a sharp eye out for humpback and southern right whales migrating past from May to November. 1PM: Embrace being by the seaside at
CAFE, Kiama’s contemporary take SALTWATER on a fish and chip shop. Treat yourself to fresh seafood, gourmet burgers and even old-fashioned lime milkshakes.
2.30PM: Invigorate yourself with a cold plunge at Kiama’s ocean pools. Enjoy a view over the harbour, parking facilities and an all-accessible ramp at
CONTINENTAL OCEAN POOL. Or take a dip at
BLOWHOLE POINT after visiting its iconic
OCEAN POOL namesake, BLOWHOLE, said to be the
KIAMA largest blowhole in the world.
6PM: If margaritas and live music are your thing, you’ll fit right in at CORAZON. This
EL fun, family-friendly restaurant has everything you love about Mexican cuisine; leave room for the cheesecake tacos (yes, you read right).
DAY TWO
7.30AM: Join locals starting their day with free-range eggs, Sonoma sourdough and ginger juice shots at DIGGIES, overlooking picturesque Kiama Harbour. This place oozes relaxed seaside chic; you’ll be tempted to linger.
9AM: Get up closer to Kiama’s famous winter visitors by joining a 90-minute whale-watching cruise with the expert guides at WILD.
SHELLHARBOUR
12PM: Enjoy a relaxed lunch of sustainably sourced seafood in a contemporary atmosphere at KITCHEN,
THE HILL BAR + overlooking the magnificent Werri Beach in gorgeous Gerringong.
2.30PM: Spend the afternoon sampling award-winning reds and whites at
CROOKED WINES, the largest vineyard on the RIVER
South Coast. Join a cellar-door tasting or wine over lunch at the onsite restaurant. If beer is more your style, call into
STOIC BREWERY, where the Mango Oat Cream Sour is a real crowd-pleaser.
6.30PM: Continue your indulgent day at
RESTAURANT, the kind of place
SILICA reserved for overdue weekends away with loved ones. If you want to sample South Coast produce in a fine-dining setting, this is the place. Go for brisket and broccolini.
DAY THREE
7.30AM: is one of the coolest
STACKS EATERY breakfast spots in Kiama Downs. It may be a
burger bar, but in the early morning you’ll be lured (along with the locals) by the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. Stay for the friendly staff and hearty, Aussie-style breakfast menu.
9AM: Reconnect with nature at
in MINNAMURRA RAINFOREST CENTRE Budderoo National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for lyrebirds as you make your way through lush rainforest along elevated walkways and suspension bridges to the majestic FALLS.
MINNAMURRA
11AM: Discover
ILLAWARRA FLY TREETOP further up the Illawarra ADVENTURES
Escarpment. Have a blast on Australia’s highest zipline tour, or enjoy the tranquillity of the 1.5-kilometre Treetop Walk.
1.30PM: Treat your tastebuds to light and sophisticated Vietnamese cuisine at
HANOI MANNING. With authentic dishes such as ON rice-paper rolls filled with barbecue duck, it’s no wonder this has been a favourite spot with locals over the past 15 years.
4PM: If your visit falls midweek, meet local growers at MARKET, held
KIAMA FARMERS’ every Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm at Coronation Park. Load up your esky for the perfect take-home treat.
6.30PM: Kick off at ARDA, where
MISS there’s always a weekly cocktail special, along with plenty of classics. Try the namesake special: a Baileys and Frangelico concoction topped with Persian fairy floss.
8PM: Known for its craft cocktails,
LITTLE becomes all the more inviting in BETTY’S winter, when you can taste-test your way through the drinks list while sharing plates with your travel buddies. Order the kingfish and tequila-based cocktail Kiss My Hass for an elevated pairing.
WHERE TO STAY
Kiama offers a wealth of options to lay your head at night, from luxury camping to unique, boutique stays.
Find adults-only glamping at
CICADA CAMPING, the first of its kind on the LUXURY
South Coast. Book a safari-style tent, complete with en suite and kitchenette, or a classic bell tent complete with a fire pit. The newly opened
GREEN DOOR KIAMA offers a unique blend of mid-century modern Palm Springs meets Australian coastal architecture. This self-contained holiday unit is in a convenient, central location. Meanwhile, a farm stay at
THE SHED, amid rolling green hills and
GERROA cow-filled pastures is perfect for larger groups, sleeping up to 10 with a fully equipped kitchen and indoor wood fireplace. It’s a top spot to snuggle up over winter.