Kiama, Illawarra

Kiama is a town located south of Sydney, in the Illawarra region of New South Wales. The place-name was derived from the Aboriginal word `kiarama,' which translates into `place where the sea makes a noise.' The aboriginal word alludes to the presence of two blowholes found within the town's borders that attracts numerous tourists each year. Apart from these coastal wonders, the town itself is considered quite picturesque, with the Minnamurra River lying on its northern part and the Saddleback Mountain to the west.

The blowholes, aptly named The Blowhole and The Little Blowhole, are located at the eastern end of Blowhole Point and at Tingira Crescent, respectively. When conditions are perfect, these attractions provide spectacular shows of water sprays that reach several meters up in the air. The Little Blowhole is particularly known to be more consistent than its bigger counterpart, though both afford huge profits to the town in terms of tourism.

The town also has several well-maintained historic houses that provide alternate attractions. One good example of which is the Pilot Cottage Museum and Heritage Centre, located at Blowhole Point. This property was classified by the National Trust and provides visitors with accounts on the town's history and on the formation of the blowhole. This restored house was originally built in the late 19th century, and is now home to the Kiama and District Historical Society.

Another notable structure is the Post Office, located on Terralong Street. The building was built in 1878, in Victorian Classical Revival style of architecture and has the clock tower as it most prominent component. Along Collins Street are several timber terrace houses that were built in 1886 for quarry workers. These restored houses are now specialty shops offering several locally made crafts. Historic houses can also be viewed along Shoalhaven and Bong Bong Streets.

For a bit of communing with Mother Nature, visitors can take the walking trails at the Bonaira Native Gardens. Accessed along Girrawheen Avenue, this reserve is home to numerous birds, as well as the site of monument for the Wodi Wodi people.

The location of Kiama, at the mouth of Minnamurra River, provides excellent spots for swimming and fishing. The town also boasts of seven beautiful beaches where visitors and locals can swim, snorkel, surf, have picnics, and generally have some fun times together.

Golf enthusiasts can spend their days at the Kiama Golf Course, along Oxley Drive, where family-oriented activities and events are also organized frequently.

A short distance outside of town is the Jamberoo Recreation Park, where families can have barbecues and picnics, while enjoying facilities for mini golf, hand gliding, rock climbing, and so much more.

At the southern part of Jones Beach is the Cathedral Rocks, a unique rock formation that is also one of the most popular attractions of the town.

Every fourth Saturday of the month, visitors and locals flock to Black Beach, at the town's harbor, to take part of the Kiama Produce Market. Different local products are offered, while cooking classes are also held to sample the unique dishes of the town and its surrounding areas.

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