11 luxury experiences in Kiama

The seaside town of Kiama on the South Coast of New South Wales offers visitors a luxurious assemblage of cultural, culinary and natural attractions.

Pristine beaches, dramatic rocky landscapes and lush rolling hills are what Kiama and the surrounding areas are best known for. Located 120 kilometres south of Sydney and on the electric train line, this nature-rich coastal town is blessed with blowholes (yes, two!), ocean pools, world-class surfing and a growing assemblage of luxury accommodations, dining venues and unique experiences. This is the luxury traveller’s guide to things to do in Kiama.

11 luxurious things to do in Kiama

1. Go sightseeing

The Kiama Blowholes, the lighthouse, the Kiama Coast Walk, and the basalt columns of Bombo Headland are some of the most popular things to do in Kiama and are at the top of many visitors’ sight-seeing lists. The Kiama Coast Walk is over 20 kilometres and stretches along one of Australia’s most beautiful coastlines and is one of the best things to do in Kiama – even if you only tackle one or two sections, each of which ranges from six to eight kilometres. The Kiama Blowhole is a must-see natural attraction whereby water is pushed into a crevice created by natural erosion in 260-million-year-old basalt lava. It’s the world’s largest blowhole and is especially impressive on a south-east swell, at times shooting 30-metre-high plumes of water into the sky. Meanwhile, the unique basalt columns of Bombo Headland are shaped by historic blue metal quarrying and ocean forces and offer a lunar-like landscape perfect for photography, especially at sunrise, and is a popular spot for dog walkers.

2. Encounter wildlife at sea

Between May and July, humpback whales migrate north, and from September to November, they travel back south with their calves, passing close to Kiama’s coastline on both journeys. Visitors can witness these magnificent creatures on their oceanic voyage by watching from one of the shoreline observation points, along the Kiama Coast Walk, at Minnamurra Headland, or Blowhole Point, or further south from the Gerringong Whale Watching Platform or Blackhead Reserve in Gerroa. For an even better chance at getting up close and personal, book a cruise with Shellharbour Wild.

3. Immerse yourself in culture

Tours and workshops by local operators Gumaraa Aboriginal Experiences celebrate the history and culture of the Dharawal and Yuin Nations with workshops, cultural tours, canoeing trips, and nature walks presented by Indigenous leaders. Join educational workshops such as traditional weaving, dance, Aboriginal language, didgeridoo or Aboriginal art classes, or opt for the traditional bush-tucker and medicine walk.

4. See food from a new perspective

Gourmands with an appreciation for agriculture, fine food and elevated culinary basics should visit Buena Vista Farm. This family farm hosts classes that educate guests on how to make their own pantry essentials from scratch. Choose from a sourdough masterclass, cheesemaking, ferments and probiotics, a bean-to-barista coffee bean harvesting experience, and ‘From Scratch’, an in-depth cooking class that focuses on home-made everyday foods that have disappeared from kitchens.

If your visit to Buena Vista Farm inspires your inner chef, drop into one of Kiama’s markets to stock up on supplies so you can continue your culinary exploration at home. On weekends, explore the Kiama Seaside Markets or Gerringong Rotary Market. One of the best things to do in Kiama during the week is to visit the Kiama Farmers’ Market on Manning Street. Held every Wednesday near Surf Beach, this market features local growers, producers, and makers selling fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers harvested that day.

5. Tee off in style

Take in picturesque views while putting your stuff on the greens of Gerringong Golf Club or Kiama Golf Club. Given the beautiful locale of both courses, teeing off for an afternoon game is one of the best things to do in Kiama. Nestled between the charming seaside towns of Gerringong and Gerroa, Gerringong Golf Club boasts a welcoming atmosphere and stunning views of Walkers Beach. Open daily, the club offers cart rentals for both nine and 18-hole rounds. The 18-hole, par-66 Kiama Golf Club is situated along the Minnamurra River and features challenging, tree-lined fairways with scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

6. Delve into the art scene

With street art, festivals, live music and galleries, Kiama is home to some of Australia’s best artists, makers and performers. See works by emerging and established local artists at Seven Marks Gallery, a not-for-profit organisation comprised of two gallery spaces on Marks Street. The gallery showcases a diverse range of art forms, including traditional wall works, indoor and outdoor sculptures, light and sound projects.

Gaze upon a range of ever-changing art installations at The Old Kiama Fire Station. This quaint building in the heart of town hosts artists for week-long residencies, and is perfect for picking up a locally made treasure.

If architecture is your interest, explore Bundanon’s historic buildings and award-winning architecture by leading architects Kerstin Thompson and Glenn Murcutt, Wendy Lewin and Reg Lark on the Bundanon Built Architecture Tour. The experience is one of the best things to do in Kiama and is free with Art Museum entry, operating from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on select days and only a scenic 40-minute drive from Kiama.

Live music is always on the menu in the Kiama area with superb venues such as Finding Fillmores, The Pavilion, Kiama, The Gerringong Coop and Jamberoo Pub regularly hosting big names in quaint settings.

7. Tap into your inner creative

Create a masterpiece of your own by joining one of Kiama’s many classes and workshops. Luxury Clay Experiences hosts pottery classes that can be undertaken at your holiday home or a venue of your choice and also operates bespoke experiences that pair clay-making with winery tours, private dining, picnics and art therapy.

Kerry Bruce Art Retreats are held in beautiful locations and teach you how to paint florals, landscapes and other uplifting subjects. Kerry Bruce is an award-winning artist who has exhibited in London, Sydney, Melbourne and regional NSW. Famous for her bold pigments and joyous compositions, Kerry’s artwork is inspired by nature.

If you’re looking for things to do that will upskill your current creative skillset, try Kiama Art Workshops. This organisation hosts one, two and three-day workshops across disciplines such as Christmas wreath making, woven jewellery, charcoal drawing, linocut printmaking, seascape painting and much more.

8. Visit a cellar door or brewery

The family-owned Crooked River Wines was established in 1998 and is nestled in the rich volcanic soil of Gerringong. The vineyard has breathtaking mountain and sea views, and over its 24 years of production, Crooked River Wines has garnered numerous awards for its premium red and white drops. To ensure you don’t miss out on a wine-tasting session, make a booking with the cellar door team in advance, as this popular activity is one of the best things to do in Kiama and fills up quickly.

Stoic Brewing is another family-owned business in Gerringong worth visiting. Using only the best ingredients, Stoic Brewing creates beer and cider with a unique flavour profile that reflects the natural beauty of the region. Visit the brewery to taste a brew, grab a bite to eat, or attend one of the live music events.

9. Fine dining

Kiama’s restaurants are famous for championing fresh local produce and food lovers should make time to dine at these delicious eateries.

• With fantastic views of Crooked River and Werri Beach, The Blue Swimmer is an award-winning seafood restaurant plating up ocean-fresh food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Savour Middle Eastern fare at Miss Arda, a meze and bar that pairs sharing plates with an impressive array of cocktails, wine, beer and spirits.
• Set on Surf Beach with idyllic views over the coastline, Silica dishes up a paddock-to-plate menu built upon fresh-caught seafood and locally grown produce.
• Indulge in guilty pleasures at Parfait Patisserie, a bakery serving French-inspired pastries, cakes and handcrafted breads.

10. Invigorate mind, body and soul

If you’re looking for a little rest and relaxation, add a spa day or wellness activity to your itinerary. Kate Cliff Meditation hosts guided meditation consultations and workshops that clear the mind and restore inner equilibrium. Visit the therapists at Synergy Beauty Therapy and pamper yourself with a variety of experiences, from facials and massages to cosmetic enhancements. Alternatively, turn to Soul Revival Spa for an at-home (or in-accommodation) rejuvenation session, including massage, body treatments and facials.

11. Sleep in luxury

A number of high-end accommodation options are now available in the Kiama area.

• Bask at Loves Bay is a beautiful four-bedroom home split over several levels that affords guests exceptional water views over the Kiama Coast Walk.
• Those seeking an off-the-grid stay should spend a few nights at Jamberoo Valley Farm, an idyllic pastoral home set among rolling green hills.
  Stay close to the action of Kiama’s town centre by booking a few nights at Driftwood Beach House, a well-appointed private space with luxe furnishings.
• Bunker House is a contemporary masterpiece of concrete and stone with clean lines, an expansive deck and a heated pool, all just steps from the beach.
• Boasting breathtaking views, complete privacy, an infinity pool and warm interiors, Eagleview Park in Foxground is an opulent escape.