A day trip to Kiama from Sydney: What to see, eat and do

Morning 

Drive just under two hours south from Sydney and head to The Farm Kiosk at Killalea Beach, which serves modern bush tucker along with coffee and cakes. Fuel up before joining Gumaraa for a one-hour Aboriginal bush tucker and medicine walk, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the traditional healing practices of the Dharawal and Yuin people.  

Killalea Beach, Shellharbour

Hop back in the car and continue 15 minutes south to Minnamurra Headland, where you can enjoy views of the Minnamurra River, Rangoon Island, National Surfing Reserve Minnamurra Beach (also known as Mystics), and during winter you may even spot whales from the whale watching platform.  

Minnamurra Lookout, near Kiama

Afternoon  

Make your way to The Hungry Monkey for lunch and sample some of their delicious burgers and salads. The café is located in one of the historic National Trust listed terrace houses on Collins Street, which also house a variety of shops and other eateries. For something a little fancier, try Silica. This bar and restaurant is set just back from Kiama Surf Beach and serves dishes made from locally sourced and home-grown ingredients.  

Silica, Kiama - Credit: Silica Restaurant

After lunch, stroll down to the Kiama Lighthouse and the famous Kiama Blowhole – the largest in the world - which shoots water 30 metres into the sky. On weekends, you can visit the Pilot’s Cottage Museum nearby, which tells the history of the shipping and cedar industry in the region.  

If it’s warm, take a dip or go for a swim in the stunning Kiama Blowhole Point Ocean Pool, carved into the rock nearby. This is a good spot for kids too, with a shallow wading area.  

Blowhole Point Rock Pool, Kiama

Next, check out the distinctive basalt rock formations at Bombo Headland Geological Site and Cathedral Rocks and enjoy a final swim for the day at the lovely Jones Beach or nearby Boneyard Beach, which is a popular snorkelling spot.  

Bombo Headland - Credit: Kramer Photography - www.kramer.photography

Evening 

Before you make your way back to Sydney pop into Miss Arda for some delicious share-plates and a cocktail (for the non-drivers). The middle eastern inspired menu includes dishes like sumac crusted calamari and prawn and chorizo dumplings, and signature cocktails like the rose water martini.