Kiama Coast Walk

Fast facts

• Distance and time: Approximately 20km one-way, 6-7 hours. The walk can be divided into three sections: North, Mid, and South. Each section is 5-8km.
• Level: Easy/Moderate. The track is well maintained and suitable for most fitness levels with a mix of sealed paths, grass tracks, beach walking and some gentle hills.
• Top attractions: Minnamurra River, Cathedral Rocks, Bombo Headland, Boneyard, Kiama Blowhole, Little Blowhole, Werri Lagoon, and Werri Beach.
• Dogs are allowed on-leash for most of the walk, excluding some sections of beach. There are also a number of off-leash areas along the way. Public toilets, drinking fountains, barbecues and other facilities are available at many points along the walk. Plan your hike with the Kiama Coast Walk map.
• If completing all three sections of the walk one-way, you can catch the public transport near the end of the trail from Gerringong to Minnamurra Station at the start of the trail.

Kiama Coast Walk, Kiama Area - Credit: Dee Kramer Photography 

Coastal views await on this wonderful 20km trail, stretching from the Minnamurra River in the north to Gerrigong's Werri Beach in the south. Along the way lie ancient rock formations, record-breaking blowholes, windswept headlands and postcard-perfect beaches, not to mention plenty of photo opportunities. If you’re visiting between May and November, keep an eye out for humpback whales as they travel the east coast of Australia on their seasonal migration. There are some great whale watching platforms along the walk including Minnamurra Whale Watching Platform and Gerringong Whale Watching Platform.

Rise early if you want to tackle the entire trail in a day – it’s possible, but many choose to break it up and complete just one of its three sections at a time. Whatever your plan, wear some good shoes and pack a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat and your swimsuit as there are plenty of places to cool off en route.

Minnamurra Headland, Kiama Coast Walk

North section: Minnamurra River to Blowhole Point (8.5km, 3 hours)

Get your bearings at the Minnamurra Railway Station, where a handy map details your route south and its many highlights. You’ll begin walking around the Minnamurra Headland where a whale-watching platform offers views over Mystics and Killalea beaches. Continue along the gentle sweep of Jones Beach, backdropped by the sculptural forms of the volcanic Cathedral Rocks. Soak in the views of Ragoon Island, also known as Stack Island, which is formed of basalt rock formations and offers some remarkable coastal scenery.

Bombo Headland, Bombo

Feel like a break? Pebbly Boneyard beach offers a sheltered place to swim or sea-gaze, before you resume your walk around the Bombo Headland, its eerie basalt columns resembling a Game of Thrones set. Passing Bombo Beach you’ll soon reach Spring Creek Wetlands where birdwatchers will want to linger. From there it’s a short stroll in to Kiama Harbour and its famous blowhole. Among the largest of its kind in the world it shoots water up to 30 metres into the sky trying to reach the height of the nearby Kiama Lighthouse. Opt to continue onto the next leg of the walk or swap your hiking shoes for golf clubs and head to the Kiama Golf Club for a round.

Rangoon Island, Minnamurra

Mid section: Blowhole Point to Loves Bay (5km, 1.5 hours)

Before you begin, visit the 1881-built Pilot’s Cottage Museum to brush up on the region’s history or visit the Kiama Visitor Information for more information on Kiama’s history and landmarks. From here, your journey south takes in beaches and bays aplenty. First up is Surf Beach, where wave-riders tackle ‘The Wedge’ break (it’s patrolled by lifeguards from October to April); then calm Kendalls Beach, great for swimming; then sheltered Easts Beach.

On the way you’ll pass the Little Blowhole – the spray may not be as sky-high as its bigger sister, but it’s more consistent thanks to regular swells. You’ll soon descend on Loves Bay, where the Illawarra cliffs tumble into the sea.

Kendalls Beach, Kiama

South section: Loves Bay to Werri Beach (6km, 2 hours)

This section of the walk is bookended by two sets of Aboriginal Dreaming Poles representing the saltwater people and place in respect of the traditional owners. In contrast to the previous two sections, the final leg of the route follows a zig-zag of coastal pastures taking in rainforest remnants, exposed clifftops, and endless ocean views.

This hilly coastal trail includes markers detailing the region’s history and geology, and points you in the direction of tidal Werri Lagoon before you reach the trail end at Werri Beach. Consistent with its waves, this is a paradise for surfers, but also offers a lagoon and ocean pool at either end popular with those wanting to take a more serene dip. At the southern headland you’ll also find a whale-watching platform. In addition to the gentle giants of the ocean, you may also spot seals and dolphins (or falcons and eagles in the sky above).

Werri Beach, Gerringong

The township of Gerringong awaits. Enjoy a well-deserved meal, take a dip in one of the ocean pools, or play a round of golf. Hop on public transport in Gerringong to go back to the start of the walk at Minnamurra.

If you don’t want the hike to end, continue walking for another 45 minutes into the quaint village of Gerroa and the start of Seven Mile Beach, where swimming, surfing, picnicking and fishing await.