Your guide to the ultimate winter long weekend 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 gushing waterfalls that create such a pull during the warmer months take on a new kind of beauty during winter in Kiama. Add to that, a main street brimming with bustling cafes and bars, plus a wider offering of delectable dining, and Kiama makes for the perfect winter long weekend.

A visit to Kiama’s blowholes is a must.

Day One

10AM: Get to know this NSW South Coast gem by hitting the Kiama Coast Walk. In its entirety, the walk is around 20 kilometres long and split into three sections. Choose your own adventure after checking in to the Visitor Information Centre at Blowhole Point. Keep a sharp eye out for Humpback and Southern Right whales migrating past from May to November. And stop for photos at the striking Cathedral Rocks formation.

Take in the striking Cathedral Rocks formation.

1:00PM: Embrace seaside living at Saltwater Cafe, Kiama’s contemporary take 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 Ocean Pool after visiting its iconic namesake, said to be the largest blowhole in the world.

Invigorate yourself with a cold plunge at Kiama’s ocean pools. (Image: Jeff Sheppard)

6PM: If margaritas and live music sound like your perfect night out, you’ll fit right in at Kiama’s Mexican cocina, El Corazon. This 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 1.5-hour whale-watching cruise with the expert guides at Shellharbour Wild.

Start the day with breakfast at Diggies.

12PM: Enjoy a relaxed lunch of sustainably sourced seafood in a contemporary atmosphere at The Hill Bar + Kitchen, overlooking the magnificent Werri Beach in Gerringong.

2:30PM: Spend the afternoon sampling award-winning reds and whites at Crooked River Wines, the largest vineyard on the South Coast. Join a cellar door tasting or enjoy a drop at the on-site restaurant.

If beer is more your style, call into microbrewery Stoic Brewing to try its range of ales. The unique Mango Oat Cream Sour is a real crowd-pleaser.

6:30PM: Continue your indulgent day at Silica Restaurant, the kind of place reserved for overdue weekends away with loved ones. For those keen to sample South Coast produce in a fine-dining setting, this is the place. Expect a menu of octopus and barramundi, brisket and broccolini.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Hill Bar + Kitchen.

Day Three

7:30AM: One of the coolest breakfast spots is Stacks Eatery in Kiama Downs. It may be a burger house, but in the early morning you’ll be lured (along with the locals) by the aroma of freshly ground beans. Stay for the friendly staff and hearty Aussie-style breakfast menu.

9AM: Reconnect with nature at Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, in Budderoo National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for lyrebirds as you make your way through lush rainforest along elevated walkways and suspension bridges to a majestic waterfall.

Walk to the majestic Minnamurra Falls. (Image: Phil Winterton)

11AM: Further up the escarpment, discover Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. Have a blast on Australia’s highest zipline tour, or enjoy the tranquillity of a 1.5-kilometre Treetop Walk.

1:30PM: Treat your tastebuds to light and sophisticated Vietnamese cuisine at Hanoi on Manning. With authentic dishes such as barbecue duck rice paper rolls, it’s no wonder this has been a locals’ favourite for 15 years.

4PM: If your visit falls mid-week, meet local growers at Kiama Farmers’ Market. Held every Wednesday from 2-5pm (or 3-6pm during daylight saving hours) at Coronation Park, it’s the perfect place to load up a hamper for the ride home.

Meet local growers at Kiama Farmers’ Market. (Image: Mark Fitz)

6.30PM: Kick off at Miss Arda, where 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 Betty’s becomes all the more inviting in winter. 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.

Taste your way through cocktails and share plates.

Day Four

8AM: Cap off your winter long weekend with a sweet treat at Parfait Patisserie. Expect some seriously good French-style pastries, including twice-baked creamy lemon curd and blueberry-loaded croissants.

Get to Kiama for the perfect winter escape. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Kiama offers a wealth of options to lay your head at night, from elevated camping to unique boutique stays.

Find adults-only glamping at Cicada Luxury Camping, the first of its kind on the South Coast. Book a safari-style tent, complete with ensuite and kitchenette, or a classic bell tent complete with a private fire pit.

Find adults-only glamping at Cicada Luxury Camping.

The newly opened Green Door Kiama offers a self-contained holiday unit. Styled in a unique blend of mid-century modern, Palm Springs and Australian coastal architecture, it’s conveniently located.

While a farm stay at The Shed, Gerroa among rolling green hills is perfect for larger groups, sleeping up to 10 in with a fully equipped kitchen, and indoor wood fireplace (perfect for snuggling up beside over winter months).

Book your group in for a farm stay at The Shed, Gerroa.

Start planning your winter escape at kiama.com.au.