10 amazing family adventures in the Kiama region

If your kids love adventure – think zipping through treetops or splashing down a water slide – the Kiama region is the perfect place for a family break.

Destination NSW

Apr 20 -

min read

Be awed by the power of nature

Kiama is home to the largest coastal blowhole in the world, with the famous 2.5m-wide blowhole thrusting plumes of water up to 30m high. While it makes for a magnificent spectator sport, make sure you listen closely; the name Kiama is derived from a local Indigenous word, kiarama, which means ‘where the ocean makes a noise’. And don’t forget the petite version, the Little Blowhole, which is also worth discovering.

Kiama Blowhole and Lighthouse

Hang ten at surf camp

From the Boneyard to Bombo, Kiama has a break to suit every kind of surfer. If your tribe have never paddled out before, or wants to gain more confidence in the waves, Surf Camp Australia offers weekend camps and lessons at Seven Mile Beach for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Surf Camp Australia

Swing through the trees

Get a bird’s-eye view of Kiama’s gorgeous hinterland at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures. Thrill-seekers can conquer Australia’s highest zipline tour, while those more interested in the panorama can potter along a 1.5km elevated steel walkway offering views of the hinterland and coast. 

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, Knights Hill

Stretch your legs

Combining beach tracks, sealed paths and grassy headlands, Kiama’s 20km Coast Walk is the best way to get to know the famous coastline. During summer, you can stop off and swim; in winter, watch out for the migratory whales that hug the Kiama coast. For those with little feet, the walk can be broken into three easy segments of about 8km each. 

Minnamurra Headland, Kiama Coast Walk

Dive into an ocean pool

Feel your spirit soar as the cool ocean water hits your skin with a dip in Kiama’s many beautiful rock and ocean pools. At Blowhole Point, there’s a natural rock floor and wading area for smaller children, while Boat Harbour Ocean Pool at Gerringong is perfect for a snorkel, with its sandy beach pocket. You can also find ocean pools at South Werri Beach and Black Beach Reserve.

Blowhole Point Rock Pool, Kiama

Get two sports in one

Inject a little healthy competition into your family holiday with a day on the green playing the emerging sport of FootGolf. Located on the grounds of Jamberoo Golf Club, FootGolf combines two much-loved sports: golf and football. Players make their way around the course with a soccer ball, sinking it into a special 53cm hole in the least number of kicks. 

Footgolf Jamberoo - Credit: Sue Paul, Jamberoo Golf Club

Feel the need for speed

Race the kids down steep water slides, swirl down rushing tunnels and feel your heart pound as you take on some of the most thrilling rides in the state at South Coast icon Jamberoo Action Park. The park boasts several new high-octave water slides, alongside classic favourites such as the downhill bobsled, chairlift and rock jump, as well as splash and play areas, a wave pool and extensive picnic grounds. 

Jamberoo Action Park, Kiama

Explore a waterfall 

Wander through a Jurassic Park-style landscape, crossing elevated swing bridges and passing epic clifftop views in the Minnamurra Rainforest, nestled on the edge of the Budderoo National Park. One of the last pockets of subtropical and warm temperate rainforest in the region, this stunning expanse is experienced on the hour-long, 1.6km loop walk; if your family is feeling more adventurous, opt to take the additional 2.6km pathway to reach the mighty upper falls. 

Woman enjoying the scenic walk by the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre in Budderoo National Park, South Coast

Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, Budderoo National Park

Put on your artistic hat

Feeling creative? Or just need a rainy-day activity? Then head to Bead Shack in Gerringong to make your own masterpiece. Sit down at the long, shared table where teachers will help you get started on beading, weaving or stringing your own creation. Regular workshops feature macramé and work with polymer clay or resin. 

Experience farm life

Do your kids think eggs are made at the supermarket? Teach them a little about life on the land with a 2hr walk through Buena Vista Farm, a seven-hectare family farming operation dating back to 1859. The farm tour includes visiting laying hens, goats, ducks and pigs and checking out the kitchen garden and coffee grove, and ends with a cheese tasting at the farm shop. 