Unique Accommodation

Plenty of hotels, motels, B&Bs, cottages and caravan parks are available across the Kiama region, depending on budget. But if you want to sleep somewhere truly special – accommodation with a distinct sense of place perhaps, or with a view you won’t find anywhere else in the world – a few one-of-a-kind stays deliver history, dramatic architecture and nature in spades. From farmstays to grand heritage homes to design-driven aeries, here are some of the area’s unique accommodation offerings.

Kiama

Checking in to Driftwood Beach House, in the heart of Kiama, is like being handed a slice of history. This 170-year-old Cape Cod-style house has been transformed into a boutique cottage, striking the perfect balance between comfort and convenience – you’re minutes’ walk from the Kiama Blowhole, Kiama Lighthouse, The Pavilion and Surf Beach. The décor is barefoot luxe, right down to the courtyard with oversized sofas and barbeque facilities.

Surf Beach Holiday Park, which overlook’s Kiama’s main beach, offers a variety of accommodation choices from their powered tent and caravan sites and luxury cabins, through to the superior Penguin Palace.

The Sebel Harbourside Kiama overlooks the beautiful Kiama Harbour. The hotel oozes old world charm and offers a selection of luxury apartments and hotel rooms located within landscaped gardens and the renowned bar and bistro Yves.

Saddleback Grove offers a country chic house with breath-taking rural and coastal views. The Bellevue offers one-bedroom apartments located in Kiama’s town centre and Swell offers boutique accommodation on the waters edge.

Minnamurra

Reflections at Minnamurra will give you serious house envy. Tastefully decorated – with wooden floors, high-threadcount linens, luxury appliances and freestanding tubs – the property also features watertoys like paddleboards and canoes, which you need drag only metres to the Minnamurra River.

Mystics Beach Bungalows offer renovated Bungalows close to Minnamurra River and Minnamurra Beach (also known as Mystics Beach).

Jamberoo

A grand country estate set on five hectares of manicured gardens, heritage-listed Terragong 1858 feels more akin to the Downton Abbey set than to its rainforest-laced setting in the Jamberoo Valley. In true manor-house style, the B&B offers three beautifully appointed guest rooms, individually designed, with original features throughout. Explore the region’s national parks and vineyards, then retire to the pool for a cocktail.

Nearby is Jamberoo Valley Farm, a working permaculture farm with luxe cottages sporting views from valley to ocean – particularly breathtaking when enjoyed from the alfresco Swedish-style hot tub. Meet friendly cows, sheep and pigs; collect eggs; stroll to the dam to spot kangaroos and wombats; then learn about life on the land in its fruit and vegetable gardens.

Greyleigh offers luxury farmhouse-style accommodation, with lush cottage gardens and plenty of natural beauty this is a place not to be missed.

Gerringong

Set on a 60-hectare farm, Dovecote’s two high-drama, architect-designed lodges (The Headland and The Range) offer fireplaces and outdoor cinemas, with multi-course meals and spa treatments available on site. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal rolling fields dotted with cows, descending to the water.

Nearby and also set on a working farm, Ocean Farm adds the unique design drama of notable Sydney architect Espie Dodds. From guest rooms to the infinity pool, sea views abound, and a grassy path leads from your door down to Werri Beach, if you want to feel the sand between your toes.

In town you’ll find Soul of Gerringong, a Hamptons-inspired cottage with three separate residences, oak floors, cathedral ceilings and bespoke décor. Its original 1800s-era whitewashed cottages are only a brisk stroll to beaches, restaurants and cafes.

If you’re looking for accommodation options that cater for larger groups or families, The Pause offers a large house and is suitable for groups of friends, families, intimate retreats and corporate stays.

Sundara Beach House is a large luxury beach house, located just footsteps from the golden sands of Werri Beach. Nirvana Seaside Cottages, also on Werri Beach has been restored back to its original 1936 cottage charm along with the addition of a second newly built loft cottage on the rear of the property nestled amongst lush palm gardens.

Gerroa

With expansive views over Gerringong Golf Club and Seven Mile Beach, The Shed is the kind of place you’ll check in to and never want to leave. The architecturally stunning property comes with style to spare, from its industrial-chic aesthetic to its outdoor firepit, plunge pool and freestanding tubs.

Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park offers magnificent facilities and a range of luxury beachside accommodation. Experience cabins, surf shacks, safari tents, en suite sites, powered or unpowered sites. Close to all shops and clubs, the park is a water lover's paradise offering such varied pursuits as canoeing, fishing and surfing.

With stunning views over Seven Mile Beach, Nanny and Poppy's Beach House has everything you need. This house boats an upstairs outdoor deck with an opening veranda roof, bistro blinds, gas barbecue, gas outdoor heater and even a spa. Perfect for relaxing couples or family getaways.

If you feel like a nice bite to eat, The Blue Swimmer at Seahaven provides the perfect blend of casual dining and culinary sophistication, where the Crooked River meets the ocean at Gerroa.