Looking to kick off autumn with a new hike? The perfect walking trail is waiting for you just a short drive from Sydney. The aptly named Kiama Coast Walk leads hikers away from the crowds and towards some of the most stunning views of Australia’s rugged coastline. A beautiful blend of paved pathways, lush grassy tracks, and panoramic beach walk, this is the type of route every hiker and nature lover should add to their bucket list. Stretching for 20km, this beloved local route — and one of the very best in NSW — offers emerald waters, rolling hills, intriguing natural wonders, famous blowholes, and postcard-worthy views along the way, all while staying in constant sight of the Tasman sea. Grab your camera and lace up your hiking books — here’s everything you need to know about the Kiama Coast Walk.
Kiama Coast Walk
This dreamy trail is conveniently divided into three sections, giving hikers the flexibility to tackle it all at once or break it up into smaller segments to soak up the natural beauty at a more relaxed pace. The walk gets its name from the Indigenous word Kiarama, meaning “place where the sea makes a noise.” The total walk can be completed in around 6 to 7 hours. Most of the walk is dog-friendly, excluding some sections and pups must be on a leash. Public toilets, drinking fountains, barbecues, and other facilities can be found throughout the trail.
North Section — Minnamurra River to Kiama Blowhole
If you start the Kiama Coast Walk from the north, you will begin at Minnamurra Train Station. This particular section is a tour de force of ancient geological wonders including the distinctive Cathedral Rocks and the fascinating basalt columns of Bombo Headland and also offers excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities. Bombo Beach is a must-visit for surfers offering great waves to catch along the way. The official starting point of this section is at James Oates Reserve at Minnamurra and the route features some hilly climbs and stairs.
Distance: 8.5km
Total time: 3 hours
Difficulty level: Medium
Mid Section — Kiama Blowhole to Loves Bay
Pack your swimmers for the middle section of the walk which meanders through a series of picturesque waterfront reserves, including Storm Bay, Surf Beach, Kendalls Beach, Easts Beach, and Loves Bay, seamlessly connected by headlands. Halfway through, you can see the impossible-to-miss Little Blowhole. The best part of this section? The endless ocean views towards Kiama and its iconic lighthouse. This route begins from the parking area on Blowhole Point Road, near the Kiama Blowhole Lookout, and is considered moderately challenging.
Distance: 6km
Total time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty level: Medium/Hard
South Section — Loves Bay to Gerringong
Recently named the most romantic hike in all of Australia, the south section of the Kiama Coast Walk between Loves Bay and Werri Beach is particularly beautiful with stunning natural beauty, coastal pastures, and sublime views. The sight of rolling green farmland perched above the crashing waves is nothing short of spectacular. At just around 2 hours, it’s short enough to complete in a day, though we encourage as many stops as possible along the way to take it all in. This section begins at Loves Bay, where you can park your car on Elanora Road and head south along the tranquil coastline.
Distance: 6km
Total time: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Medium/Hard
The best time to do the Kiama Coast Walk
The Kiama Coast Walk is an excellent adventure any time of the year, though, like most outdoor activities, it’s best to avoid on extremely hot days. May to November are ideal months for whale watching. To make the most of your walk, start early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. To learn more about the Kiama Coast Walk and access the map for the full route click here.
How to get there
The Kiama Coastal Walk begins at the mouth of the Minnamurra River in New South Wales and stretches all the way to Gerringong’s Werri Beach in the South. It’s approximately two hours from Sydney or you can catch a direct train from Central Station to Kiama. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.
Prefer something shorter? The Bouddi Coastal Walk is touted as one of the best in NSW and you can complete it in less than 4 hours.