NSW

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Kiama

From the famous Kiama Blowhole to lesser-known attractions the kids will love, we reveal the best things to do in this popular holiday spot on the NSW South Coast

Opening image: Family fun at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures © Ben Holgate

Things to do in Kiama with kids

Without a doubt, the biggest attraction in town is the Kiama Blowhole, which is the largest of its kind in the world, with water spouting as high as 30 metres. There are several boardwalks from which to view the spectacle, and it’s worth checking out the nearby Kiama Lighthouse, which was built in 1887, and Pilot’s Cottage Museum (open on weekends) while you’re there. The attractions are among the highlights of the 20-kilometre-long Kiama Coast Walk, which stretches from Minnamurra River to Werri Beach in Gerringong. During winter, the track makes a great vantage point from which to spot humpback whales passing by on their annual migration. There are several surf schools in the area, while Kiama Harbour provides a safe place to go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

There are also loads of family-friendly attractions nearby. Kids will love racing down the waterslides, braving the thrill rides and splashing about in the giant wave pool at Jamberoo Action Park, which also has a mini-golf course and a chairlift leading to a bobsled. They can also go ziplining at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, which also has a treetop walk and fairy houses dotted throughout, and meet the goats, pigs and chickens during a tour of Buena Vista Farm near Gerringong.

If you’re around on a Wednesday, make sure you pop into Kiama Farmers’ Market in Coronation Park to peruse the stalls bursting with colourful locally-grown produce. As well as live music, there’s a dress up box to keep the littlies entertained, games such as chess, and food stalls offering gozleme, dumplings and donuts for an early dinner.

Images: Buena Vista Farm in Gerringong, The Kiama Blowhole © Destination NSW, Learn to surf, Children climbing the Illawarra Treetop Walk © Merlin Entertainment Group

“Sunny’s Aquaventure Park has multi-level platforms with two water slides, a giant tipping bucket and an ocean-themed splash pad with interactive features”

Where to stay in Kiama

With a beautiful beach right at its doorstep, a huge pool, epic water park and super fun kids’ club, BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park Kiama is the ideal place for a fun-filled family holiday. Sunny’s Aquaventure Park has multi-level platforms with two water slides, a giant tipping bucket and an ocean-themed splash pad with interactive features, as well as a shaded water journey for babies and toddlers. The Krazy Kidz Club, which is open on weekends and during the NSW school holidays, offers such activities as slime making, sand art, foil art, scratch art, cupcake decorating and cooking classes to learn to make treats like Mars Bar balls, Crunchie slice and Malteser Fudge. Parents can relax on sun loungers while watching their kids play in the two pools, one of which has a children’s water play area. There’s a range of accommodation options to choose from, including powered campsites, cabins, villas and large beachfront retreats for up to eight people.

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Images: An aerial view of BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park © NEG photography, The games room, BIG4 Easts Beach Water Park, The playground © NEG photography

Family-friendly Kiama restaurants

The bright and colourful Cafe Kiama & Scoops Ice Creamery & Gelateria is a great first stop, offering everything from hot dogs to Vietnamese pork rolls, plus milkshakes, smoothies and what feels like countless flavours of ice-cream, sorbet and gelato. Just down the street, Penny Whistlers Café has a dedicated kids’ menu featuring items such as hotcakes with maple syrup, ham and cheese toasties (with cherry tomato, avocado and cucumber on the side) and fish and chips. As well as a playground on the verandah, Sails Bistro at Kiama Leagues Club has a kids’ lounge at the entrance, with a TV, Sega car racing games, arcade games and claw machines where they can win various prizes. Around 10 minutes’ drive south of Kiama, Crooked River Wines in Gerringong is a fantastic venue for people of all ages. As well as a cellar door, an on-site restaurant with views over the vineyards and live music on Saturday afternoons, there’s a large grass area where children can play, a giant swing, chickens roaming around and friendly goats to pat.

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