You read that right—we’re kicking off a new travel blog series: A Trip Around Australia! At the end of 2024, my girlfriend and I decided that we wanted to travel around Australia together in a 4x4. Since my Pajero was starting to act up a bit, I dipped into my savings and fulfilled an absolute dream: a Toyota Land Cruiser Troopcarrier (or “Troopy” for short). And after about 5 months of saving, preparing, and planning, we set off in April 2025. Since we’d both already traveled extensively along Australia’s east coast, we wanted to make our way to the Great Ocean Road as quickly as possible. Of course, a few stops along the way were necessary. Our first stop was Kiama, a small town south of Sydney.
What Makes Kiama Special
The main reason Kiama has stayed so special in my memory is the scenery. Even on the way there, you see green rolling hills, small, beautiful coves, and great spots for surfing. But the town itself also has a special character. There are a few older buildings, nice cafes, and everything is close together. In short, the vibe is just super relaxed.
We were only there for a day and started by checking out what’s probably the most famous attraction.
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Main Attraction—the Kiama Blowhole
Not far from downtown, right on the coast, you’ll find the breathtaking Kiama Blowhole. With every wave that crashes against the rocks, a tall fountain of water shoots out of a hole in the rocks, making an awe-inspiring hissing sound. It’s a must-see!
The blowhole really comes into its own during a strong swell that brings in high waves. But even if the forecast doesn’t look like it’ll be huge, it’s definitely worth stopping by. Alternatively, there’s also the Little Blowhole, not far away, which is said to put on an impressive show even in calmer conditions.
Surf beaches as far as the eye can see
I’d say pretty much every beach catches a decent swell and isn’t really sheltered. Some coves face slightly different directions, which means you can find a good spot in most wind directions. Just explore the area and hop from beach to beach. Loves Bay is especially beautiful! The name speaks for itself :).
(Source: https://www.nomadasaurus.com/things-to-do-in-kiama/)
The neighboring towns of Gerringong and Gerroa
The towns of Gerringong and Gerroa are practically right next door. Both towns are also pretty small and have a laid-back surf vibe. Six years ago, I had some really great surf sessions at “Seven Mile Beach” in Gerroa. Don’t worry, I’m not revealing any secret spots here, since “Surf Camp Australia” also has one of its camps here and takes advantage of the great conditions for beginners. But there are plenty of options here for intermediate and advanced surfers, too.
Hikes in and around Kiama
Unfortunately, we didn’t go on any hikes while we were there, but we saw plenty of signs and posters advertising various walks for all fitness levels.
Kiama Beach Walk: Take a leisurely stroll along the beach and stop for a delicious coffee along the way
Kiama Coast Walk: A hike featuring various sections of rocky coastlines, beautiful coves, and stunning views
Gerringong–Kiama Coastal Walk: A20-km hike along beautiful beaches, headlands, and lookouts
(Source: https://s1.at.atcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HeroSouthboundEscapesDavidRogersPhotog.jpg)
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The Most Important Thing
Keep in mind that if you’re starting from Queensland like we did, the temperatures—both water and air—can be significantly lower. An extra sweater and a 2/3 mm wetsuit are definitely a good idea.
And I think Kiama is always worth a visit, even if it’s just for a quick stopover on your way through. The Blowhole is simply a must-see.
Enjoy it and have fun!
Cheers
Jesko
