Kiama Things to Do

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A rugged beauty makes walking the headlands a great way to spend time and there's certainly some ramparts that taunt the eye, especially if they are being pounded by a rising swell.
I'll leave the pictures to tell the rest of the story here.

Bearing in mind the rugged nature of the coastline, it's quite surprising that there is a harbour at Kiama, albeit not one where an ocean liner might berth.
Fishing is what this harbour is all about and there are at least four charter vessels on offer to take you and your money out on the ocean.
There's also an ideally situated restaurant and the whole thing is easily accessed by the walkway that follows the coastline, something that other places could take note of, especially at how well it's been made.

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We had left the relative security of Easts Beach Caravan Park and driven to the local showground nearby when I suggested to Rosemarie that we go for a walk.
Immediately beside us was the headland and there was a steadily increasing southerly swell, always worth a look when there's a moderate sea running. What freaked me out was that there were two lid riders (boogie boarders) out. Well, actually, one was already out but the other was awaiting a gap in the swells.
As you can clearly see from the opening shot, it wasn't the most risk-free thing he was ever going to do in his life. Made for good photography though!

Yes, this heritage protected lot of cottages has been saved (well done I say) from developers and now provides a bonanza for those who want to browse or have a cuppa. Situated on Collins Street on top of the park it is very easy to lighten your wallet here.
One of the highlights for me was the Beach and Bush Gallery where you can see the results of over 30 years of photography by a man named Gary Barnes who was born up the road at Wollongong. His panoramic prints are definitely in the eye candy category but you can also have something to eat and drink as it doubles as a cafe as well, though there are more places nearby to choose from in that aspect.
Aside from that there is a wonderful range of gift items at some of the other shops. Make sure you allocate time for the Terrace Cottages.

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Between Collins Street and the ocean is a fertile area for a stroll. You can ramble past historic buildings, go beserk shopping, relax a while in the park or just enjoy the stroll.
The repainted post office is one of the standout pieces of architecture

We didn't have long to spend in Kiama as we were just passing through, but we did take time to see the lighthouse, which looked quite impressive against the backdrop of the sea and brilliant blue sky.

"Oh, a wondrous bird is the pelican!
His bill holds more than his belican.
He can take in his beak
Enough food for a week.
But I'm darned if I know how the helican."
Dixon Lanier Merritt
(1879-1972)

These huge black and white birds with pale pink bills and pouches are one of only 7 or 8 species of pelicans worldwide (internet resources disagree on how many). The Pelicanus conspicillatus, or spectacled pelican, has a wingspan of about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 m, and it's nearly 2 meters long. They are generally seen all over Australia, as well in other areas of the Pacific.

There is a pelican statue at the harbour area on the north side of Blowhole Point in Kiama, dedicated to a dead pelican who was found to have several plastic bags in its stomach.

The message? Dispose of litter properly, and realize that many animals/birds who live in/around the water are attracted to plastics, which appear to them to be their natural foods. Inevitably plastics cause fatalities once ingested.... or even strangulation if looped around necks, etc.

Kiama was built along a pretty wavy section of the coast, so from the points you get beautiful views back at the surrounding headlands.

I think this is a view of Pheasant Point from an area of Kiama Harbour on the north side of Blowhole Point.

I've heard that this hole can really blow, but it wasn't doing that much today. It takes precise timing to get the right pictures, because if you wait until the WHOMP, you've already missed your shot!

The Blow Hole is probably what Kiama is best known for. I remember visiting it years ago and I was pretty impressed...but this visit the blow hole didn't even 'blow'... I guess if you're visiting, make sure you go to the blow hole at high tide...