Kiama Coastal Hike
by Michele M.
Enjoying the many moods on the Kiama Coastal Hike
Finally, the weather was looking good for our much-anticipated hike down the south coast. It was a little drizzly to start with, but we knew the forecast was for clearing skies. The Kiama Coast Walk stretches for 22 km along the stunning coastline from Minnamurra River in the north to Gerringong in the south, offering breathtaking views of the ocean, beaches, cliffs, and greenery.
The team in good spirits, ready to start our hike at Minnamurra River mouth.
The trail was established in the 1990s as part of a broader initiative by the Kiama Council to promote tourism and showcase the natural beauty of the region. The first part of the track was developed in stages and officially opened in 1996. It is maintained by the Kiama Municipal Council, with assistance from local volunteers and community groups.
Impressive staircase to allow access to the coast.
There were a range of natural and cultural features, including stunning coastal scenery. Along the way, we passed through a variety of landscapes, from sandy beaches to rocky headlands, lush rainforest to open grasslands.
The hike starts at Minnamurra River estuary-Minnamurra mean ‘plenty of fish’- and as we made our way up to the top of the headland enjoyed the stunning coast line behind us…including Rangoon Island named after the shipwreck in 1870.
Minnamurra River estuary.
Our morning tea break was taken under a giant fig tree at The Boneyard- a sheltered pebbly beach rumoured to have been named due to the cows who wandered over the edge and drowned in the ocean!!
A sheltered rest stop.
We made our way along Jones Beach to Cathedral Rocks- a distinctive rock formation which are the remnants of the lava flow that’s been eroded by the sea. Then continued along the trail we came to Bombo Quarry.
Bombo Quarry
This abandoned quarry is a photographer's dream, with towering basalt columns that create an otherworldly atmosphere. It felt like we had stepped onto the set of an ancient civilization, surrounded by towering stone pillars and a sense of wonder.
Cathedral Rocks
After making our way around the rock ledge we had Kiama Blowhole in our sights-it formed over 260 million years ago and is an iconic Kiama feature. When the conditions are just right, the sea surges through a narrow opening in the rocks, creating a magnificent spout of water that shoots up into the air. It's like nature's very own fireworks display.
Kiama Blowhole on fire!
After a yummy lunch at Kendalls Beach we left Kiama behind and saw the rolling pastural fields stretched for miles ahead of us and enjoyed the sunshine and dramatic coastal scenery- we even spotted the spurt of a whale!
Whale spotting.
Onward we continued past the Little Blowhole and Loves Bay to leave the more urban section of the hike behind to enjoy the newest section of the hike.
Variety around every corner.
This section was only opened in 2009. Originally a strip of public land was set aside for access between the private properties and the high watermark. Unfortunately, there were two properties where public land was not established, and this omission blocked legal public access to this section of the shoreline for about 170 years. It wasn't until 2008 that the connecting lands were acquired enabling legal and safe public access to this stretch of coast.
Peaceful, beautiful and now accessible.
On our way to Gerringong Headland, we past two Dreaming Poles welcoming hikers to Wodi-Wodi and Dharawal land. It is hard to imagine that this area was once dominated by a vast rainforest known as the Long Brush, we got a glimpse when passing a small, isolated patch of remnant rainforest.
A piece of the original vegetation that spread along the coast.
We finally made it to our end point of Werri Lagoon, all a little weary for the big day but managed to find the energy to finish the day with a treat of pikelets, jam and cream!!
Hiking in to Werri Lagoon - a stunning finish to a great day.