Kiama

Kiama is a coastal town in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. It is the seat of the Kiama Municipality and sits on the Pacific Ocean coast at the mouth of the Minnamurra River. The town is known for its maritime setting and natural attractions, including the Kiama Blowhole, a seawater geyser that occurs when waves force air through a rock conduit and causes a dramatic surge of water and spray. Other coastal features include Kiama Harbour, Bombo Beach and the Bombo Headland Quarry, a historic limestone quarry noted for its geological formations. The Kiama Lighthouse sits on the sea cliffs and serves as a navigational landmark.

The area has a long Indigenous history, with the Dharawal people living in the region prior to European settlement. European activity began in the 19th century with timber, fishing and mining industries, and Kiama grew as a coastal town serving farming communities in the hinterland. In modern times, tourism and services dominate the local economy, with visitors drawn to the coastal walks, beaches and historic harbour.

Kiama is connected to the broader region by the Princes Highway and the South Coast railway line; Kiama railway station provides passenger service to Sydney and other coastal towns. The town experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. It hosts local markets and events and serves as a gateway to natural attractions in the surrounding hinterland.