NSW South Coast Getaway in the Winter Season

Photo Credit: Sophie Campbell

While humans tend to hibernate during the cooler seasons, nature is just getting started. The leaves change colours, the wintry oceans come to life, and the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets make this time of year particularly enchanting. There are very few places that combine the beauty of seaside nature and mountain scape in such a magnificent way as Kiama does.

While summer is synonymous with the south coast, one may wonder what winter has to offer, there is more than what meets the eye – so why is Kiama the best place to visit in winter?

Major winter festival & events

Rug up and chill out at the most picturesque ice rink in Australia. At the Kiama Winter Festival an authentic ice rink will be nestled against the cliff face, with views across to the harbour and blowhole point while swirling over the ice. For first time skaters and those a little unsure – over-sized penguins will help master the ice. Enjoy a range of fun themes over the duration of the festival, running from Friday 7 to Wednesday 12 July 2023. Make sure to book in for a session well in advance.

If you prefer world class live music while sipping on local wine and locally brewed beer, get your tickets for the Winter Wine Festival at the Crooked River Wines. With the Cat Empire, Matt Corby, Sons of East, The Dreggs and other great performances hitting the most spectacular stage in Australia over the long weekend 10 and 11 June 2023.

These and other events are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the town’s vibrant community.

Ice rink at the Kiama Winter Festival

Wineries and breweries

While the Winter Wine Festival at Crooked River Wines is an epic event for the dance-loving crowd, for the rest-seeking visitor it is worth stopping by at Crooked River Wines on another day of the winter season. The family-owned winery is conveniently located just off Princes Highway in coastal Gerringong and rewards every visitor with idyllic views of rolling green hills and vineyards. Their award-winning whites and reds can be sampled in the contemporary cellar door or enjoyed with a view from the winery’s restaurant which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows. The new onsite microbrewery Uncle Joe’s Brew serves preservative-free premium lager, pale ale, and ginger beer.

Continue your epicurean adventure and head over to Stoic Brewery, a family-owned establishment in Gerringong, where you can revel in the diverse range of handcrafted, top-notch craft beer and cider, alongside their well-crafted food menu. In addition to the established core range, you can take your taste buds on a thrilling ride with limited releases like Oat Cream IPA, Smoked Porter, or the Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout. Tap along to live music performances every Sunday or book yourself in for a tantalizing tasting tour or other exclusive events to make the most of this local hotspot that’s sure to please the crowds.

Photo Credit: TDA Images

Nature walks & wildlife encounters

Feeling adventurous? Get out your swim gear and go for a brave splash in one of the Kiama Ocean Pools. Midday, outside temperatures may rise to warm you up right after your swim, however the freshwater will give you a rise of adrenaline and revive your senses.

On a rainy day, the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre will show off its most luscious and plentiful greens. The large leafy canopy will give you shelter and still a chance to experience the outdoors. The Lyrebird Loop Walk only takes 1 hour along a structured boardwalk (and a fun suspension bridge) that will keep your shoes/feet dry and still give you the most beautiful backdrop for some fun winter snapshots. Great news for people that prefer a longer hike as the Minnamurra Falls walk has reopened.

Health and Spa retreats

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an active adventure, Kiama is definitely worth a visit in winter. Treat yourself to a visit to the floating spa, a massage at the Thai massage parlour or give yourself the complete wellness experience at the Mercure Hotel in Gerringong. To add to that healthy glow, continue with a walk along Werri Beach, Jones Beach or up on Saddleback Mountain all of which will give you expansive views over the area and take your thoughts of everyday hassles for that well-deserved mental break.

Optional: The newly opened Ma Petite Cherie Kids Spa & Tea makes kids the star on the red carpet – the young clientele gets to sit back and relax while enjoying a spa treatment and being served delicious high tea.

Photo Credit: Peter Izzard Photography

Whale migration

For lovers of the magnificent sea life, a visit to the whale watching platforms in either Gerringong or Minnamurra or the well-positioned Black Head Reserve (Gerroa), Blow Hole Point (Kiama) and dog-friendly Bombo Headland will give you not only a spectacular view of the surrounding but also a pole position to watch the passing giants of the sea. The winter whale season stretches from late August to November and informational signs will give you more insights on these gracious ocean creatures including humpbacks, minke, sperm or even blue whales.

Why not pack a picnic with your binoculars and add a walk along the Kiama Coast Walk to take in the beautiful landscape and the plethora of wildlife for the perfect winter escape. From the Gerringong whale watching platform it is only a 15-minute walk to town which has a wide range of cafes and food places to warm up after the whale spotting or savor an indulgent breakfast or lunch beforehand.

Take things up a notch and book yourself in for a Whale Watching Cruise. While on your way, wave hello to seals, dolphins and penguins and see the blow hole cave from a new angle.

Creative workshops and galleries

If you are seeking an immersive art encounter or wish to explore distinctive Australian architecture and exquisite gardens, the Kiama regions is the perfect destination for you. Numerous galleries and studios display the bright facet of our cultural landscape no matter if you enjoy the exchange with the artist or prefer to marvel at local and national artworks from the distance.

For the active art enthusiast, Gerringong, Kiama, and the surrounding areas offer a wide variety of workshops. From indulging in sensory candle and diffuser workshops to getting your hands dirty in a fun-filled clay workshop, there is something for everyone. These creative events promise not only a refreshing mental break but also a lovely keepsake to commemorate your experience.

We would love to see why you’ve chosen Kiama for your winter getaway – share your photos or footage from your visits with us at @KiamaNSW on Facebook and Instagram, using #kiamansw #gerringong #gerroa #jamberoo #mimmamurra #bombo.

Header image photo credit: Destination NSW

Destination Kiama

About the Author

The team within Kiama Municipal Council that co-ordinates all tourism operations, opportunities, strategic marketing, industry & experience development, partnerships and destination events.