Easter getaway: discover Kiama’s coastal charm and outdoor adventures
Get ready for four day weekend of salty beach days, fresh local seafood and hot cross buns that’ll make your taste buds do bunny hops!
We know it feels like Christmas was merely a blink ago, but now is the time to lock in your Easter escapades. Autumn is a great time to enjoy action-packed escapes and exciting road trips. In honour of every chocoholic’s favourite public holiday, we have offered a few suggestions below on how to make the most of your break.
Fresh Easter Seafood
Now Good Friday is all about the seafood, right? Luckily the Kiama region is bream-ing with the freshest local catch. The iconic Kiama Fish Market, with its unmistakable yellow building on the Kiama Harbour, is the go-to destination for produce straight off the boats, supporting local fishermen (yes they have a RFR licence, so it is as fresh as it can be!). From succulent prawns to briny oysters, secure yourself a grassy knoll overlooking the Harbour or take them home for a self-prepared seafood feast, open on Good Friday from 6am to 6pm.
If cooked takeaway is more your style, stroll along the streets of Kiama to find gourmet fish and chip connoisseurs. Some of our favourites are By the Sea Takeaway, Single Fin Kiosk, Jaws Seafood Kiama or Saltwater Café. Or if you’re at Jones Beach in Kiama Downs, we highly recommend Fish Vibes‘ Balter Battered Barra Roll or Beer Battered Portabella Mushroom as a vegetarian Good Friday alternative.
For an upmarket feast with a view, book now at Silica on Kiama’s Surf Beach. Committed to sourcing local produce from the south coast, their menu showcases Balmain bug, chargrilled octopus, and kingfish – a truly delicious experience. They also have a takeaway window, to enjoy the freshest cooked seafood on location.
Venturing south, Gerringong Takeaway in the heart of the coastal town is a must-visit. You know it’s good as there is often a crowd of locals and visitors alike ready to bundle their potato scallops, fish cocktails and chicken salted chippies in their to-go bag to enjoy at Werri Beach. Further south again is the trendy Blue Swimmer in Gerroa. With a crab in their name and logo, you know these folks mean serious seafood business (and you won’t be disappointed). Book ahead to snag a prime balcony spot overlooking the Crooked River, and be sure to order the fish tacos or tuna ceviche!
Ready to reel in an Easter meal straight from the ocean? Kiama Charter Service is your ticket to channel your inner fisherman and do the heavy lifting (or should we say reeling?) to get that feast on the table.
Chocolate and Hot Cross Bun Trail
While exploring Kiama over the Easter Long Weekend, you’ll inevitably want a good dose of chocolate and hot cross buns. Lucky for you, we’ve crafted a trail worth following.
Tilda and Cacao specialises in handcrafting stone-ground nib-to-bar chocolate for mindful eaters. Their chocolates are created using raw organic Criollo cacao, expertly blended with local and native Australian ingredients. They have a whole boutique range of individual chocolates plus specialty Easter eggs and their signature T&C hot chocolate (or enjoy a cup of coffee or tea). You can find their products at a range of stockists, or opt for a cup of coffee or tea at their Old Schoolhouse location in Gerringong, open every Thursday and Friday.
When you step into Parfait Patisserie, Flour Water Salt Bakery, Moist n Glazed, Penny Whistler and Kings Patisserie in Jamberoo, resisting the temptation to try everything on their menu becomes a real challenge. As Easter approaches, don’t miss the chance to try their freshly baked Hot Cross Buns (or Easter donuts in the case of Moist n Glazed). Move quickly, though, as these annual treats are loved by everyone and don’t last long!
If you’re in search of Easter chocolate eggs with a unique twist, look no further than The Treat Factory and Kiama Sweet Company. Situated in the back streets of Berry, The Treat Factory stands out as a distinguished chocolate and food producer in the region. Committed to preserving the traditions and recipes of their ancestors, the chocolate masters ensure you can genuinely taste the difference in their creations. Beyond selling their chocolate, they also provide chocolate experiences and workshops—ideal for the Easter long weekend! Discover their latest classes, dates, and times by visiting their website. Meanwhile, at Kiama Sweet Company, stumble upon epic 1KG Belgian chocolate bunnies that will keep you indulging all weekend long. You’ll also find a range of weird and whacky sweets and treats that are perfect for gifting.
Winery Weekend
Two of our favourite things in life are chocolate and wine, so it’s only fitting to visit a winery for the Easter long weekend. Crooked River Wines in Gerringong, provides not only wine tasting and good vibes but also some of the most stunning views in the region. With 24 years of wine perfection under their belt, whether you sway towards red or white, rest assured, you’re in capable hands. If you choose to visit on Saturday 28 March, 2024, enjoy live music by the talented Cameron Little from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
For another sun-soaked experience, head to Coolangatta Estate in Coolangatta (near Shoalhaven Heads). This beautiful winery is nestled on the foothills of Mt. Coolangatta and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Shoalhaven River. Surrounded by vineyards and rural landscapes, it’s a true wine country paradise. Enjoy a wine tasting, a laid-back dining experience, historical tour, or if you wish to elevate your visit, book ahead for a 2-3 hour luxe picnic experience that includes wine and charcuterie.
Hikes for the Easter Long Weekend
Feel it might be time to hit the trails in Kiama and walk off those hot cross buns and Easter eggs? Lace up your sneakers for this guide to our favourite hikes to experience on the Easter long weekend.
Saddleback Mountain & Hoddles Track
Experience a fantastic hike in Saddleback Mountain Summit Park near Kiama. This pet-friendly track, marked with distinctive green signs, takes you to the summit of Mount Noorinan. Keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, including crimson Rosellas, Eastern Bristlebirds, and melodious Golden Whistlers. Wear sensible footwear for the steep gradient, and enjoy the approximately two-hour, seven-kilometre round trip, knowing you’ve earned that Easter chocolate guilt-free.
Kiama Coast Walk
For a family-friendly coastal walk experience, we highly recommend Kiama Coast Walk. Spanning 20 kilometers, this exploration offers remarkable ocean views, striking rock formations including Cathedral Rocks, and pristine beaches such as Boneyard.
The hardest part will be choosing what section to complete:
- North Section: Minnamurra River to Kiama Blowhole.
- Mid Section: Kiama Blowhole to Loves Bay.
- South Section: Loves Bay to Gerringong.
There is diverse terrain along the walk including sealed paths, grassed tracks, and beach walking. It’s a well-structured and family friendly adventure that is the perfect way to spend your Easter long weekend. We’ve mapped everything out for you here.
Minnamurra Rainforest
Jump in the car and venture along Tourist Drive 9 towards Jamberoo, where the ancient Minnamurra Rainforest awaits. This rare gem, a survivor from subtropical and warm temperate rainforest eras, showcases the Illawarra’s pre-settlement landscape. Strap in for a 4.2-kilometre adventure with the Rainforest Loop Walk and Falls Walk. You may encounter the likes of lyrebirds, water dragons, ancient fig trees (they’ve seen things!), rock orchids, elk horns, and ferns.
Rainforest Loop
– Time: 45 mins
– Distance: 1.6 km
– Grade: Medium (first 500m – perfect for assisted wheelchairs)
The Falls Walk
– Time: 1 hr
– Distance: 2.6 km
– Grade: Hard/Steep in parts
Once you’ve finished your walk, be sure to swing by the visitor information hub, retail shop (souvenirs, anyone?), and the café (for when the adventurer gets hungry).
Best Beaches for Easter Weekend
Beaches near Kiama are perfect for hosting everything from Easter family picnics to beach volleyball showdowns and sandcastle competitions. For those eager to ride the waves, North Bombo Beach, South Werri Beach, and Jones Beach eagerly await your surfboard. If you’ve got little ones, Kendalls Beach, Surf Beach, Easts Beach, and Seven Mile Beach offer the prime setting for crafting sandcastles and making mudpies. For furry friends, Jones Beach, Werri Beach, and South Bombo Beach are the ideal spots for dog-friendly Easter activities.
Fun Easter Activities
If your idea of Easter fun involves plummeting down water slides, racing against friends, and feeling the wind in your ears, Jamberoo Action Park is the place for you. The Easter Bunny and Sammy the Shark will be celebrating Easter Sunday (31 March 2024) by handing out chocolate eggs for all kids aged 4-12 (10am to 11am). Also, don’t miss the Easter Hamper Guessing Competition, and enjoy competitions and giveaways around Outback Bay all day. Purchase tickets online to skip the ticket queue, or buy them at the gates (park opens from 10:00 am).
Illawarra Fly is also getting into the Easter spirit with their Bunny Run. The Easter Bunny has paid a visit to the Enchanted Forest and hidden bunny ears for youngens to find! Head over to their website for further information.
And if you’re looking to add a touch of adventure on water, SUP Shellharbour is the perfect addition to your Easter itinerary. Learn to stand up paddleboard or master your skills with an accredited ASI SUP Instructor, with both private and group sessions available. Operating from various locations in Shellharbour and on the stunning Minnamurra River, you can choose the backdrop for your paddleboarding experience. Don’t miss out—visit their website to book ahead and enjoy an adventure on the water this Easter.
From enjoying fresh seafood to exploring a trail of choccy treats, a weekend getaway in Kiama promises a fun and memorable time. Easter in the Kiama region is bustling so we recommend booking your accommodation quick! Check out our accommodation page or call the Kiama Visitor Information Centre on 1300 654 262 for recommendations on where to rest your head at night.
Photo credit: Peter Izzard, Mark Fitz or credited accordingly
Belinda Williams
