7 kid-friendly activities for the entire family
Who says kids should have all the fun? With a wide variety of beaches, parks and unique activities, the Kiama area is the perfect getaway for parents and children alike.
Have you ever explored a rainforest from a bird’s-eye view? Zipped along, 30 metres up in the air, from ancient tree to ancient tree? Or experienced the heart-thumping excitement of one of the biggest waterslides in the world? The Kiama area offers a wide range of activities to suit everyone, from adventurous kids to older folk who are still young at heart. There’s so much to choose from it’s impossible to fit into one day. Before we cover the must-sees, be sure to check out What’s On in Kiama!
Jamberoo Action Park
Just 15 minutes from the Kiama township is NSW’s largest family-owned and -operated waterpark. With more than a dozen waterslides and attractions, including some of the longest, biggest and most hair-raising thrill rides in the world, Jamberoo Action Park is a must-visit. The heated shallow pools and mini waterslides of Billabong Beach ensure even the littles can splash safely, while The Perfect Storm and Funnel Web rides offer big kids a serious adrenaline rush.
Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
Take to the sky at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, 25 minutes’ drive from Kiama, and get a bird’s-eye view of native rainforest. Choose from a Zipline Tour, where groups whiz from platform to platform more than 30 metres from the ground to look out over the Illawarra Ranges, or the 1.5-kilometre Treetop Walk. The walk is suitable for all ages and includes 500 metres of elevated steel walkways through the tree canopy – a great way to get your kids excited about nature.
Kiama Coast Walk
Need to burn off some energy? The Kiama Coast Walk is a stunning trek that stretches approximately 20 kilometres from Minnamurra Station (just north of Kiama) to Gerringong in the south, and is suitable for most fitness levels. Expansive views of the Pacific Ocean mean you might be lucky enough to spot a whale between May and November and, in the warmer seasons, there are great spots to stop for a swim. The walk can be broken into three shorter sections and some parts are suitable for kids’ scooters.
Minnamurra Rainforest
Thousands of years ago, the South Coast was covered in lush rainforest. Today, the last remnant of that prehistoric landscape can be found in the Minnamurra Rainforest, a perfectly preserved time capsule of feathery ferns and lush canopies. See how many bowerbirds, wallabies and king parrots the kids can spy as you make your way around the 1.6 kilometre boardwalk.
Fishing
From snapper to flathead, gemfish and blue-eye trevalla, the waters off the coast here are heaven-sent for fishing fans. Try your luck at beach or rock fishing with George from Fishing with a Local (suitable for all ages) or book a reef-fishing trip with Kiama Charter Service who will take you 15 kilometres offshore to drop a line on the reef (suitable for kids 10 years and over).
Learn to surf
It’s time to hang ten! There is no rush quite like catching your first wave, so book a lesson at one of the three surf camps and schools based in Gerroa. The lessons are suitable for most ages and are a great way for the family to bond over a healthy activity. Check out Gerroa Surf Camp and Gerringong Surf School.
Arts and crafts
Love a crafternoon? Get creative with an afternoon of making anything from jewellery to beaded animals to Christmas baubles at Bead Shack in Gerringong. During the school holidays, the Shack runs one-hour lessons for children twice a day. You’ll also want to check out our workshops page which has something for everyone.
Too many activities to fit in one day? Check out our family-friendly accommodation options here.
Destination Kiama
