Bring on Spring

One of the best things about spring is the abundance of new – new blooms, new babies, and new bravado. Shake off the winter chill and get outside – no matter if it’s day or night, you’re sure to be treated to a stunning sight.

For school holiday itinerary planning, check our Events Calendar or our Family Fun page for inspiration.

Wonderful Walks

The Kiama Coast Walk is a crowd favourite across the seasons, but springtime is especially excellent on this stretch of the coastline as smatterings of wildflowers pop up along the path and cows and their calves wander the nearby paddocks.

Be sure to keep your eyes on the horizon as whales big and small begin to make their way back south to the cooler waters. Their tell-tale tail-splashes and spurts of water are easy to spot, but if you’re lucky, you might even catch them practicing their aerial displays.

If you prefer to walk among towering trunks, or rocky plateaus, there is an abundance of walking trails in the National Parks and Nature Reserves. The Budderoo National Park – a birdwatcher’s paradise – lines the area’s western escarpment, and is home to tracks suitable for the novice and the advanced, with names as interesting as the walks themselves – think Cooks Nose and Flying Fox Pass.

Werri Beach, Gerringong/Photo Credit: Peter Izzard Photography

Picnic Paradise

With its warm breeze and sunshine, spring is the perfect time for picnicking. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more perfect location than along the golden sands of Seven Mile Beach. If you head to Gerroa picnic area shade and seclusion awaits, with barbeques and undercover seating available – all only steps from the beach and boundless sunshine. Take a leisurely stroll in amongst the trees and head south along the Sand Track in Seven Mile Beach National Park.

If you’re looking to make life a little easier, we have a range of wonderful local businesses and producers who can prepare a gourmet feast for you. Like Ola Chola, who offers the best Paella outside of South America – cooked live for you in the comfort of your home or for your booked event.

There are no shortages of restaurants and cafes in the area, so if you’re struggling to choose check out the Destination Kiama Dining Guide or pop into the Visitor Information Centre to collect a hard copy.

Photo Credit: Picnic by the Sea

Get Salty

If the warmth of the sun gets a little too much, the saltwater is the perfect way to cool down. Whether you’re making your way down the stunning Minnamurra River on a stand-up paddleboard tour, snorkeling at the Boneyard, or kayaking on Crooked River there’s nothing more refreshing than feeling the sea breeze on your salty skin.

If you’re seeking a little more speed, grab a board and paddle out at one of the Kiama area’s many surf breaks. Lessons are offered at Gerroa’s Seven Mile Beach, so there’s no excuse not to have a go.

Minnamurra River/Photo Credit: Mark Fitz Photography

Action Adventures

With Jamberoo Action Park there has never been a better time for you to ‘control the action’ without the crowds of summer. This year the expansive themed water park will get even bigger – with the addition of Velocity Falls, which is a new water ride precinct featuring a variety of new rides and attractions.

While you’re out in the hinterland, travel up the escarpment a bit further and you’ll find Australia’s tallest zipline at Illawarra Fly! This is a unique experience blending the thrill of flying above treetops and complete nature immersion.

Farm Favourites

If you’re wanting a true get-back-to-nature experience, then Buena Vista Farm is the place to be. With views from the rolling hills right down to the sea, their Farm Tours cover everything from their livestock and extensive farm garden to cheese room and coffee grove, all topped off with a visit to their farm shop – what more could you want?

A little further south lay all the ingredients for an adventure-filled family day out. For the little animal lovers, enjoy a pony ride, take on the maze or see what fantastical rides are on offer at Granties Maze. For those a little larger, book in for a midi-ride, lesson, or activity morning at Kimberley Park Stud.

Gerringong/Photo Credit: Buena Vista Farm

Local Scene

There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has upset our event, festival and live music scene. As restrictions begin to ease and events emerge from their unplanned hibernation, you will see an array of unmissable events you will want to add to your itinerary. Also, talented musicians play live music most weeks at local restaurants and bars – be on the lookout!

For a leisurely springtime activity, why not spend the afternoon watching the sun go down at Crooked River Winery, a perfect way to see out the day. Book a table in their dining room and take in their stunning mountain-to-sea views, or head to their cellar door to sample the local wares.

Learn a New Skill

With its rolling hills and dramatic coastline, the Kiama area has proved inspiring for creatives from a range of disciplines. Many of these creatives now call the area home, offering workshops to locals and tourists alike. So whether you’re looking for life drawing, candlemaking or would like to play with some clay you’ll find skilled artisans willing to share their knowledge. If you would rather observe than partake, our galleries and studios make for a perfect day out and a great opportunity to chat with locals.

Stargaze

As the day winds down and the temperature drops, the stars come out to play. Springtime is a great time for stargazing with the warmer temps yet still cool enough to throw on your favourite jumper. This far away from the big city lights, you’ll appreciate the clear dark skies to bring out the galaxies and stars. The area has plenty of vantage points – like the Bombo Quarry – to take it all in, so grab a flask of hot chocolate, rug up and head outside.

Bombo Quarry/Photo Credit: Benjamin Saillour Photography

Special Spring Stays

The best way to cap off a holiday is to find the perfect place to stay. The Kiama area is home to everything from farm stays to beachside apartments. To celebrate the start of the season, some of our local accommodation providers have put packages together to make our area all the more irresistible – check them out here. We can’t wait to see you!

We would love to see your springtime adventures in the Kiama area – share your photos or footage with us at @KiamaNSW on Facebook and Instagram, using #kiama #gerringong #gerroa #jamberoo #mimmamurra #bombo.

While you’re visiting our beautiful area, please respect the local community by continuing to implement COVID-Safe practices such as physical distancing, wearing a mask and regular hand washing. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and seek medical advice.

Helen Demertzis

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