Travelling with pets? A dog’s guide to Kiama

Day 1 – Coastal Welcome

Morning

• Arrive and check into your pet-friendly accommodation – perhaps Green Door Kiama for boutique eco-style living, or a pet-friendly cabin at Werri Beach Holiday Park if you’re keen on a relaxed family vibe right by the sand.

• Before you set off on your adventures, pop into the Kiama Visitor Information Centre (pet friendly!) to pick up maps, tips, and any extra info on travelling with your canine companion.

Late Morning

• Stretch your legs on the Kiama Coast Walk (dog-friendly on lead). Take the section from Surf Beach to Kendalls Beach, finishing at Kaleula Head Reserve. Your pup can enjoy some off-leash time here while you admire sweeping ocean views.

• Reward your morning adventure with a treat from The Original Ice Creamery – a scoop for you, a Doglato for your furry friend!

Lunch

• Grab fish and chips from Saltwater Café and enjoy them al fresco with your pup by your side. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll along the seawall and Kiama Harbour, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and watching the boats come and go.

Afternoon

• Treat your dog to an off-leash run at the middle section of Bombo Beach. Watch tails wag as they splash through the shallows and chase a ball along the sand.

Evening

• Enjoy a relaxed dinner at KG Café. Known for its South African-inspired flavours and welcoming outdoor seating, it’s a great way to round out your first night in town with plenty of space for your pup to relax.

Peter Izzard Photography

Day 2 – Adventure & Indulgence

Morning

• Grab coffee and a pastry from Slow Dough, the artisan bakery famous for its sourdough and sweet treats. Dogs are welcome outside, making it an easy morning stop before exploring.
• Afterwards, head to the southern end of Jones Beach in Kiama Downs for more off-leash fun and views of Cathedral Rocks.

Late Morning

• Explore nearby Minnamurra Headland, a huge grassy expanse perfect for pups to roam while you take in panoramic coastal scenery.

Lunch

• Take the winding road south towards Gerringong, where emerald-green hills tumble into the deep blue of the Pacific. It’s a drive that feels like the holiday has truly begun. Pull into Crooked River Estate and settle in for a long, relaxed lunch – grazing platter on the table, award-winning wine in hand, and your pup happily stretched out beside you as you gaze across the vineyard rows.
• Tip: On Friday and Saturday evenings, there’s often live music – perfect with a glass at sunset.

Afternoon

• Take a leisurely stroll around Gerringong Headland. If you’re visiting between May–November, keep an eye out for whales cruising past with their calves.

Evening

• Wind down with a craft beer at Stoic Brewery, where dogs are welcome in the outdoor beer garden. Pair a small-batch brew with dinner (served Thursday to Saturday until 7:30pm) and soak up the relaxed, local vibe.

Day 3 – Blowhole Grand Finale

Morning

• Kick off your final morning with breakfast at Diggies Kiama, where ocean views, barista style coffee and a fresh breakfast set the tone for the day.
• Just 150m away, the Big Blowhole and Lighthouse offer an easy first stop to enjoy sweeping coastal views. Prefer to stretch the legs a little more? Head south along the headland for around 25 minutes to reach the Little Blowhole, where its signature whoosh never fails to impress. Let your pup stretch their legs and soak up the ocean spray, the perfect way to tire them out before a well-earned backseat snooze.

Tips for Travelling with Pets in Kiama

• Always keep dogs on leads outside off-leash areas.
• Look for signage at beaches and reserves for the latest guidelines.
• Carry water, waste bags, and sun protection for both you and your pup.

Megan Lopes

About the Author

Hi, I’m Megan - Canadian by birth, Kiama local by choice. I swapped snow for surf and haven't looked back. The beach is my happy place, caffeine is my love language, and I’m convinced life is just better by the coast!