Instagrammable Kiama
Fill your feed with sundrenched postcards from paradise. The Kiama area’s dramatic headlands, plunging clifftops and rolling hills are made to be snapped and shared. Here’s where to head to capture it at its best.
While the iconic Blowhole might be Kiama’s best-known photo spot, there are plenty of other vantage points to capture the area’s stunning natural beauty. Get your camera ready – from the escarpment to the sea, here is a guide to the Kiama region’s most insta-worthy destinations.
Image: Benjamin Saillour Photography
Bombo Headland
A much-adored location for sunrise insta-meets as well as astrophotography, it is a short 10minute walk from the north Bombo carpark to the unique and incredible basalt rock formations of the disused quarry. See the sunlight as it dances with the sea spray and capture the ocean swell smashing against the rock faces.
Watch your step and wear good footwear to find the many and varied compositions just waiting to be captured – whether you’re exploring the land with camera in hand, or taking to the skies with a drone.
Image: 33 Photography @2lostaussies
Cathedral Rocks
This natural wonder is an absolute showstopper! Located at the southern end of Jones Beach, the formation of towering basalt columns dates back millions of years. Sunrise is the perfect time to photograph this marvel in all its majesty. Visible from a range of sides (including the cave at low tide), there’s always a new view waiting to be captured.
Image: Jamberoo Valley’s Cabbage Tree Palms
Cabbage Tree Palms
The Kiama area is home to hundreds of hectares of lush green farmland, encased by the dramatic rise of the escarpment. A leisurely drive from Kiama to Jamberoo will provide numerous opportunities to photograph the area’s rolling green fields, friendly faces of local farm animals and the iconic cabbage tree palms, a legacy from the Wodi Wodi, traditional owners of the Dharawal Country. Head back via Jerrara Road for the full experience.
Image: Hayden McLean @haydo_mclean
Carrington Falls
Three lookouts, all offering slightly different perspectives, means that no matter where the light is, you’re sure to get the perfect shot as the water plunges to the rocks 50 metres below. You’ll be treated to the sort of light photographers dream about, and in the colder months, the rolling mists act as a playground for the light, creating a brilliantly moody atmosphere.
For something a little less showy but just as beautiful, nearby Nellies Glen is a must-see. Pack a picnic, have a dip, listen to the sounds of the bush, and of course snap some stunning close-up shots of nature at its most peaceful.
Image: Ian Hollis
Seven Mile Beach
This is one of the longest beaches on the NSW South Coast, stretching over 10 kilometres from Gerroa at its northern tip to the small town of Shoalhaven Heads in the south. From the top of the Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Memorial Lookout you can fully take in the vast length the beach below on to the silhouette of Coolangatta Mountain. If you’re supremely lucky, photographers have been known to capture the elusive glowing Ghost Fungus within the bordering National Park.
Image: Crooked River Wines
Crooked River Wines
From sprawling lawns, a tree swing overlooking vineyards and rolling green hills, Crooked River Wines is one of the most Instagrammable wineries in New South Wales. Tucked between the sea and the magnificent Illawarra Escarpment, the aesthetics are matched only by their food and drink offerings. Time it for sundown and see the sunset in style.
Check their event calendar for concerts, degustation nights and the popular yoga in the vines. With a cellar door, fine dining restaurant, and cellar door food menu, spend the afternoon sampling a selection of local drops, or Rosé all day, we won’t judge!
Image: Dovecote
Insta-worthy Stays
It makes sense to pair your Kiama adventure with a picture-perfect spot to stay. From small seaside abodes, to million-dollar mansions, and cottages nestled in the countryside – start planning with our guide to the area’s most glamorous getaways:
- The Shed, Gerroa
- Dovecote, Gerringong
- Cedar Springs, Saddleback Mountain
- Greyleigh, Jerrara
- Perfect Breaks Caravans – you pick your beachside location!
We’d love to see your favourite spots within the Kiama area – share your photos or footage with us at @kiamansw on Facebook and Instagram, using #kiama #gerringong #gerroa #jamberoo #mimmamurra #bombo.
Photo credits: Benjamin Saillour Photography, @2lostaussies, Mark Fitz, Hayden McLean, Ian Hollis, Tom Blachford + Kate Ballis, Mole Media (header image)
Helen Demertzis