As the weather gets cooler and winter creeps in, the NSW South Coast is just heating up with a raft of events and activities to appeal to us frost-bitten Canberrans.
Just shy of three hours away lies the most picturesque part of the world, Kiama. As you make your way down the magnificent rainforest covered Jamberoo Mountain, through green rolling hills dotted with dairy cows, that frame the beaches beyond, the winding road leads you on to the chilled out coastal villages of Kiama, Gerringong and Gerroa. Each with their own personality and vibe just waiting for visitors to indulge in their ultimate winter recharge.
Events
The Kiama community has a lot to celebrate with exceptional music talent, creative arts and culture, high quality fresh produce or simply indulging the beautiful serenity. All through the year, the town is finding excuses to come alive, and here is your own personal invitation to experience it for yourself.
June will see you IGINTE your senses, imagination and tastebuds with a harbour side festival celebrating all the greatest parts of winter. Kiama’s IGNITE Winter Festival brings fire, rhythm and feasting to Kiama with fire shows, cultural demonstrations, live music, hands on workshops, and delicious eats, before an enormous fireworks display lighting up the night sky. Rug up and enjoy hot cocktails, circus fun and fire themed food while taking in the clean fresh air of the great outdoors on the beautiful Kiama foreshore. For something extra special, book the VIP long table dining experience, where you will not only relish in a set sit down menu, but also enjoy the best seats in the house!
Unite music and great wine over a two-day festival at the South Coast’s largest winery, Crooked River Wines in Gerringong. Celebrating their 18th year, the Winter Wine Festival brings together an amazing musical line-up, with a variety of food trucks, local produce and quality wines. Saturday is kept for the over 18yr’s with headliners Ziggy Alberts and supporting acts, Garrett Kato, Steph Strings and more! Then on Sunday head down for an all-ages event, headlining Aussie star Mallrat with supporting acts, Budjerah, Teenage Joan’s and more!
Set in the idyllic surfie town of Gerringong, SurfLife Music Festival is a weekend celebration of music, surfing, food and good times. Join them for two great nights of music, headlined by recent triple J featured artist The Terrys, and supporting acts, Joe Mungovan, The Blues Preachers or head through the town and down to Werri Beach on Saturday with more live music and a surfboard swap meet.
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Eat
A trip to the coast calls for fresh seafood and coastal views. Luckily Kiama has a range of trusted and well-loved restaurants and cafes here to serve with new venues popping up too to give a try.
Combining relaxed seaside vibes with all day dining, Penny Whistlers has delicious options to suit any mood or craving, including that perfect coffee. Whether it’s a breaky burger and juice or tacos over a cocktail, join them any time of day and sit back while you enjoy epic harbour views…and maybe even spot a dolphin.
Showcasing stunning views of the ocean and coastline, Silica Restaurant & Bar on Surf Beach boasts a locally sourced and home-grown menu, that changes weekly. Want to enjoy the fresh salty air while you eat? Take your tasty fish and chips or other delectable treats down to the beach from ‘Silica to go’.
Sharing middle eastern influenced dishes, Miss Arda is now open and is raising the bar of dining in Kiama. Designed to share, choose a tasty spread to have with friends over a drink from their signature cocktails list that reflects the flavours displayed throughout the dining experience. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet and unique we suggest trying their dessert cocktail with Persian fairy floss.
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Shop
Sometimes the best way to explore a town is through some retail therapy. Explore Kiama’s unique array of fashion, gift boutiques, and homeware stores where you can take a leisurely browse or pick up a unique keepsake.
Find your next beloved fashion item from the style guru’s at Bombo Clothing Co in Kiama. Stocking a curated range of boutique fashion, footwear, accessories, as well bespoke homeware expect items you won’t see anywhere else. Plus, check out their range of leather shoes made in the South coast.
Featuring local artists from the South Coast and an eclectic mix of styles, check out Terra Art Gallery next time you’re in Kiama. With regularly changing exhibitions and unique workshops there is always something new to explore. If you’re looking to buy, they have a beautiful selection of artworks in a variety of forms to perfectly complement your own style and home décor.
Start a new book and wind down with a drink and grazing board at Bouquiniste. Welcoming a community of readers through their highly curated bookshelves, events and monthly book club, whether it’s a good read you’re after or a quiet spot for a coffee, wine or snack, Bouquiniste’s vibes are on point.
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Do
There is plenty to do in the Kiama area every day of the week, whether it be experiencing the awe of the two Blowhole’s, exploring the picturesque landscape, including nearby hinterland and waterfalls or taking a class or workshop to occupy yourself if the weather isn’t on your side.
Learn to construct a picture-perfect grazing platter and impress your friends at the next wine and cheese night. The ladies behind Picnic by the Sea Kiama will show you how to design, photograph and wrap a grazing platter using delicious local produce, while enjoying champagne and snacks. After the workshop you will also leave with a goodie bag featuring a wooden grazing board so you can try it at home.
Set in the seaside village of Gerringong, Zeynep Testoni Ceramics ‘Soul Clay Studio’ is open to visitors by appointment to view pottery making in action or take part in a creative workshop. Catering to all levels of ability, and open to couples (yes, channel your inner Patrick Swayze) and group bookings of up to 15 people, a workshop is a perfect option for hen’s parties, birthdays or corporate groups – and the best part; the ceramic pieces you create will be glazed and fired in the studio and will serve as a wonderful reminder.
Perched on top of the illustrious rolling hills of Gerringong with views of the coastline below, the stunning barn of Willowvale Road Candles provides you with the opportunity to create your very own beautifully scented candles as well as a reed diffuser to take home. Add some bubbles, a grazing platter and afternoon tea and it makes for an afternoon well spent.
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Stay
In need of some well-deserved down time? Along with the terrific hotels and motels in the area, Kiama is also filled with some of the South Coast’s most impressive holiday homes.
Escape the city with a luxurious holiday amongst the lush green hills of Gerroa at The Shed. Only 10 minutes from Berry and Kiama, live it up in luxury in this unique architecturally designed house and set on an acre overlooking 100 acres of green farmland that rolls down to picturesque Gerringong Golf Course and secluded Walker’s Beach. Enjoy an open fire pit, games and recreation room and perfectly positioned plunge pool. For something extra special, we suggest you take part in a ‘Rejuvacation’ wellness retreat, a two-day mind, body and soul rejuvenation including Pilates, nutrition workshops, wholefood catering and spa treatments.
Just a seven-minute drive from Kiama, stay at the elegant country chic house of Saddleback Grove. Perched on a hilltop with breath-taking rural and coastal views, unwind and make use of their amenities, such as an outdoor spa, games room, log fire and wood fired pizza oven.
Book a stay at the Nirvana Seaside Cottages on the northern end of Werri Beach in Gerringong and enjoy its coastal charm. Influenced by music and surf culture, the cottage has been restored with the addition of a second newly built loft cottage on the rear of the property, nestled amongst lush palm gardens.
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