Guidebook for Minnamurra
Food Scene
Penny Whistlers
31 Shoalhaven StThe Hungry Monkey
32 Prince Alfred StMinnamurra General Store & Cafe
1A Rangoon RdCantik Place
9 Johnson StChilled 'Bali' vibe. They also do hand-made pizza's on sunday nights.
Newest spot in town. Burgers & Beers near the beach. Also great coffee.
16 locals recommend
Stacks Burger House
21 Johnson StNewest spot in town. Burgers & Beers near the beach. Also great coffee.
Parks & Nature
The Classic, world-famous Kiama Blowhole. If its not blowing, the locals head to the 'little blowhole' a few bays south.
261 locals recommend
Kiama Blowhole
The Classic, world-famous Kiama Blowhole. If its not blowing, the locals head to the 'little blowhole' a few bays south.
Part of the Buderoo National Park, it offers a rare wheelchair friendly walk around and across the Minnamurra River. There is also a more challenging walk up to the falls (Check visitors desk as it is weather dependent). Ideallic cafe in the midst of the forest.
177 locals recommend
Minnamurra Rainforest Centre
345 Minnamurra Falls RdPart of the Buderoo National Park, it offers a rare wheelchair friendly walk around and across the Minnamurra River. There is also a more challenging walk up to the falls (Check visitors desk as it is weather dependent). Ideallic cafe in the midst of the forest.
A short swim across the river. Mystics Beach is an idealic locals-beach. It is un-patrolled but un-spoilt and offers a tranquil escape if the river is crowded.
Mystics Beach (Minnamurra Beach)
A short swim across the river. Mystics Beach is an idealic locals-beach. It is un-patrolled but un-spoilt and offers a tranquil escape if the river is crowded.
Take in spectacular views over Jamberoo down to Kiama and north of the entire illawarra. The brave and fit will cycle up the road to the lookout, for the rest of us there is a reasonable amount of parking. Also look around for the newer southern platform (head up to towards the radio towers, then turn south through the gate).
48 locals recommend
Saddleback Mountain Lookout
Saddleback Mountain RoadTake in spectacular views over Jamberoo down to Kiama and north of the entire illawarra. The brave and fit will cycle up the road to the lookout, for the rest of us there is a reasonable amount of parking. Also look around for the newer southern platform (head up to towards the radio towers, then turn south through the gate).
'Blink & You'll Miss It' - just off Jamberoo Mountain Road.
Barren Grounds is our favourite local reserve. It is a 30 minute drive away but offers several walks including a short (1km) walk to a lookout over Jamberoo, and two longer walks (~8km return each). The Griffiths walking track loop (Grade 3) takes you to a spectacular viewing platform looking south towards Coolangatta mountain & Seven Mile Beach. Cooks Nose walking track (Grade 3) takes you south and to the valley overlooking Brogers Creek towards Upper Kangeroo Valley. There is about 2km of overlap, so you could do both tracks and spend the whole day there. The carpack has a pit-toilet and picnic tables.
Barren Grounds Picnic Area
'Blink & You'll Miss It' - just off Jamberoo Mountain Road.
Barren Grounds is our favourite local reserve. It is a 30 minute drive away but offers several walks including a short (1km) walk to a lookout over Jamberoo, and two longer walks (~8km return each). The Griffiths walking track loop (Grade 3) takes you to a spectacular viewing platform looking south towards Coolangatta mountain & Seven Mile Beach. Cooks Nose walking track (Grade 3) takes you south and to the valley overlooking Brogers Creek towards Upper Kangeroo Valley. There is about 2km of overlap, so you could do both tracks and spend the whole day there. The carpack has a pit-toilet and picnic tables.
Head west through Albion Park towards Robertson, and just before you start the climb, you'll see a parking area to the right. Cross a grassy area for a short walk (2km) to the Cascades- a series of waterfalls heading up the escarpment. The pool at the end of the walk is idyllic. For a challenge, you can scramble up the eastern side of the falls to reach other pools further up (no signs, no fences, at own risk).
Head further up Macquarie Pass and you might see the turn off for a small car park (~10 spaces) leading to the Clover Hill trail (Grade 5, 6km return). This trail takes you via an old logging route to Rainbow falls and some smaller falls upstream.
28 locals recommend
Macquarie Pass National Park
Illawarra HighwayHead west through Albion Park towards Robertson, and just before you start the climb, you'll see a parking area to the right. Cross a grassy area for a short walk (2km) to the Cascades- a series of waterfalls heading up the escarpment. The pool at the end of the walk is idyllic. For a challenge, you can scramble up the eastern side of the falls to reach other pools further up (no signs, no fences, at own risk).
Head further up Macquarie Pass and you might see the turn off for a small car park (~10 spaces) leading to the Clover Hill trail (Grade 5, 6km return). This trail takes you via an old logging route to Rainbow falls and some smaller falls upstream.
Shopping
Berry
73 Queen StLess a single shop, more a collection of market stalls showcasing a variety of locally made goods. It grew out of a smaller space on Collins Street, and both feeds off and adds to the 'markets' vibe across Kiama.
The Collective
100 Terralong StLess a single shop, more a collection of market stalls showcasing a variety of locally made goods. It grew out of a smaller space on Collins Street, and both feeds off and adds to the 'markets' vibe across Kiama.
No holiday is complete without a good book, and Rob's pre-loved bookshop is the best place to find a bargain, or that long-lost novel you nearly finished, years ago.
Jennie's Book Nook
106 Terralong StNo holiday is complete without a good book, and Rob's pre-loved bookshop is the best place to find a bargain, or that long-lost novel you nearly finished, years ago.
Drinks & Nightlife
Authentic Mexican Restaurant with a "Wall of pain" for chilli-sauce lovers. Full bar with cocktails and an outdoor terrace. Kids activity packs are available if you need them.
24 locals recommend
El Corazon Cocina de Mexico
6 Terralong StAuthentic Mexican Restaurant with a "Wall of pain" for chilli-sauce lovers. Full bar with cocktails and an outdoor terrace. Kids activity packs are available if you need them.
Sightseeing
The local vantage point with sweeping views from Rangoon Island on the coast, all the way up the river mouth to the Escarpment. A true must-see!
7 locals recommend
Minnamurra Lookout
168 Charles AvenueThe local vantage point with sweeping views from Rangoon Island on the coast, all the way up the river mouth to the Escarpment. A true must-see!
Arts & Culture
The library has a wealth of local historical knowledge, but be sure to check out the Family History Centre at street level if you are seeking out your heritage in Kiama
Kiama Library
7 Railway ParadeThe library has a wealth of local historical knowledge, but be sure to check out the Family History Centre at street level if you are seeking out your heritage in Kiama
Essentials
IGA Kiama Downs
17 Johnson StWoolworths Kiama
143 Terralong StWoolworths Shell Cove
100 Cove BlvdKiama Laundry Services
140 Terralong St