Coastal Walks (with food and drink at the end)

It doesn’t matter which direction you go in, Kiama has some of the best coastal walks anywhere. Here are a few that have one very important thing in common - somewhere to get fed and watered at the end.

North - to the Golf Club at Minnamurra

Going north, the Kiama Golf Club (free entry for non-members) near Minnamurra is an easy/moderate walk along some more stunning coast line. If you can, go at low tide so that you can walk the length of Bombo beach without getting your feet wet (check tides here). Else take a towel. The latter part of the walk takes you through old farm land and a secluded pebbly beach called The Boneyard. It gets its name from the days of the farm, when they used to throw the animal bones into the ocean! Part of the walk follows the line of the Kiama to Bondi train track, so if you’re lucky, you might see the Picnic Train chuffing past. 

Word of warning - the kitchen at the Golf Club closes between 2pm and 5:30pm. The Golf Club courtesy bus is an option for getting back to Kiama, but it doesn’t start running until approximately 5pm. The train from Minnamurra is another option for the return leg. Last time we did this walk, we got an Uber back from the Golf Club to Kiama for under $20.

South - to Cin Cin Wine Bar and Tapas

A short 30 to 40-minute walk along the coast will bring you to Cin Cin Wine Bar (see review above). From Summer Villa, head to the Grand Hotel and then down Bong Bong to the coast. Veer right towards the Surf Beach, the first of three that you’ll see on the walk. Just behind the beach, you’ll see the Kiama Surf Lifesavers Club (SLSC). Hug the coast and you’ll arrive at Kendals Beach. The coastal walk is clearly signed. Continue on the path and before you get to the next beach (Easts Beach) you’ll see a brown sign that says ‘Street Access’. Leave the coastal path and head up the hill there.. turn left on the road and you’ll find the excellent Cin Cin around the corner - the perfect destination for a cold beer and some first-rate Greek tapas or meze. On the way back, you can shave 5-10 minutes off the journey by taking a more direct route, but, if it’s a Sunday and it’s between 3pm and 6pm, you’re going to want to stop at Sunday Sippers upstairs at the SLSC on the surf beach. They have the cheapest drinks in town ($6 for a beer, $7 for wine) and (more often than not) a band or DJ playing. Overlooking the surf beach, you’ll have a true beach bar experience. It does get busy (with locals) so aim to arrive as near to 3pm for a front-row seat! Bring your own snacks - everyone does.

South - to Gerringong

If you feel like stretching your legs, the coastal walk to Gerringong is unbeatable, but not for the faint-hearted (budget for 3 to 4 hours and take plenty of water). Finish at the Gerringong Bowling Club (free entry for non-members) or the Stoic Brewery - both have kitchens but they do close at some point in the afternoon - check the website for opening hours. On the way back, you’re probably not going to want to walk, so time your run accordingly to get the train back - the trains to Kiama are pretty infrequent, more so at weekends (see timetable).