The road: Kiama, the valley and Nowra

1. Kiama Blowhole~30 min at the stop

The first stop is by the lighthouse. Free, and open at any time, stronger in a south-east swell.

Worth knowing: George Bass was the first to record it: in December 1797 he anchored his whaleboat in the bay now called Kiama Harbour.

Tip: If you came by train, Kiama station to the point is about a kilometre on foot through Terralong Street.

↓ drive · 8 min · 3 km

2. Little Blowhole, Kiama Heights~20 min at the stop

The second hole in the rock, on Tingira Crescent. It comes alive more often in a north-east swell.

Tip: A short stop. The column of water is smaller than the one by the lighthouse.

↓ drive · 15 min · 12 km

3. Werri Beach~40 min at the stop

The Gerringong beach. The town shops are on Fern Street, just behind the beach.

Tip: Lunch on Fern Street. The train stops in Gerringong if part of the day is without a car.

↓ drive · 25 min · 20 km

4. Queen Street, Berry~1 h at the stop

The late part of the day on the shopping street. The Berry Donut Van is at 73 Queen Street, Milkwood Bakery at 109, every day 6:00am to 4:00pm.

Tip: The station is close. If you stay in town, tomorrow can start with the bread, then the drive west to the rainforest.

5. Minnamurra Rainforest~1 h 30 min at the stop

The morning is on the boardwalks in Budderoo National Park. A$12 per vehicle, gates 9:00am to 5:00pm. The centre is open until 4:00pm.

Tip: Arrive at opening: between 11 am and 2 pm the centre gets crowded and may close at short notice. The café is shut, so bring food. Phone 02 4236 0469.

↓ drive · 15 min · 10 km

6. Jamberoo~25 min at the stop

The village on the way up the hill. A short coffee before the winding road into Kangaroo Valley.

Tip: Check the water park's own site for its season. The village is worth the stop either way.

↓ drive · 50 min · 40 km

7. Hampden Bridge~25 min at the stop

An 1898 suspension bridge over the Kangaroo River on Moss Vale Road, Australia's only surviving colonial-era suspension bridge. It's under repair in 2026 but open by day.

Tip: Night closures ended in September 2026. On weekdays until the end of October there's stop/slow control by day. Load limit 23 tonnes. Check livetraffic.com.

↓ drive · 5 min · 1.5 km

8. The Friendly Inn~50 min at the stop

Lunch or dinner in the village, 159 Moss Vale Road. This is the end of the mountain day.

Tip: Stay in the valley overnight, or drop to Nowra while it is still light. Meroogal is about half an hour on.

9. Meroogal~1 h at the stop

The 1880s house museum, 35 West Street. Inside, it is a guided tour, Saturdays only, 10:00am to 4:00pm. Entry is free and you need a booking.

Worth knowing: One of its owners, Tot Thorburn, had suitors in the Victorian era but chose not to marry, and lived a long, happy life here with her sisters.

Tip: Put this day on a Saturday and call 02 4421 8150. The Women's Art Prize exhibition runs until 24 April 2027.

↓ drive · 5 min · 1 km

10. Nowra~50 min at the stop

Central Nowra after the house. The train from Sydney ends at Bomaderry, on the north bank of the river, and the centre is a few minutes from there.

Tip: If Saturday is taken up by the house, leave lunch for town. South to Huskisson is the other route in this guide.