Kiama Blowhole
Let us blow your mind with Kiama Blowhole facts
Almost one million people flock to our region to see the Kiama Blowhole – one of the largest in the world. Here’s everything you need to know about the natural spectacle before your visit. And the best part? It’s an easy walk to the action from Kiama Harbour Cabins.
So, what caused the Kiama Blowhole?
The Kiama headland is made up of a volcanic rock, latite. During a volcanic extrusion, a softer rock, basalt, cuts through the latite. Throughout many years, the basalt erosion created a tunnel inside the harder latite. Finally, approximately 260 million years ago, part of the headland collapsed and created the infamous attraction.
Mother Nature puts on quite the performance.
As waves enter the blowhole, air compresses in its cavity. As it’s leaving, the water is forced upwards by this compressed air. You’ll hear a loud ‘boom’ as the air escapes, and see an impressive spouting of water – sometimes spraying 50 litres up to 25m in the air, one of the highest in the world. The best performance conditions are when the sea is running from the south-east.
It got roped into another show, too.
Back in January 1889, tightrope walker Charles Jackson strung his rope across the Blowhole. Large crowds gathered to watch his daring crossings of the mouth of the chasm. While the Blowhole is great for all ages, it’s worth noting here that it’s important to stay focused and safe during your visit, and keep little ones close.
It has always been well-loved.
Almost one million people flock to Kiama to see the landmark each year, but it’s been spoilt with adoration for many moons. The region’s indigenous people, the Wadi Wadi, first discovered the Blowhole, and called it Khanterintee, meaning ‘mysterious noise’. It was later sighted by colonial explorer George Bass in 1797, who described it as the ‘most tremendous noise’ after docking in the region.
Go on, get involved.
The spray is almost certain to drench you if you get too close, but that’s part of the fun. Visit during the day to see it in all its glory, or pop by at night. The area is floodlit until 1am, serving up an unmissable evening attraction. The thrilling experience is backed by little more noise than the sea rumbling. You’ll find the Blowhole next to the lighthouse, just a three-minute walk from Kiama Harbour Cabins.
Don’t stop at one blowhole.
Take your togs and have a dip in the Kiama Rock Pool as you explore the surrounding area. A smaller blowhole awaits your visit, too, and it’s only minutes away. Find the Little Blowhole at the Little Blowhole Reserve in Tingira Crescent – 2km south of the main attraction.