NSW is home to some truly magnificent natural wonders. The largest canyon in Australia is here in NSW, as is the second oldest national park in the world, the largest tidal lake in the Southern Hemisphere and the tallest peak in the country. But there’s one natural wonder that could blow them all out of the water, pardon the pun. Just under two hours' drive from Sydney, on the coastline of one of NSW’s most beloved tourist towns, you’ll find the largest blowhole in the entire world. Here’s everything you need to know about the Kiama Blowhole.
What is the Kiama Blowhole?
The Kiama Blowhole is a sea cave on the NSW coast with a vertical rockface within that blasts water up into the sky. When ocean waves crash into the cave with enough force, they’re pushed up through the vertical rockface and explode into the air – with dramatic plumes of water sometimes reaching heights of 25 meters.
Where is the biggest blowhole in the world?
You’ll find the Kiama Blowhole at the appropriately named Blowhole Point Road, in the NSW South Coast town of Kiama. It's right next to the Kiama Lighthouse, so it’s hard to miss once you’re in the town.
How big is the Kiama Blowhole?
As the biggest in the world, you’d better believe that this blowhole’s size is worth mentioning. The blowhole itself is about 2.5 metres wide, with water spraying up from the ocean for about 10-15 metres until bursting out through the opening. When conditions are right (high tide and a strong strong southeast swell), the water can shoot into the air for up to 25 meters.
How to get to the Kiama Blowhole?
The drive from Sydney takes just under two hours. Drive south out of Sydney, and you’ll arrive in Kiama in no time at all. No car? No problem. Jump on a train from Central, and the South Coast Line to Kiama will take you to the centre of the town (a two-and-a-half hour train ride along the coast). The station is an easy 10-minute walk from the famous hole. To catch the blowhole at its best, you'll want to time your visit for high tide (and preferably for when there's a big southeasterly swell).
The name "Kiama" is derived from the word "Kiarama" from the language of the Dharawal and Wodi Wodi, a phrase understood to mean "place where the sea makes a noise." Living up to its name, Kiama is actually home to two blowholes: the main Kiama Blowhole and a smaller one nearby, known as Little Blowhole.
Consider us blown away.
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