Coast trail: where the hills meet the sea
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Kiama, Gerringong and Gerroa may not be the ‘south coast’ as we know it but there’s a lot happening in this seaside destination.
Eat + Drink
Jemfish Takeaway
This little gem is a reminder of your local takeaway shop at the coast.
Sitting at the top of the hill on Manning Street, you’ll be greeted with friendly service and a menu that takes you back to your childhood. Think burgers, schnitzels, scallops, milkshakes and perfectly battered fish—and don’t forget the hand cut chips covered in chicken salt.
Shop 4, 160 Manning Street, Kiama | Facebook @JemfishTakeawayKiama
Hungry Monkey
Helmed by a team of young, ambitious locals, Hungry Monkey serves up one heck of a burger, but don’t let that distract you from their healthy and hearty breakfast options or their sleek selection of wine.
Housed in one of Kiama’s original cottages, don’t expect a table for 10 at short notice, but that intimacy is part of its charm.
At night time, settle in for fancy savoury shared plates and nostalgic desserts with names like Banoffee and Toasted Marshmallow.
5/32 Collins Street, Kiama | 0403 397 353 | thehungrymonkey.com.au
Milkwood Bakery
The sister cafe to Berry Sourdough Café, this bustling little bakery on the main street of Berry is one not to miss. Established in 2012, Milkwood Bakery serves up a full range of organic artisan sourdough, cakes, pastries, daily specials and the best pies you will ever taste. Also on offer is takeaway coffee, tea, hot chocolate and freshly squeezed juices.
109 Queen Street, Berry | 02 4464 3033 | berrysourdough.com.au
Blue Swimmer at Seahaven
Blue Swimmer at Seahaven is the culmination of brothers Daniel and Paul Dewhurst’s 15 years in the hospitality industry—and it shows. With a breezy deck overlooking Gerroa lagoon and a cosy interior, the menu effortlessly pairs casual coast food with a fine dining flair.
Think freshly shucked local oysters with finger lime, marinated kangaroo loin with beetroot, plum and onion soubise and halloumi doughnuts with jam and vanilla anglaise.
19 Riverleigh Avenue, Gerroa | 02 4234 3796 | theblueswimmer.com.au
Silica
Image supplied.
One of the region’s newest dining destinations, Silica is a restaurant and bar in a two-storey heritage building, with stunning views of Church Point.
Indulge in local seafood, pair a perfect cut of beef with a glass of local red, or if you’re not feeling up to a full meal, unwind from the week in their upstairs bar.
With high ceilings and candlelit corners, relax into a leather lounge—cocktail in hand—and watch the moon rise over the water.
72 Manning Street, Kiama | 02 4233 0572 | silicakiama.com.au
Crooked River Wines
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With unbeatable views over the Gerringong headland to one side and a lush green valley on the other, Crooked River Wines’ cellar door tasting is a must-do. Established in 1998, Crooked River has won multiple awards for its premium quality red and white wines and now boasts over 15 varietals.
11 Willowvale Road, Gerringong | 02 4234 0975 | crookedriverwines.com
The Famous Berry Donut Van
Colin and Shirley London created the van that once travelled around Australia for a year, and then decided that Berry was to become its permanent home.
These donuts are hot, light, fresh, covered in sugary cinnamon and utterly irresistible.
73 Queen Street, Berry | 0444 642 753 | Facebook @The-Famous-Berry-Donut-Van
Learn
Buena Vista Farm
Fiona and Adam’s sprawling Buena Vista Farm sits under lush Morton Bay Figs and looks out over the rolling hills of Gerringong. Having been in Fiona’s family for four generations, the farm itself is steeped in history, albeit with a modern, sustainable twist.
With a market garden, beehives, goats, pigs and a cooking school that teaches everything from sourdough bread baking to fermenting and cheesemaking, this is a home chef’s paradise. Classes are held weekly but—be warned—they book up in advance.
0414 703 958 | buenavistafarm.com.au
The Little Blowhole
Kiama’s famous blowhole may be a little tricky to find, but it’s well worth the effort. When there is a good swell and seas are coming in from the northeast, the spray reaches extensive heights. Enjoy the views from the rocky foreshore or the viewing platform. You can even walk around the headland from here to Easts Beach.
Tingira Crescent, Kiama | 1300 654 262 | kiama.com.au
Stay
Hindmarsh Cottage
This gorgeous historic cottage is more than 150 years old but has all the modern comforts you’ll need, such as central heating, dishwasher and a recently-renovated bathroom. Retaining the charm of a bygone era, Hindmarsh Cottage is also smack bang in the centre of Kiama, giving you walking access to almost all the locations in this article.
Terragong
If you’re after a true escape to the country, look no further than the elegant Terragong. An old school B&B surrounded by rolling hills, Terragong is only 10 minutes from the centre of Kiama but feels miles away.
Seacliff House
If you’re planning a special occasion in Kiama, Seacliff House’s country chic interiors, pool, expansive grounds and wood burning fireplace should do the trick. A private house surrounded by lush pastures and views of the sea, Seacliff House sleeps up to 12 and even has an outdoor fire pit and games room.
The Shed
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Modern, minimalist and featured in House & Garden Magazine, The Shed Gerroa is a barn-like space that features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking 100 acres of farmland. With room to sleep eight, and three separate bedrooms, this is perfect for a getaway with your whole family or friendship group.
Dovecote
The centrepiece of Dovecote, Headland House is dramatic, architectural and spacious. Soaring cantilevered pavilions reach out over the rolling hills and capture picture-perfect views.
With four bedrooms and four bathrooms, including two ensuites, an expansive living wing and enclosed courtyard with large swimming pool, there’s plenty of room for the whole family. Sleeps eight guests.
Perfect for a romantic getaway or small gathering, Escarpment House is tucked into the hill on the western side of Dovecote. It features two bedrooms and a cosy living area.
The house is flanked by outdoor living on two decks with a plunge pool overlooking the ocean, while the second bedroom can be configured with a king or twin beds, making this a versatile stay for a couple, two couples, a small family or group of friends. Sleeps four guests.
Contact the concierge | 0447 005 092 | dovecote.com.au
Play
Kiama Farmers Markets
Held each Wednesday from 2 pm, The Kiama Farmers Markets are a treasure trove of locally produced goods. Shop for everything from cheese to fruit and vegetables, eggs, flowers, plants and more.
Every Wednesday from 2-5 pm Coronation Park, Surf Beach, Kiama | Facebook @KiamaFarmersMarket
Deer Willow
Located just a stone’s throw from the harbour, Deer Willow’s achingly-chic minimalist space holds treasures like triple-milled French soap, Turkish towels, ceramics by local designers, candles by Husk and jeans from Assembly.
12 Manning Street, Kiama | 02 4293 1033 | Facebook @deerwillow
Emergence Yoga
Emergence’s focus is to introduce students to authentic yoga asana postures through classes held in their dreamy Kiama studio. With mats, bolsters and blankets conveniently provided, a class at Emergence is a must-do for any visiting yogi.
42 Terralong Street, Kiama | 1300 053 435 | emergenceyoga.com.au
Coco Chai Day Spa
Coco Chai Day Spa is a little slice of relaxation in the very heart of Kiama. Housed in a gorgeous weatherboard cottage and just steps away from some of the best shops and cafés, Coco Chai offers massages, facial, medi-spa treatments and more.
42 Collins Lane, Kiama | 02 4233 1668 | cocochairdayspa.com.au
South Coast Experiences
South Coast Experiences creates programs and tailor‑made packages for visitors to discover a getaway best suited to their individual style and pace.
From vintage-car drives along scenic hinterland country roads, beachside bohemian picnics, swimming in secret lagoons, glamping on private properties boasting incredible views, horse-riding along the beach, getting your craft on—there are options to suit any traveller.
Contact Kate Maher |0411 614 486 | southcoastexperiences.net.au
PHOTOGRAPHY Tim Bean
This article originally appeared in Magazine: RISE for Spring 2018, available for free while stocks last. Find out more about Magazine here.
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