Kiama, Berry, Bomaderry, Nowra
Marking the official beginning of the South Coast, Kiama's superb location has cemented it's popularity as a holiday town. Set along side rugged coastline and pristine surf beaches, Kiama's best known attraction is an amazing natural blowhole which shoots water 60 metres into the air as the waves crash onto the cliffs. So impressive is the spectacle, it is floodlit each evening until 9 o'clock. Three kilometres north, Cathedral Rocks at Jones Beach is another notable attraction and photographers delight.
Attractions within this pretty little town include the beautifully restored quarryman's terrace houses in Collins St. Known as "The Terrace", the circa 1880's homes are now a collection of art, craft, and gift shops. There's also the Pilot's Cottage Museum at Blowhole Point and the fascinating and informative Family History Centre, a vast collection of records enabling visitors to trace their roots. For keen anglers and divers, there is variety of charters which operate off the coast.
Inland from Kiama at 600 metres above sea level, Saddleback Mountain Lookout allows extensive views over lush farming land down to the ocean and it's jagged coastline. The mountain itself can be explored via the one hour Hoddles Track which begins at the lookout.
Following the Princes Highway 25 kilometres south-west of Kiama is the picturesque village of Berry. Encircled by rich dairy farming land, this charming country town has streets lined by old English trees and National Trust classified buildings, attracting droves of people pursuing the idyllic rural experience. Other buildings are consumed by an impressive array of galleries, boutiques, historic museums, restaurants, and antique stores. The Berry Country Fair is held on the first Sunday of each month providing an excellent opportunity to sample locally produced food as well as arts and crafts.
Less than 20 kilometres further down the highway on the northern bank of the Shoalhaven River, Bomaderry is quaint country village with similar charm and influence to Berry. On the adjacent side of the river is Bomaderry's twin town Nowra. Nowra is the principal town and largest population centre of the holiday district known as the Shoalhaven. There are some fine buildings throughout the streets, some of which are museums open to the public for guided tours. Other tours worth embarking on are cruises on the beautiful Shoalhaven River, which also makes an ideal setting for watersports and white-water rafting further upstream. Five kilometres east of Nowra on the northern bank of the river, Nowra Animal Park is a pleasant place to be introduced to some Australian native animals.
