The Australian Traveller magazine’s renowned 100 Aussie Wonders list names the Kiama Blowhole among the country’s 2024 top wonders. For the must-see attractions in New South Wales, the blowhole ranks third overall, only beaten by Sydney Harbour and the Hunter Valley.

When part of the Kiama Headland, composed of volcanic rock known as latite, collapsed because of erosion over millions of years, it created the blowhole – the world’s largest. When seas are high, it can hit a peak of more than 30 meters up in the air.

No wonder, this South Coast landmark has drawn visitors to the area since the late 1800s. 

An article in the Kiama Independent, published on October 23, 1888, hints as to why:

“The visitors who had arrived in Kiama by the Saturday’s train had ample opportunity on Sunday’s morning of witnessing great volumes of water being forced up higher than the lighthouse, through the huge crater which bears the somewhat singular, through nevertheless applicable cognomen of ‘blowhole.’ “

The Kiama Blowhole before the safety fence was installed. Several people are there to view the blowhole. Credit: Kiama Library.

Let’s jump ahead 136 years to the present day, where at 09:45 a.m. on a sunny and warm autumn Saturday, crowds are already gathering at the blowhole. With every eruption, there’s big cheers.

Knowing there’s a big swell at the moment, ocean lover Jess Hyland has come down from Wollongong. It’s the best time to see the blowhole erupt, she says.

What does she think of the blowhole making the 100 Aussie Wonders list?

“I think it’s pretty cool. A quiet, little coastal town getting the recognition.

“But I feel bad, the little blowhole around the corner doesn’t get as much attention but it’s just as cool,” she says.

Robyn and Bruce Moresi in front of the Kiama Blowhole.

For Ram Krish, it’s his first time here. He made the trip from Paramatta after his friends told him about the blowhole. Standing in the perfect spot, just in front and across from the lighthouse, he’s ready to capture the next whoosh of water. 

“I’ve seen it erupt once,” Krish reveals.

A little bit further up the track along the security fence stand Bruce and Robyn Moresi. Driving up from Melbourne, Robyn Moresi’s sister-in-law called to say that the blowhole had made it on the list. 

“It’s amazing,” Robyn marvels. 

“I got a photo too,” says Bruce. “You hope you did,” jokes Robyn. But he sure did, as he shows off an image on his phone of the blowhole making an almighty splash. 

The same splash, in a sense, that has been drawing visitors for more than a century.

Kiama Blowhole and crowd circa 1950's. Credit: Kiama Library.