This is not just a walk. It’s a chance to restore the land, learn from local experts and join a movement that’s quietly regenerating our coastal future.

The Kiama Coast Walk is already one of our most cherished natural assets. But this April, it becomes something more: a classroom, a nursery, and a place for connection. Supported by a grant from the BUPA Healthy Cities Landcare Australia program, five of Kiama’s volunteer Landcare groups are inviting locals and visitors to join them in a series of guided walks and community planting days, aimed at restoring native vegetation and reviving ecosystems long under stress.

“The walk connects you to nature, but also to the people doing the quiet, consistent work to protect it,” said Meredith Hall, Landcare Coordinator with Landcare Illawarra. “This project is about showing the community what’s already happening along the track and inviting them to be part of it.”

The program begins on Saturday 12 April with a guided walk from the Little Blowhole to Minnamurra Headland, led by local plant specialist Carl Glaister, who will highlight remnant species clinging to the cliffs and share stories of the landscape he has known since childhood.

Carl, who spent decades working at Wollongong Botanic Garden and now runs a native nursery from his Kiama Downs home, believes learning about the plants fosters a deeper sense of place. 

“I get a real kick out of rediscovering little plants growing out of rocks that I remember from childhood,” Carl said. “Once you know their names, once you hear their stories, they become part of your own. It changes how you see the coast.”

Little Blowhole.

The social aspect is just as important. “As much as it’s about ecology, it’s about connection,” Carl added. “We’ve got people joining for the first time who just want to give back. Others come for the chat and stay for the friendships.”

That sense of purpose resonates with Michael Forsyth, former general manager of Kiama Council and now a volunteer with the Little Blowhole Landcare group.

“There’s a deep satisfaction in contributing to the restoration of degraded landscapes and seeing them returned to the community as places of shared value and beauty,” Forsyth said.

“For me, it’s good for the soul and the mind, and it’s also a great way to meet people you might not otherwise cross paths with. That social connection is really valuable.”

Throughout May, Landcare groups will host five community planting days across Bombo Beach, Kendalls Beach, Minnamurra, Werri Beach and the Little Blowhole, each aiming to plant 300 native seedlings. The goal is to bring back coastal plant communities such as Bangalay Sand Forest, Littoral Rainforest and Themeda Grassland.

The program is supported by Kiama Council and open to everyone, whether you’re a long-time local or simply visiting.

“You don’t need to be a plant expert,” Hall said. “You just need curiosity and a willingness to dig in.”

Visit Landcare Illawarra website here to view the flyer, full schedule, and registration links.

Guided walks

• Saturday 12 April – Little Blowhole to Minnamurra Headland, guided by Carl Glaister

• Saturday 3 May – Werri Beach  Guided by local Landcare leader and plant expert Ailee Calderbank.

Planting days

• Saturday 10 May – Bombo Beach (North End)

• Saturday 17 May – Kendalls Beach (South End)

• Sunday 18 May – Minnamurra

• Saturday 24 May – Werri Beach

• Saturday 31 May – Little Blowhole, Kiama