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Attractions of the South Coast
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Kiama
The
Blowhole
Possibly the
most famous landmark for miles around, situated at Blowhole Point near the
lighthouse and attracting visitors to Kiama for many years. Best seen on a day
when a strong south-east wind is blowing and the tide is
rising.
The Lighthouse
Built in 1887 to
save shipping from the dangerous rocks of Blowhole Point.
Pilot's
Cottage Museum
Built 1881 and
now beautifully restored by the Historical Society, serves as an historical
museum and tourist venue. Open Friday to Monday 11am to 3pm. Call for info on
4232 1001.
Robertson Basin
The name given
to part of Kiama Harbour completed in 1876 after 16 years of construction to
cater for the increasing shipping trade to this town. Iron rings, originally
used to moor ships and boats in the hrabour can still be seen attached to
rocks.
Christ Church
The little white
church on the hill. Built in 1859, the ceiling resembles an upturned boat. One
of the graves nearby is of First Fleeter John Gowan who arrived in New South
Wales as a corporal of marines. He died in 1837 aged 74.
Town
Obelisk
Seen on the
northern side of Terralong Street, a point from which all distances were
measured.
Post Office
Built in 1887/89 and was
described as a red brick building with facings of Pyrmot stone in the Italian
style.
Courthouse and Police Station
Built in 1860
and 1883 respectively in Terralong Street.
Kiama
Railway
Commenced on 9
November 1887, trains from Wollongong to Bombo where passengers had to board a
horse drawn carriage for last 2 miles to town.
Jamberoo
Saddleback Mountain Lookout
Travel west from
Kiama toward Jamberoo and turn left at Fountaindale Road. Follow this road
upwards to the end. The views will astound you - from Wollongong to
Gerringong.
Jamberoo Hotel
Built in 1857
and recently renovated in mock-tudor style. An interesting collection of
artifacts decorate the walls as well as the locals.
Minnamurra Rainforest
Drive through
Jamberoo and turn left just outside town up Jamberoo Mountain Road. Take the
first turn right to reach Minnamurra set in the National Park where native birds
and animals abound. Elevated boardwalks suitable for disabled persons take you
through the canopy of trees among the remains of a dense rainforest.
Gerringong
Cronin's Hotel
Belinda Street. Held by the same family for three
generations is a great meeting place for locals and visitors to relax with a
hearty country-style meal and a drink. Views from the Top of Town in Fern Street
are something to behold. Several pleasant cafes and restaurants offer views as
well as top drops of coffee and snacks.
Gerringong Bowling Club
In Pacific Ave
is always a popular spot to have a quiet meal and a drink after a visit to the
surf beach while further south the golf club offers ocean views while smacking
the white ball around.
Gerroa
Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile
Beach is of particular interest to aviation buffs since this is where early
flights were commenced. In fact Kingsford Smith and crew left from 7 Mile Beach
for New Zealand.
Berry
There are
many fine buildings in this bustling township, some of historic interest such as
the Old Courthouse in Victoria Street and the School of Arts in Alexandra
Street. Be in Berry in February to enjoy the Annual Berry Show and in October
witness the spring grandeur of the lovely gardens on display. Berry stages a
monthly market at the Showgrounds and a blues band plays at the Great Southern
Hotel. At Coolangatta Estate Winery jazz and blues feature every month on the
first Sunday.
Cambewarra Mountain
The views
from this vantage point are nothing short of breathtaking. From here one may
gaze out across the Shoalhaven River basin taking in the City of Nowra,
Coolangatta Mountain and the confluence of the Shoalhaven and Crookhaven Rivers
at Greenwell Point.
Kangaroo Valley
Of note in this
picturesque place is the Hampden Bridge with its castellated stoneworks. Call in
and see the Pioneer Farm Museum, right beside the northern approach to the
bridge, and see displays of farming implements and techniques of times past.
This is also a good place to indulge in a cuppa, a snack or a hearty
meal.
Nowra
While here,
make sure to visit Australia's Museum of Flight at HMAS Albatross, Nowra Hill,
just south of the city. Here will be found some of Australia's most
interesting aircraft and other paraphernalia of flight.
Visit the Visitors Centre which is located just south of the Shoalhaven River Bridge. Turn
left at the Navy helicopter. Here is also to be found historic Graham House
which was recently renovated back to its original 19th. century
glory.
Nowra Museum is
located at the corner of Kinghorne and Worrigee Streets and contains many items
of local interest.
Meroogal House,
a museum dedicated to the lifestyles and domestic hardship of women of
yesteryear, is located in Worrigee Street. Conducted tours are available on
weekends.
Of course a
visit to Nowra would not be complete without a visit to Bundanon, a property at
Cambewarra to the west of Nowra which was owned by artist Arthur Boyd.
Bundanon is now run as a campus for aspiring artists as well as a gallery of
works.
Nowra Wildlife
Park at North Nowra is always a pleasure to visit where you may get up close and
personal with native animals and reptiles. With views of the Shoalhaven
River, this is a day trip to remember.
Around Nowra
you will find plenty of bushwalking and/or 4WD tracks in the State Forests and
National park. Information available form the Visitors Centre - 4421
0778.
East of Nowra
Drive east from
Nowra along Greenwell Point Road for 14 kms and you will find yourself in the
quiet fishing village of Greenwell Point. Located at the junction of
Shoalhaven and Crookhaven Rivers, this is known far and wide as the oyster
capital of the coast.
Fish shops and oyster farmers here offer fresh catches
daily plus there is a Bowling Club or Hotel where a wonderful meal may
be had at low cost. Of course fishing is very popular here and boat
launching ramps
are available at three sites. For more information visit the Greenwell Point web site.
Along Greenwell
Point Road is found Jindy Andy Mill where several gift shops and a cafe are
located as well as a cafe and gallery at The Old Butterfactory.
From here it
is an easy 10 minute drive to Culburra Beach, Orient Point or Callala Beach and
Bay. Further east to Currarong where some more great fish adventures may be had
either at table or catch your own.
Jervis Bay

To see the whitest sand beaches in
the world a visit to Jervis Bay is a must. Vincentia and Huskisson will give you
an idea of this fact which is further reinforced at Hyams Beach. All manner of watersports are
popular on Jervis Bay during spring, summer and autumn plus fishing all year
round. Other attractions here include
Lilliputland and Lady Denman Maritime Museum at Huskisson.
Several well known artists live
around Jervis Bay and from time to time hold exhibitions of work at various locations
as well as during the bi-annual See Change Festival.
Sussex Inlet
Visit this
pleasant place when next in the mood to catch a fish, go hiking, camping,
waterskiing, surfing, horse riding, golfing, bowling or just relaxing. Here, you
will get those choices and more, with several clubs, motels, restaurants, a pub
and caravan parks to select from. Be in Sussex during July each year for the
giant Family Fishing Contest which carries prize money of more than
$30,000.00.
Milton, Mollymook, Ulladulla
These three
townships, so close together yet of three different characteristics.
Milton,
more established with some charming old buildings and quaint shops and galleries
filled with all manner of retail and artistic goods.
Mollymook, a
more modern township and holiday destination, has a most attractive surf beach,
two golf clubs, bowling club plus an abundance of accommodation in motels and
apartments.
Ulladulla,
considered to be the commercial hub of the area also boasts some wonderful
cafes, restaurants, galleries and other retail venues, most with views of the
harbour's sparkling blue waters. Be there during Easter for the Blessing of the
Fleet ceremony or in July for Tabula Rasa Festival and August for the Food &
Wine Festival. Call the Visitors Centre for info on 4455
1269.
Bawley Point, Termeil, Durras
Where the bush meets the ocean and
life rolls on at a most pleasant pace. The surf is a big attraction and campers
are catered for at several caravan parks, B & B's and guest houses. Art
galleries and roadside stalls prevail with fresh produce and fine art for sale.
Pick up a bargain all year round.
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