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Choosing where to stay in Kiama can make or break your entire holiday. The town is small, but it stretches across five distinct areas, and the wider region adds another layer of options entirely. Gerringong, Gerroa, Jamberoo and the hinterland each have their own accommodation, their own feel, and their own proximity to different things. The right base makes for a relaxed stay. The wrong one means a lot of driving.
This guide covers every officially listed property in the region, organised by type and traveller need, with contact details, price guides and the areas they sit in. If you’re planning a quick weekend escape, check out A perfect weekend in Kiama guide. You might also find some information relevant to your trip in our Three days on the South Coast article , and Kiama family guide.
The areas: where to base yourself
Kiama runs roughly 6 km along the coast, from Bombo in the north to Easts Beach in the south. The wider region extends into Gerringong (10 minutes south), Gerroa (15 minutes south), Jamberoo (15 minutes inland), and the Foxground and Jerrara hinterland.
Kiama town centre
The harbour, the Kiama Blowhole and lighthouse, and the main strip along Terralong and Manning Streets are all within walking distance from central Kiama. The highest concentration of cafes and restaurants in the region is here too. Stay central if you want to walk to most things and don’t mind a livelier atmosphere, particularly on weekends and in summer.
Surf Beach
A 10 to 15 minute walk south of the harbour along the foreshore brings you to Surf Beach. Norfolk pines line the foreshore, the Kiama Seaside Markets run here, and the surf is consistent enough for beginners and experienced surfers alike. It’s a quieter base than central Kiama but close enough to walk into town in 10 to 15 minutes.
Easts Beach
Further south, Easts Beach is the family beach. It has a sheltered tidal lagoon well suited to younger kids and the Easts Beach lookout above. About 2 km from town. Walkable, but most people drive.
Kiama Heights
A pocket of streets on the southern headland between town and Easts Beach, with elevated positions and larger houses. Properties here tend to suit groups and families wanting space and coastal views over convenience.
Kiama Downs and Bombo
North of the headland sits Bombo Beach, a long stretch with dog-friendly off-leash zones, and the residential area of Kiama Downs. It’s the quieter, more local-feeling side of Kiama, with hidden lookouts the locals love and easy access to the rock formations at Bombo Quarry. You’ll need a car to get into town.
Minnamurra
At the northern edge of the Kiama council area, Minnamurra has a coastal village feel with the Minnamurra Headland lookout over the river mouth. About 5 km from Kiama town. A lower-key base, well positioned for a visit to the Minnamurra Rainforest.
Gerringong, Gerroa and Werri Beach
Gerringong is 10 minutes south: patchwork dairy farms, the dramatic Werri Beach, and a low-key main street with good food. Gerroa sits further south at the start of Seven Mile Beach. Many visitors are happy to base here and drive into Kiama for the day. The Mercure Gerringong Resort, Park Ridge Retreat and several well-regarded beach houses are all in this area.
Jamberoo, Foxground and the hinterland
Inland from Kiama (15 to 25 minutes by car), the rolling green hills hold a different kind of stay: working farms, rural retreats and large group houses on acreage. Properties like Jamberoo Valley Farm, Dovecote, Greyleigh at Jerrara, and Cicada Luxury Camping sit here. Best for travellers who want space, peace and a country-meets-coast trip.
Accommodation types
Kiama covers the full range, from $90 per night holiday park sites to $2,200 per night architectural beach houses sleeping 12.
Holiday parks dominate by sheer bed count. Seven parks sit across the wider region, all offering powered tent sites through to oceanfront villas. Best for families, budget travellers and anyone who wants a pool, playground and BBQ on site.
Hotels and motels are limited but present. The Sebel Kiama is the only full-service hotel in town. Kiama Shores Motel and Nova Kiama are the main motel options. Gerringong has the Mercure Resort and Park Ridge Retreat. Further out, Coolangatta Estate and the Jamberoo Pub also take guests.
Pub-style accommodation at The Grand Hotel Kiama and the Surf Camp dorm at Gerroa covers the budget end of the market.
Serviced apartments sit between hotels and self-contained houses, with daily housekeeping plus a kitchen and laundry. Terralong Terrace Apartments is the main option in central Kiama.
Self-contained holiday houses, cottages and beach houses are where most of the better stays sit. Stand-alone cottages, multi-bedroom beach houses and architectural rentals are scattered across Surf Beach, Bombo, Kiama Heights and the surrounding villages.
Boutique B&Bs and small inns exist in pockets. Bellevue Boutique Hotel in central Kiama, and Crooked River Estate in Gerringong.
Glamping and unique stays are worth knowing about. Cicada Luxury Camping at Jerrara is the standout: adults-only safari domes and bell tents with private fire pits, outdoor baths, wood-fired tubs and views across the Jamberoo valley. It’s the most visually striking stay in the wider region and books out months ahead for weekends.
Airbnbs overlap heavily with the self-contained list. Many of the same properties appear on both Booking.com and Airbnb.
Featured picks by traveller type
These are the standouts. The full directory further down lists every officially registered property in the region.
Best for couples
Sebel hotel. Source: sebelkiama.com.au
The choice is between view and privacy. A hotel room above the harbour, or a stand-alone cottage somewhere quieter. Both work.
The Sebel Kiama Harbourside — From $289/night
The only full-service hotel in central Kiama, positioned directly above the harbour. Rooms look out over the headland and lighthouse. Five minutes’ walk to the blowhole, the lighthouse and the main cafe strip. The rooms are modern and clean, there’s also a restaurant available. An excellent, central location.
Bellevue Boutique Hotel — From $260/night, max 2 guests
A small heritage-style boutique hotel in central Kiama, designed specifically for couples. Max two guests per room. Quieter than the Sebel, walking distance to everything, with a proper boutique feel. It books out three to four weeks ahead even in shoulder season.
Bombo Hideaway — From $145/night, max 2 guests
The best budget option for couples in Kiama proper. A small two-person cottage in Bombo, walking distance to Bombo Beach. Charming and fairly priced. You’ll need a car to get into town.
Bombo Beach House
A stand-alone cottage at Bombo Beach with verandah ocean views and a short walk to the sand. Total privacy. Direct booking via the property’s website often beats the OTAs.
For more on visiting Kiama as a couple, see the Kiama for Couples guide.
Best for families
Families are well served here. The holiday parks alone cover most needs, and there’s a solid range of mid-size family houses for those who prefer self-catering.
Big4 Easts Beach Holiday Park — From $170/night, sleeps up to 8
The most family-focused option in Kiama, directly behind Easts Beach. Heated pool, water park, jumping pillow, kids’ club in school holidays, BBQ pavilions and a shop on site. The beach has a sheltered tidal lagoon suited to younger kids. Cabins range from basic two-bedroom to oceanfront villas.
Kendalls Beach Holiday Park — From $150/night, sleeps up to 6
On quieter Kendalls Beach, halfway between Easts and town. Less amenity-heavy than Big4 Easts but in a more peaceful position, with direct beach access. Walking distance to the Kendalls Point Reserve lookout.
Surf Beach Holiday Park — From $160/night, sleeps up to 8
The holiday park closest to Kiama town centre, with cabins directly across the road from Surf Beach. Walk into town for breakfast, back to the beach right after.
Allwood Harbour Cottage — From $440/night, sleeps 6
A six-person cottage on Fitzroy Street, close to the harbour and lighthouse. Self-contained, family-friendly and walkable to most things.
Kendall’s Beach Cottage — From $300/night, sleeps 6
An older-style six-person cottage on Bonaira Street, close to Kendalls Beach. Reasonable value for a Kiama family stay within walking distance of the sand.
Lions Cottage Kiama — From $120/night, sleeps 6
The best budget family option in Kiama itself. Six guests for $120 per night is holiday park pricing in a private cottage. Direct booking only — 0444 555 789.
For more on travelling with kids in Kiama, see Kiama with Kids: A Family Guide.
Best for groups (8–14 guests)
Kiama is well served for large group accommodation. There’s no mega-resort, but a strong list of architectural beach houses and rural retreats designed for 8 to 14 guests. Pricing is high, but per person it stays reasonable.
Sundara Beach House (Gerringong) — From $1,250/night, sleeps 14
The largest standard listing in the region, on Pacific Avenue Gerringong. Three minutes from Werri Beach.
Casa Mar Azul (Kiama Downs) — From $2,200/night, sleeps 12
The most premium 12-person option in the region. North Kiama Drive. Modern architectural styling with ocean views. Book directly on 0407 665 036 for a significantly better price.
Greyleigh (Jerrara) — From $1,690/night, sleeps 10
A heritage estate at Jerrara, popular for milestone birthdays and small weddings. Acreage, formal gardens, country-house feel.
Saddleback Grove — From $936/night, sleeps 8
Saddleback Mountain Road. Country-rural setting with mountain views, well positioned for the Saddleback Mountain lookouts.
Beach House on Johnson — From $750/night, sleeps 9
Kiama Downs, Johnson Street. A solid 9-guest option at a reasonable price for the size.
Seabreeze Luxury Beach House — From $1,200/night, sleeps 8
Manning Street, walking distance to Surf Beach and town. The closest premium 8-person stay to central Kiama.
Best on a budget
Discovery Parks at Gerroa. Source: https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/
Beyond the holiday parks, which all come in under $200 per night midweek:
Discovery Parks at Gerroa — From $100/night, dorm-style
The cheapest option in the region. Dorm beds, surf-camp culture. Cabins also available. Suited to solo travellers and groups of friends.
The Grand Hotel Kiama — From $145/night, sleeps 4
Pub-style rooms above the bar on Manning Street. Cheap and central, but expect noise on weekend nights. Fine for solo travellers and budget weekends.
Lions Cottage Kiama — From $120/night, sleeps 6
Best value for a family or small group staying in town proper.
Bombo Hideaway — From $145/night, sleeps 2
Best budget option for couples.
Best at the higher end
Kiama Harbour Cabins. Source: www.kiamacoast.com.au
Kiama Harbour Cabins — From $220/night, sleeps 8
Heritage-style cabins on the harbour foreshore, directly opposite the lighthouse. Wake up to the lighthouse, walk to the blowhole in three minutes. Australia’s most photographed holiday accommodation. Books out months ahead, particularly over summer and long weekends.
Casa Mar Azul — From $2,200/night, sleeps 12
Premium architectural group house on North Kiama Drive. Book directly on 0407 665 036 for a significantly better price.
Greyleigh (Jerrara) — From $1,690/night, sleeps 10
Heritage estate for special occasions.
Seabreeze Luxury Apartment Kiama — From $950/night, sleeps 6
Premium six-guest apartment at 1/13 Bong Bong Street.
Green Door Kiama Luxury Accommodation — From $480/night, sleeps 4
Premium four-guest stay on Pacific Street.
Cicada Luxury Camping — From $485/night, adults only, 2-night minimum
The most unique stay in the wider region. Set in the Jerrara hills 15 minutes inland from Kiama town, Cicada runs adults-only glamping across six tents in three categories: superior dome tents with woodfired hot tubs, premium safari tents with outdoor baths, and luxury bell tents. Each dome has a private fire pit, outdoor bath, kitchenette, and wood-fired tub for soaking under the stars. The views across the Jamberoo valley are the real draw. Weekends in autumn and winter book 2 to 3 months ahead.
Cicada Glamping. Source: cicadaluxurycamping.com.au
Complete accommodation directory
Every property officially listed by Destination Kiama, organised by type. Direct contact numbers are provided for properties that take direct bookings. For those listed on Booking.com or Airbnb, use the Stay22 map at the top of this page to compare prices across platforms.
Holiday parks
Big4 Easts Beach Holiday Park. Source: big4.com.au
| Property | Address | Sleeps | From $/night | Contact |
|---|
| Big4 Easts Beach | 30 Ocean Street, Kiama | 8 | $170 | 02 4232 2124 |
| Discovery Holiday Park Gerroa | 107 Crooked River Road, Gerroa | 6 | $100 | 02 4234 1233 |
| Kendalls Beach Holiday Park | Bonaira Street, Kiama | 6 | $150 | 02 4232 1790 |
| Kiama Harbour Cabins | Blowhole Point Road, Kiama | 8 | $220 | 02 4232 2707 |
| Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park | 200 Crooked River Road, Gerroa | 7 | $90 | 02 4234 1340 |
| Surf Beach Holiday Park | 20 Bourrool Street, Kiama | 8 | $160 | 02 4232 1791 |
| Werri Beach Holiday Park | Cnr Pacific Ave & Bridges Rd, Gerringong | 6 | $150 | 02 4234 1285 |
Hotels and motels
Park Ridge Retreat. Source: parkridgeretreat.com.au
| Property | Address | Sleeps | From $/night | Contact |
|---|
| Coolangatta Estate | 1335 Bolong Street, Coolangatta | 6 | $179 | 02 4448 7131 |
| Jamberoo Pub/Saleyard Motel | 12 Allowrie Street, Jamberoo | 4 | $199 | 02 4236 0270 |
| Kiama Shores Motel | 45–51 Collins Street, Kiama | 4 | $190 | 02 4233 1100 |
| Mercure Gerringong Resort | 1 Fern Street, Gerringong | 4 | $180 | 02 4230 7979 |
| Nova Kiama | 31 Bong Bong Street, Kiama | 5 | $199 | 02 4203 3010 |
| Park Ridge Retreat | 139 Belinda Street, Gerringong | 5 | $169 | 02 4234 1000 |
| The Sebel Kiama | 2 Minnamurra Street, Kiama | 4 | $289 | 02 4230 7500 |
Pubs and budget
Discovery Parks, Gerroa. Source: discoveryholidayparks.com.au
Serviced apartments
Terralong Terrace Apartments. Source: terralong.com.au
Self-contained cottages, beach houses and boutique stays
Bellevue Boutique Hotel Kiama. Source: bellevueboutiquehotel.com.au
| Property | Address | Sleeps | From $/night | Contact |
|---|
| Allwood Harbour Cottage | 4 Fitzroy Street, Kiama | 6 | $440 | 0423 023 012 |
| Amaroo Kiama | Tingira Crescent, Kiama | 8 | $1,250 | 0414 866 895 |
| Ataahua | 27 Tasman Drive, Gerringong | 8 | $1,000 | 0404 280 253 |
| Bask at Loves Bay | 46 Elanora Road, Kiama Heights | 8 | $900 | 0413 018 703 |
| Beach House on Johnson | 63 Johnson Street, Kiama Downs | 9 | $750 | 02 4234 1754 |
| Bellevue Boutique Hotel | 21 Minnamurra Street, Kiama | 2 | $260 | 0459 708 610 |
| Bikini Surf Beach | 1/118 Manning Street, Kiama | 4 | $170 | 0407 110 853 |
| Bombo Hideaway | 24 Hothersal Street, Kiama | 2 | $145 | 0413 676 705 |
| Cabbage Tree Art House | 13 Eugine Street, Kiama | 11 | $1,080 | 0435 052 197 |
| Casa Mar Azul | North Kiama Drive, Kiama Downs | 12 | $2,200 | 0407 665 036 |
| Crooked River Estate | 11 Saxonia Road, Gerringong | 4 | $650 | 02 4234 0975 |
| Green Door Kiama Luxury | 6 Pacific Street, Kiama | 4 | $480 | 0412 516 400 |
| Greyleigh | 165–177 Long Brush Road, Jerrara | 10 | $1,690 | 0431 759 015 |
| Jamberoo Valley Farm | 185 Wallaby Hill Road, Jamberoo | 8 | $299 | 0452 388 457 |
| Infinity on Willowvale | 199 Willowvale Road, Willow vale | 2 | $370 | 0431 531 812 |
| Kendall’s Beach Cottage | 27 Bonaira Street, Kiama | 6 | $300 | 0413 430 777 |
| Lions Cottage Kiama | 105 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama | 6 | $120 | 0444 555 789 |
| Oceanview Kiama | 1/9 Bong Bong Street, Kiama | 4 | $217 | 0420 900 644 |
| Saddleback Grove | Saddleback Mountain Road, Kiama | 8 | $936 | 02 4411 7000 |
| Seabreeze Gerringong | 7 Armstrong Avenue, Gerringong | 4 | $250 | 0408 423 080 |
| Seabreeze Luxury Apt Kiama | 1/13 Bong Bong Street, Kiama | 6 | $950 | 02 6921 3800 |
| Seabreeze Luxury Beach House | 95 Manning Street, Kiama | 8 | $1,200 | 0420 360 795 |
| Seaside Escape 1 | 24 Kurrawa Avenue, Kiama Downs | 5 | $450 | 0404 025 676 |
| Seaside Escape Kiama | 47 Thomson Street, Kiama | 5 | $500 | 0423 169 448 |
| Summer Villa | 7a Noorinan Street, Kiama | 4 | $290 | 0413 671 079 |
| Sundara Beach House | 42 Pacific Avenue, Gerringong | 14 | $1,250 | 1300 654 262 |
Mobile/caravan service
Group of people sitting outside a trailer park
| Property | Address | Sleeps | From $/night | Contact |
|---|
| Perfect Break Caravans | Mobile service to your location | 5 | $50–$280 | 0413 996 516 |
Pet-friendly specialist
For dedicated pet boarding while you stay in Kiama: Gerringong Pet Accommodation (1 Belinda Street, Gerringong, 0405 636 316. Many of the holiday houses and Airbnbs above also accept pets. Filter by “pet-friendly” on the Stay22 map at the top of this page.
Local property managers
Several local agencies manage portfolios of Kiama-region holiday homes. Worth contacting directly if you’re after something specific: a particular beach, an unusual bedroom configuration, or a longer stay.
When to book
Kiama is a Sydney weekender’s town and a NSW holiday classic. The booking calendar is unforgiving in three windows.
Christmas to late January. Almost everything is fully booked by October, holiday parks especially. If you want a Christmas-period stay, book the previous winter or accept paying premium last-minute prices for whatever is left.
NSW school holidays (April, July, September to October). Two months’ lead time minimum. Family-focused properties, Big4 Easts in particular, book out fastest.
Long weekends (Easter, Anzac Day, King’s Birthday, Labour Day). Three months out for the popular places, about two months for everything else.
Off-peak (May to June, mid-July to mid-September excluding school holidays). This is when Kiama is at its best. Prices drop 30 to 50 per cent. Whale watching season starts in mid-May and runs through November. Combine it with the whale watching guide and you’ll have a great, uncrowded stay.
Practical tips
Book directly with NRMA Parks for Kendalls Beach Holiday Park if you’re an NRMA member. Members get 10 per cent off, which usually beats the public booking price.
The Sebel and the holiday parks all have parking on site. Stand-alone cottages sometimes don’t. Check before you book if you’re driving.
“Beachfront” means different things at different properties. Some are on the sand. Some are across a road. Some are a 200m walk via a path. The Stay22 map at the top of this page shows accurate locations.
Don’t underestimate the weekend price jump. Friday and Saturday nights are commonly 40 to 60 per cent more than midweek. A Sunday-to-Tuesday stay can save a hundred dollars or more per night.
For longer stays of five or more nights, contact holiday house owners or the local property managers directly to ask about a discount. Many will offer 10 to 15 per cent off for longer bookings that don’t show up in the public price.
For groups, the property managers above are often faster than scrolling Airbnb. A short email to HAUS Management or Coastal Escape Specialists describing your dates, group size and budget often surfaces options that don’t appear on the OTAs.
FAQ
Where should first-time visitors stay in Kiama?
The Sebel Kiama Harbourside or Surf Beach Holiday Park if you want to be within walking distance of the main attractions. Big4 Easts Beach if you’re travelling with kids. Kiama Harbour Cabins if you’ve planned far enough ahead and want the most iconic stay in town.
Can you stay in Kiama without a car?
Yes, if you base yourself in central Kiama, around the harbour or Surf Beach. The South Coast Line train from Sydney stops in the centre of town. From there you can walk to the blowhole, lighthouse, harbour, Surf Beach and most of the cafes. For Bombo, Minnamurra, Gerringong, Foxground or Jamberoo, you’ll want a car.
Is dog-friendly accommodation easy to find in Kiama?
Yes. Many holiday houses and several Airbnbs accept dogs. The main Discovery and Big4 parks have pet-friendly cabins. Filter by “pet-friendly” on the Stay22 map at the top of this page. Bombo Beach has off-leash hours, making the north end a good base for dog owners. Gerringong Pet Accommodation handles dedicated pet boarding if your stay doesn’t allow pets.
What’s the largest house to rent in Kiama?
Sundara Beach House at Gerringong sleeps 14, the largest in the region. For 12-guest options, Casa Mar Azul at Kiama Downs is the pick.
What’s the cheapest stay in Kiama?
Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park at Gerroa starts from $90 per night, the cheapest in the wider region. Within Kiama town itself, Lions Cottage at $120 per night for six guests is the best value, followed by Bombo Hideaway at $145 per night for two.
What’s the best month to visit?
May through early November for whale season, good walking weather and lower prices. Avoid the third weekend of February if you want a peaceful stay. The Kiama Folk Festival takes over the harbour.
What’s the most unique place to stay near Kiama?
Cicada Luxury Camping at Jerrara is the standout: adults-only dome tents and safari tents with wood-fired tubs and fire pits, 15 minutes inland from town. Dovecote at Gerringong is the other notable property: two architect-designed houses on 150 acres of oceanfront farmland, one of which was the filming location for The Invisible Man (2020).
Are there any travel guides worth picking up before the trip?
For broader NSW South Coast context, the Lonely Planet East Coast Australia guide covers Kiama and the surrounding coast in useful detail. Lonely Planet East Coast Australia
How far in advance should I book for whale watching season?
Six to eight weeks for weekends in June through August, which is peak season. Midweek stays in the same period are usually available with two weeks’ notice.
Plan the rest of your trip
A Perfect Weekend in Kiama: The Ultimate Itinerary
One Day in Kiama
Three Days on the South Coast
Where to Eat in Kiama by Time of Day
Best Coastal Walks in Kiama
You might also be interested in
Kiama for Couples
Kiama with Kids: A Family Guide
What to Do in Kiama When It’s Raining
Whale Watching in Kiama
Saddleback Mountain lookouts
The History of Kiama
Property directory information compiled from the Destination Kiama Accommodation Guide. Prices and availability are subject to change — confirm directly with the property or booking platform before finalising your trip.
